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BlackRock Latin American Inv. Trust - New dividend and discount management policies

BlackRock Latin American Investment Trust (BRLA) is managed by Will Landers, who says that investor attitudes towards Latin American equities have changed. 2017 was a period of confidence in the region’s prospects, but now there is more scepticism about the growth outlook. However, the manager remains optimistic about potential returns from Latin American equities. In the key Brazilian economy, he cites higher domestic demand and a favourable interest rate environment, with the benchmark interest rate having more than halved to a record low level. BRLA has recently announced new dividend and discount management policies, which may lead to a narrowing in its discount over time. Dividends will now be paid four times a year, equivalent to 1.25% of the dollar-based, quarter-end NAV. As a result, the trust now offers an attractive prospective yield.