Curtis D. Sharp
Executive Officer for Denominational and Public Relations
214-720-2127
Curt.Sharp@GuideStone.orgGuideStone Funds report strong Lipper results for 2009
January 19, 2010
DALLAS — Eight of 11 GuideStone Select Funds in the GS4 class exceeded their respective mutual fund peer universe median as measured by Lipper over the one-year period ending December 31, 2009. The news was even better for Select Funds in the GS2 class, which saw seven out of nine Funds exceed their peer universe median over a one-year period, with six of nine beating their peer universe median over three- and five-year periods ending December 31, 2009. Lipper Inc., a Reuters Company, is a nationally recognized organization that compares the performance of mutual funds having similar investment objectives.
Additionally, GuideStone Funds Extended-Duration Bond Fund was ranked No. 1 out of 134 in the GS2 class and No. 2 out of 134 in the GS4 class for the five-year period ending December 31, 2009, according to Lipper. The Extended-Duration Bond Fund in the GS2 class ranked 2 of 145 in its three-year period and 15 of 154 in the one-year period. In the GS4 class, it ranked 3 of 145 over the three-year period and 16 of 154 in the one-year period.
“This is indeed good news for GuideStone Funds and its investors,” said John R. Jones, chief operating officer for GuideStone Financial Resources. “To come through the volatile period we just experienced and be recognized by Lipper’s rankings is quite an accomplishment. The results we’re seeing reported by Lipper indicate that our consistent investment philosophy and the manager-of-managers approach can lead to industry-recognized performance.”
The Lipper results come as markets rebound from a volatile time period from 2008 through early 2009.
Investors who maintained their asset allocation and continued making regular contributions during the recent downturn were able to capitalize during market low points by purchasing shares at decreased prices. Consequently, as the market conditions improved and the shares increased in value, investors witnessed substantial growth in their accounts. This investment technique is commonly referred to as “dollar-cost averaging.” Using this process* would also be a good way for those who have been sitting on the sidelines to get back into the market.
The Lipper comparison is made across registered mutual funds, ranking the funds with similar objectives according to total returns. Lipper rankings are subject to change monthly and past rankings are no guarantee of future results.
*Dollar-cost averaging does not assure a profit or protect you against a loss in a declining market. Because such plans involve making continuous investments regardless of fluctuating share prices, you should consider your financial ability to continue making purchases through periods of low prices.
| You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of GuideStone Funds before investing. For a copy of the prospectus with this and other information about the funds, please download a prospectus (pdf) or call 1-888-98-GUIDE (1-888-984-8433). You should read the prospectus carefully before investing. |
Lipper Rankings are subject to change monthly. Past rankings are no guarantee of future rankings. Investment return and the value of an investor's shares will fluctuate. Shares may be worth more or less than original cost when redeemed.
Rankings are based on total return performance with capital gains and dividends reinvested, with annual operating expenses deducted, but without including front- or back-end sales charges. Rankings are relative to a peer group and do not necessarily mean that the fund had high total returns.
GuideStone Funds shares are distributed by PFPC Distributors, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and underwriter of the funds, 760 Moore Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
Word Version - GuideStone Funds report strong Lipper results for 2009