The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. Announces Changes to Portfolio Management Team

Rhea-AI Summary

The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CEE) has announced a change in its portfolio management. Sebastian Kahlfeld will succeed Sylwia Szczepek as the Fund’s portfolio manager starting August 1, 2022. Kahlfeld, who has been with the Fund's management team since 2011, will transition from his role as deputy portfolio manager, a position Szczepek has held since 2014. This change aims to refresh the management approach amidst ongoing market volatility due to geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions affecting the region.

Positive

• Sebastian Kahlfeld brings over a decade of experience with the Fund, ensuring continuity in management.
• The transition could lead to new strategies that may enhance the Fund's performance in the challenging market.

Negative

• Market volatility and geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Russia's actions, may adversely impact the Fund’s portfolio.
• The Fund's non-diversified nature increases potential risks due to larger positions in fewer issues.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CEE) (the “Fund”) announced today that Sebastian Kahlfeld will replace Sylwia Szczepek as the Fund’s portfolio manager effective August 1, 2022. Mr. Kahlfeld currently serves as the Fund’s deputy portfolio manager and has been a member of the Fund’s portfolio management team since 2011. Effective August 1, 2022, Ms. Szczepek, who has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since 2014, will replace Mr. Kahlfeld as the Fund’s deputy portfolio manager.

For more information on the Fund, including its most recent month-end performance, visit dws.com or call (800) 349-4281.

Important Information

Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one-time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of the fund’s shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, the fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.

The Fund, Inc. is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. Any fund that focuses in a particular segment of the market or region of the world will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly.

The shares of most closed-end funds, including the Fund, are not continuously offered. Once issued, shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of a fund’s shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, a fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below, or above net asset value.

War, terrorism, sanctions, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises and related geopolitical events have led, and, in the future, may lead to significant disruptions in US and world economies and markets, which may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on the Fund and their investments. In the case of the Fund, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has materially adversely affected, and may continue to materially adversely affect, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio.

The United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Russian military and other actions in recent years. These sanctions have adversely affected Russian individuals, issuers and the Russian economy. Russia, in turn, has imposed sanctions targeting Western individuals, businesses and products. The various sanctions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, not only the Russian economy, but also the economies of many countries in Europe, including countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The continuation of current sanctions or the imposition of additional sanctions may materially adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolios.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

Certain statements contained in this release may be forward-looking in nature. These include all statements relating to plans, expectations, and other statements that are not historical facts and typically use words like “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Such statements represent management’s current beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Management does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: (i) the effects of adverse changes in market and economic conditions; (ii) legal and regulatory developments; and (iii) other additional risks and uncertainties, including public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus), war, terrorism, trade disputes and related geopolitical events.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NO BANK GUARANTEE

NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services. (R-091236-1) (07/22)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220729005374/en/

For additional information:

DWS Press Office (212) 454-4500

Shareholder Account Information (800) 294-4366

DWS Closed-End Funds (800) 349-4281

Source: DWS

FAQ

Who is the new portfolio manager for CEE?

Sebastian Kahlfeld will replace Sylwia Szczepek as the portfolio manager for the Central and Eastern Europe Fund, effective August 1, 2022.

When does the management change for the Central and Eastern Europe Fund take effect?

The management change for the Central and Eastern Europe Fund takes effect on August 1, 2022.

What has impacted the performance of CEE?

The performance of the Central and Eastern Europe Fund has been negatively impacted by market volatility and geopolitical tensions, particularly due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

What risks are associated with investing in CEE?

Investing in the Central and Eastern Europe Fund carries risks such as currency fluctuations, political instability, and economic changes in emerging markets.