Columnists

Frank Holmes is CEO and chief investment officer of U.S. Global Investors, Inc., which manages a diversified family of mutual funds and hedge funds specializing in natural resources, emerging markets and infrastructure.The company@s funds have earned more than two dozen Lipper Fund Awards and certificates since 2000. The Global Resources Fund (PSPFX) was Lipper@s top-performing global natural resources fund in 2010. In 2009, the World Precious Minerals Fund (UNWPX) was Lipper@s top-performing gold fund, the second time in four years for that achievement. In addition, both funds received 2007 and 2008 Lipper Fund Awards as the best overall funds in their respective categories.Mr. Holmes was 2006 mining fund manager of the year for Mining Journal, a leading publication for the global resources industry, and he is co-author of @The Goldwatcher: Demystifying Gold Investing.@He is also an advisor to the International Crisis Group, which works to resolve global conflict, and the William J. Clinton Foundation on sustainable development in nations with resource-based economies.Mr. Holmes is a much-sought-after conference speaker and a regular commentator on financial television. He has been profiled by Fortune, Barron@s, The Financial Times and other publications.*****Please consider carefully a fund@s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. For this and other important information, obtain a fund prospectus by visiting www.usfunds.com or by calling 1-800-US-FUNDS (1-800-873-8637). Read it carefully before investing. Distributed by U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc.The Global Resources Fund (PSPFX) ranked 1 out of 131, 17 out of 54, and 1 out of 32 global natural resources funds by Lipper for total return for the 1-, 5- and 10-year periods as of December 31, 2010.@ The World Precious Minerals Fund was ranked 24 of 83, 26 of 52 and 6 of 32 for total return among gold-oriented funds by Lipper for the 1-, 5- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2010. The World Precious Minerals Fund was ranked 1 of 71, 34 of 51 and 18 of 29 for total return among gold-oriented funds by Lipper for the 1-, 5- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2009. Lipper Fund Awards are presented annually for consistent return over 1-, 5- and 10-year periods. Consistent return incorporates risk-adjusted return and the strength of the fund's performance trend. The top-scoring fund within each classification receives awards. Lipper's Performance Achievement Certificates are awarded to funds with returns that topped their Lipper category over 1-, 5-, 10- and 15-year periods. Certificates are awarded for all Lipper classifications and for the overall fund universe. Past performance does not guarantee future results.Foreign and emerging market investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and less public disclosure, as well as economic and political risk.Gold, precious metals, and precious minerals funds may be susceptible to adverse economic, political or regulatory developments due to concentrating in a single theme. The prices of gold, precious metals, and precious minerals are subject to substantial price fluctuations over short periods of time and may be affected by unpredicted international monetary and political policies. We suggest investing no more than 5% to 10% of your portfolio in these sectors.Because the Global Resources Fund concentrates its investments in a specific industry, the fund may be subject to greater risks and fluctuations than a portfolio representing a broader range of industries.