AGE Edwards AG

ST. LOUIS, July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Adding to its diverse stable of portfolios incorporating exchange-traded funds (ETFs), A.G. Edwards (NYSE:AGE) is offering a new set of seven portfolios built with a combination of mutual funds and ETFs. Bringing the firm's total number of ETF-related portfolios to nearly three dozen, the new offerings are based on model portfolios created by Ibbotson Associates Advisors, LLC, a leading authority on asset allocation for almost three decades, and feature distinct allocations tailored to varying investment styles at multiple risk levels. "We're excited to expand our choices of ETF portfolios and broaden our array of offerings in this area," said Mike Scafati, senior vice president and manager of managed products for A.G. Edwards. "By enlisting the services of Ibbotson, we're working with a leader in asset allocation research and theory, and we believe these portfolios will give our clients an exceptional opportunity to take advantage of the strengths of both funds and ETFs blended together in one portfolio." Options in the new program include conservative, moderate, and growth portfolios, and also include two portfolios that focus on tax-free income. Ibbotson develops asset allocation models for the portfolios, and then populates the various asset classes with mutual funds and ETFs through a proprietary evaluation process. Through this method, it is possible for each asset class to be represented by both ETFs and mutual funds. The new offerings use ETFs to provide cost-effective exposure to selected asset classes. Mutual funds, on the other hand, are incorporated where Ibbotson believes managers have greater potential to add value. As a result, mutual funds may be more heavily weighted toward asset classes such as small cap and international equity, where Ibbotson believes greater opportunities exist to add risk-adjusted alpha. Among the first to introduce the ETF model portfolio approach in 2001, A.G. Edwards -- through its Allocation Advisors program -- offers 27 ETF portfolios based primarily on exchange-traded funds. The seven additional options in the Ibbotson Strategic Mutual Fund and ETF Portfolios require a minimum investment of $50,000 and have annual fees starting at 1.5 percent (1.25% in ERISA accounts). The funds available in the Allocation Advisors program are offered by prospectus only. The prospectus contains more complete information, including investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses, which you should carefully consider. Please contact your A.G. Edwards financial consultant for a copy of the prospectus, which contains this and other important information and should be read carefully before you invest or send money. There are risks associated with investing in mutual funds and exchange- traded funds. Your investment return and principal value will fluctuate and you may receive more or less than your original investment when you redeem your shares. About Ibbotson Associates and Ibbotson Associates Advisors, LLC Ibbotson Associates, a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc., was founded by Professor Roger Ibbotson in 1977. Ibbotson Associates, a leading authority on asset allocation, offers managed retirement accounts, funds of funds consulting and sub-advisory work, and a variety of investment management consulting services. Advisory services are offered through Ibbotson Associates Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of Ibbotson Associates. About A.G. Edwards Drawn to the firm's client-first philosophy, individuals and businesses have turned to A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. for sound advice and access to a wide array of investment products and services that can help them meet their financial goals and objectives. Founded in 1887, A.G. Edwards and its affiliates employ nearly 7,000 financial consultants in more than 700 offices nationwide and two European locations in London and Geneva. More information can be found on http://www.agedwards.com/ . How A.G. Edwards does business Allocation Advisors is an investment management service in which A.G. Edwards acts as investment advisor. Apart from this program, the firm is acting only as a broker-dealer unless otherwise specifically indicated in writing, and its obligations will vary with the role the firm plays. Please consult "Important Information About Your Relationship With A.G. Edwards" on http://www.agedwards.com/disclosures for a discussion of the differences between brokerage and advisory services. A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. Member SIPC DATASOURCE: A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. CONTACT: Byron Goodrich, +1-314-955-3235, or Web site: http://www.agedwards.com/ http://www.agedwards.com/disclosures

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