PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE AMEX: LAQ), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of July 31, 2009. The Fund's total returns for various periods through July 31, 2009 are provided below. (All figures are based on distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price and are stated net-of-fees): Period NAV Total Return % Market Price Total Return % ------ ----------------- --------------------------- Cumulative Annualized Cumulative Annualized ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Since inception 667.8 12.2 547.6 11.1 (October 1991) ----- ---- ----- ---- ------------- 10-years 386.0 17.1 494.5 19.5 -------- ----- ---- ----- ---- 5-years 236.1 27.4 262.5 29.4 ------- ----- ---- ----- ---- 3-years 40.6 12.0 40.8 12.1 ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- 1-year -23.3 -23.6 ------ ----- ----- On July 31, 2009, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$207.8 million and the Fund's NAV per share was $33.80. As of July 31, 2009, the portfolio was invested as follows: Percent of Portfolio Composition Net Assets --------------------- ---------- Basic Materials 19.2 --------------- ---- Financials 18.1 ---------- ---- Energy 16.8 ------ ---- Communications 13.3 -------------- ---- Consumer, Non-Cyclical 10.5 ---------------------- ---- Utilities 5.7 --------- --- Consumer, Cyclical 5.5 ------------------ --- Other 4.6 ----- --- Industrials 3.8 ----------- --- Diversified 2.5 ----------- --- The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of July 31, 2009, representing 48.6% of net assets, were: Percent of Stock Net Assets ----- ---------- Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobas 16.8 ------------------------------- ---- Vala SA 8.6 ------- --- America Movil SAB de CV 6.2 ----------------------- --- Banco Bradesco SA 2.9 ----------------- --- Vale SA 2.8 ------- --- Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV 2.6 ------------------------------------ --- Banco Itau 2.4 ---------- --- Gerdau SA 2.1 --------- --- Organizacion Soriana 2.1 -------------------- --- Souza Cruz 2.1 ---------- --- Important Information Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. has prepared this report based on information sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the figures are unaudited and neither the Fund, Aberdeen Asset Investment Services Limited (the Investment Manager and Adviser), nor any other person guarantees their accuracy. Investors should seek their own professional advice and should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before acting on this information. Aberdeen is a U.S. registered service mark of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC. Total return figures with distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price are stated net-of-fees and represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results, current performance may be higher or lower. Inception date October 30, 1991. If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact: DATASOURCE: The Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. CONTACT: Investor Relations, Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., +1-866-839-5205,

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