Indexing overseas markets is good, and if you have some knowledge about a particular region, there are funds that allow you to focus your money. The August issue of MF Mag has a nice piece on diversification, and shows the market correlation of funds to one another. We have recommended lots of closed ends with very good success. There is an organization in Miami called Herzfeld that does alot of closed-end info, but I think they charge big bucks for it. George if a 66 year old retired person had appr.
Total return is all that matters.
In effect, you are buying dollars for change 80 or 90 percent. Short term bonds, value-oriented, and balanced funds would be safe choices. To Joe, without knowing the specifics, it's impossible to render a judgemnt. In general, it IS better to get out. You have already paid the load, and the high fees are just adding insult to the injury.