Forward Management has added to its lineup of international funds. The San Francisco-based asset manager has launched the Forward International Fixed Income Fund, which offers exposure mainly to non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed income securities of non-U.S. issuers and derivatives. The new offering, which is available in load and no-load share classes, is subadvised by Geneva, Switzerland-based Pictet Asset Management SA. Pictet already subadvises three other Forward international funds.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Forward Management, LLC (Forward) today announced the launch of a new mutual fund, the Forward International Fixed Income Fund. The unique, actively managed fixed income fund offers exposure primarily to non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed income securities of non-U.S. issuers and derivatives. The fund gives investors exposure to international currencies and local fixed income markets via a non-diversified portfolio consisting of fixed income securities of companies and governments located outside the U.S., including emerging markets.

The fund is sub-advised by Pictet Asset Management SA, one of Switzerland's largest private banks and one of the premier international asset managers in Europe. By using an �absolute return� approach to managing the fund, the Forward International Fixed Income Fund offers investors exposure to non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed income securities and seeks to achieve high total return. To reduce the risks of fluctuating exchange rates and to general returns uncorrelated to the other strategies employed, the fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to �lock in� an exchange rate. The portfolio is constructed to diversify risks across a number of fixed income strategies, each with defined risk contributions. The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals with a strict risk management process.

The Forward International Fixed Income Fund is available in load (FFXAX; FFXCX) and no-load (FFXRX; FFXIX) share classes.

This is the fourth international fund that Pictet sub-advises for Forward. Other funds are: Forward Global Emerging Markets Fund, Forward International Equity Fund and Forward International Small Companies Fund.

�We are excited to add another mutual fund to the strong line-up of international funds that Pictet sub-advises for Forward. We now have an actively managed fixed income option for investors who want to continue to diversify their investments and exposure to the international markets,� said Alan Reid, president of Forward Management. �Partnering with Pictet on the Forward International Fixed Income Fund is part of our overall strategy to provide unique products that generate alpha for our shareholders.�

About Forward Management, LLC

Forward Management, LLC, based in San Francisco, is the investment advisor to the Forward Funds, a family of fourteen mutual funds. The firm also offers a range of separately managed accounts including REIT, Equity Income and Micro Cap. Forward Management is an affiliate of ReFlow Management Co., LLC, which developed ReFlow, an innovative liquidity tool for portfolio managers that provides enhanced performance and tax efficiency. ReFlow is used by the Forward Funds, as well as other leading mutual fund managers.

Forward Management offers institutional money managers, financial advisors and individual investors access to industry leading investment managers, investment products and services. The firm specializes in identifying sub-advisors who have long track records of managing assets in specific investment disciplines and asset classes. More information on Forward Management and the Forward Funds can be found at www.forwardfunds.com.

You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Forward Funds carefully before investing. A prospectus with this and other information may be obtained by calling (800) 999-6809 or by downloading one from www.forwardfunds.com. It should be read carefully before investing.

There are risks involved with investing, including loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Forward Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Edited by: Armie Margaret Lee

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