Annual Awards for Closed-End Funds, ETF's & Analysts
(To be presented during the luncheon and will also be published in Barron's)

Within the context of the Forum, we also organize annually the Closed-End Funds & ETF Awards, aimed to identify and recognize those fund sponsors and executives who consistently apply high standards of financial disclosure, investor and shareholder relations and product innovation. The Awards are based on nominations by a committee of analysts and industry specialists who actively follow CEFs and ETFs. 

We have also instituted the CEF & ETF Analyst Awards aimed to recognize those firms and individual analysts who contribute the most to the development of the CEF and ETF sectors with their research work. The Awards are based on nominations by a committee of industry participants from CEFs and ETFs. 

***Note: Capital Link is not part of the Nominating Committee.

Most Innovative Closed-End Fund in 2008
BlackRock - Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

Best Shareholder Relations by a non-US Closed-End Fund Family in 2008
Aberdeen Asset Management, Inc.

Best Shareholder Relations by a US Equity Closed-End Fund Family in 2008
Eaton Vance Management

Best Shareholder Relations by a Fixed Income Fund Family in 2008
Nuveen Investments

Best Investor Relations Website in 2008
Nuveen Investments

For Contribution to the Closed-End Fund sector in 2008
Mr. Jonathan Isaac, Eaton Vance Management

Best Research Team for Closed-End Funds in 2008
Citi Investment Research

For Contribution to the Closed-End Fund Sector in 2008
Ms. Mariana Bush, CEF & ETF Analyst, Wachovia Securities

Most Innovative New ETF Product in 2008
Direxion Shares, Direxion Shares Daily 3x ETFs

Best Shareholder Relations in 2008
Barclays Global Investors: iShares

Best Investor Relations Website In 2008
Barclays Global Investors: iShares

Most Innovative Index In 2008
WisdomTree Investments, Inc., WisdomTree India Earnings Index (WTIND)

For Contribution to the ETF Sector In 2008
Mr. Edward McRedmond, Senior Vice President - Portfolio Strategies, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management

Best ETF Focused Publication In 2008
Exchange-Traded Funds Report (ETFR), Mr. Jim Wiandt, Editor

Best Research Team for Exchange-Traded Funds in 2008
Morgan Stanley

For Contribution to the ETF Sector in 2008
Ms. Mariana Bush, CEF & ETF Analyst, Wachovia Securities

In Recognition of his Contribution to the Closed-End Fund & ETF Sectors
Mr. Paul Mazzilli