FIRST ISRAEL FUND 
By PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The First Israel Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE Amex: ISL), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of November 30, 2009.
The Fund's total returns for various periods through November 30, 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
(October 1992) 242.5 7.5 215.1 6.9
--------------- ----- --- ----- ---
10-years 86.7 6.4 100.9 7.2
-------- ---- --- ----- ---
5-years 66.2 10.7 74.8 11.8
------- ---- ---- ---- ----
3-years 17.3 5.5 19.2 6.0
------- ---- --- ---- ---
1-year 74.7 122.5
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On November 30, 2009, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$67.4 million and the Fund's NAV per share was $15.77.
As of November 30, 2009, the portfolio was invested as follows:
Portfolio Composition Percent of
--------------------- ----------
Net Assets
----------
Financials 28.3
---------- ----
Other 22.0
----- ----
Consumer, Non-Cyclical 18.2
---------------------- ----
Basic Materials 13.9
--------------- ----
Communications 10.1
-------------- ----
Industrials 5.8
----------- ---
Technology 1.5
---------- ---
Consumer, Cyclical 0.2
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The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of November 30, 2009, representing 71.6% of net assets, were:
Stock Percent of
----- ----------
Net Assets
----------
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited 11.3
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Israel Chemicals Limited 10.1
------------------------ ----
United Mizrahi Bank Limited 9.4
--------------------------- ---
Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corporation
Limited 9.2
----------------------------------------------- ---
Check Point Software Tech 9.1
------------------------- ---
Perrigo Company 5.4
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Bank Hapoalim BM 4.8
---------------- ---
Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM 4.8
----------------------- ---
Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services 4.4
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Super Sol 3.1
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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 Management Investment Services Limited (the Investment 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. Holdings are subject to change and are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy or sell the securities shown. Inception date October 29, 1992.
If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact: InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com
SOURCE The First Israel Fund, Inc.
