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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND CHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF
REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-21553
ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
     
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale, AZ   85258
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)
The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange
Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-800-992-0180
     
Date of fiscal year end:
  February 28
 
   
Date of reporting period:
  August 31, 2010
 
 
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
The following is a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-1):

 


 

(WORLD GRAPHIC)

Semi-Annual Report
 
August 31, 2010
 
ING Global Equity Dividend and
Premium Opportunity Fund
 
 
     (E-DELIVERY LOGO)  E-Delivery Sign-up — details inside
 
This report is submitted for general information to shareholders of the ING Funds. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective shareholders unless accompanied or preceded by a prospectus which includes details regarding the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information. This information should be read carefully.
 
 
   FUNDS
(ING FUNDS LOGO)
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Go Paperless with E-Delivery!
Sign up now for on-line prospectuses, fund reports, and proxy statements. In less than five minutes, you can help reduce paper mail and lower fund costs.
 
Just go to www.ingfunds.com, click on the E-Delivery icon from the home page, follow the directions and complete the quick 5 Steps to Enroll.
 
You will be notified by e-mail when these communications become available on the internet. Documents that are not available on the internet will continue to be sent by mail.
 
 
PROXY VOTING INFORMATION
 
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio securities is available: (1) without charge, upon request, by calling Shareholder Services toll-free at (800) 992-0180; (2) on the ING Funds’ website at www.ingfunds.com; and (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies related to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge on the ING Funds’ website at www.ingfunds.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
 
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
 
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. This report contains a summary portfolio of investments for the Fund. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330. The Fund’s Forms N-Q, as well as a complete portfolio of investments, are available without charge upon request from the Fund by calling Shareholder Services toll-free at (800) 992-0180.


 

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER
 

(PHOTO OF SHAUN P. MATHEWS)

 
Dear Shareholder,
 
ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “IGD.” The primary objective of the Fund is to provide a high level of income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation.
 
The Fund seeks to achieve its objectives by investing in a portfolio of global common stocks that have a history of attractive dividend yields and employing an option strategy of writing call options on a portion of the equity portfolio. The Fund buys out of the money put options on selected indices to partially protect portfolio value from significant market declines and also partially hedges currency exposure to reduce volatility of total return.
 
For the six month period ended August 31, 2010, the Fund made monthly total distributions of $0.70 per share, all consisting of net investment income. During the six month period, the Fund reduced its monthly distribution from $0.125 to $0.100 per month, commencing with the distribution paid on July 15, 2010.
 
Based on net asset value (“NAV”), the Fund provided a total return of (1.86)% for the six month period ended August 31, 2010.(1) This NAV return reflects a decrease in its NAV from $11.58 on February 28, 2010 to $10.68 on August 31, 2010. Based on its share price, the Fund provided a total return of (8.11)% for the six month period ended August 31, 2010.(2) This share price return reflects a decrease in its share price from $12.45 on February 28, 2010 to $11.04 on August 31, 2010.
 
The global equity markets have witnessed a challenging and turbulent period. Please read the Market Perspective and Portfolio Managers’ Report for more information on the market and the Fund’s performance.
 
At ING Funds our mission is to set the standard in helping our clients manage their financial future. We seek to assist you and your financial advisor by offering a range of global investment solutions. We invite you to visit our website at www.ingfunds.com. Here you will find information on our products and services, including current market data and fund statistics on our open- and closed-end funds. You will see that we offer a broad variety of equity, fixed income and multi-asset funds that aim to fulfill a variety of investor needs.
 
We thank you for trusting ING Funds with your investment assets, and we look forward to serving you in the months and years ahead.
 
Sincerely,
 
(-s- Shaun P. Mathews)
Shaun P. Mathews
President & Chief Executive Officer
ING Funds
October 8, 2010
 
 
The views expressed in the President’s Letter reflect those of the President as of the date of the letter. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and ING Funds disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and because investment decisions for an ING Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of investment intent on behalf of any ING Fund. Reference to specific company securities should not be construed as recommendations or investment advice. International investing does pose special risks including currency fluctuation, economic and political risks not found in investments that are solely domestic.
 
For more complete information, or to obtain a prospectus for any ING Fund, please call your Investment Professional or the Fund’s Shareholder Service Department at (800) 992-0180 or log on to www.ingfunds.com. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this information and other information about the fund. Check with your Investment Professional to determine which funds are available for sale within their firm. Not all funds are available for sale at all firms.
 
(1)   Total investment return at net asset value has been calculated assuming a purchase at net asset value at the beginning of each period and a sale at net asset value at the end of each period and assumes reinvestment of dividends, capital gain distributions, and return of capital distributions/allocations, if any, in accordance with the provisions of the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.
 
(2)   Total investment return at market value measures the change in the market value of your investment assuming reinvestment of dividends, capital gain distributions, and return of capital distributions/allocations, if any, in accordance with the provisions of the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.


1


 

 
Market Perspective:  Six Months Ended August 31, 2010
 
 
Our previous fiscal year ended near the anniversary of March 9, 2009, when global equities in the form of the MSCI World Indexsm measured in local currencies, including net reinvested dividends (“MSCI” for regions discussed below), touched levels last seen six years earlier. From that low point, the index was 58% higher as the new fiscal year started and continued to rise through mid April 2010. But from there a confluence of local and global concerns sent prices on a downward path. For the six months to August 31, 2010 global equities fell 3.35%. (The MSCI World Indexsm fell 3.48% for the six months ended August 31, 2010, measured in U.S. dollars.) In currencies, the dollar gained 7.3% against the euro, but lost 4.7% to the yen and 1.8% against the pound.
 
The 12-month rally in equities had become increasingly edgy. The rescue of failing institutions by governments and central banks in Europe and the U.S., together with unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus to counter the ensuing recession, had led to enormous, unsustainable budget deficits. Not only would stimulus programs end, but debt would need to be wound down.
 
Beacons of hope in this rather bleak outlook were the United States and emerging markets, centered on China. The U.S. with its vast, dynamic, flexible economy would surely bounce back most quickly in the developed world and generate global economic activity. Emerging market economies, much more fiscally robust these days, had never suffered much of a financial crisis and recession anyway and were again showing vibrant growth. The demand for capital goods from China might sustain Japan’s export led revival, while in Europe, growth may be tepid but at least the situation was stable.
 
By early May all of these premises were disintegrating, the erosion gathering pace over the summer, as attention lurched from one economic statistic to the next.
 
In the U.S., the critical housing market seemed to be improving, boosted by tax credits for home buyers. After sliding for more than three years, house prices (based on the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index), finally showed year-over-year increases from February. But when the credits expired, sales of new and existing homes slumped to multi-year low levels. Prices would surely follow. Unemployment remained stubbornly high, near 10%, barely scratched by new private sector jobs only averaging about 50,000 per month. Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) growth in the second quarter of 2010 decelerated to 1.6% annualized. In July testimony, Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke referred to an “unusually uncertain” outlook, exactly what investors didn’t want to hear and three weeks later the Federal Open Market Committee formally downgraded its assessment for the U.S. economy. Record low Treasury bond yields in the U.S., Germany and the U.K. in August were compelling evidence to some commentators that developed economies were on the cusp of a second recession.
 
China’s version of a recession was to grow at “only” 9.1% in 2009. In response, the government instructed the banks to expand lending. They did so and first quarter GDP growth rebounded to 11.9%. But inflation picked up and a housing bubble developed. The authorities quickly back-pedaled and repeatedly raised banks’ reserve ratio requirements while tightening the rules on mortgage issuance. Second quarter GDP growth slipped to 10.3% and by the end of August the official Chinese manufacturing purchasing managers suggested the slowest activity in 17 months. The unofficial version compiled by HSBC signaled contraction.
 
In the Eurozone, default on billions of euro of Greece’s maturing bonds loomed. Amid downgrades, ballooning yields, fears of contagion and doubts about the viability of the euro itself, Eurozone countries dithered until, at last in May, finance ministers and the International Monetary Fund agreed on a Financial Stabilization “mechanism” funded with up to €750 billion. The European Central Bank (“ECB”) started buying the worst-affected countries’ sovereign debt, much of it held in the vulnerable European banking system. The new mechanism and positive results from some rather soft stress testing on banks in July seemed to calm nerves. But uncertainty remained: August ended with a gaping 9.48% spread between the yields on Greek and German 10-year bonds.
 
U.S. equities, represented by the S&P 500® Index including dividends, fell 4.04% in the first half of the fiscal year. Early economic data were, on balance, favorable, with stock prices also supported by strong earnings reports. First quarter operating earnings per share for S&P 500® companies were, on average, about 92% above those for the corresponding quarter of 2009. By April 23, 2010 the index was up over 10% and at the high point for 2010, before factors described above drove investor sentiment and the market back down amid surging volatility.
 
In international markets, the MSCI Japan® Index sagged 9.72% for the six months through August. Apparently impressive 1.1% quarterly GDP growth in the first quarter was heavily exports-dependent and gave way to a barely perceptible 0.1% in the second, with domestic demand and consumer prices falling. The MSCI Europe ex UK® Index fell just 0.05%. The sovereign debt trauma subsided after it became clear that the ECB stood behind the banking system, and stress testing on the latter at least revealed no new problems. In the meantime, GDP grew 1.0% in the second quarter. The MSCI UK® Index slipped 0.61%, but excluding BP would have risen about 2%. Having suffered during the sovereign debt crisis due to the U.K.’s own 11% budget deficit, investors seemed to take heart from the newly elected coalition government’s aggressively austere budget that would reduce the deficit to 3.9% by 2015. Supporting this was the return to profit of most banks and second quarter GDP growth of 1.2%.
 
Parentheses denote a negative number.
 
Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance quoted represents past performance. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Fund’s performance is subject to change since the period’s end and may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Please call (800) 992-0180 or log on to www.ingfunds.com to obtain performance data current to the most recent month end.
 
Market Perspective reflects the views of ING’s Chief Investment Risk Officer only through the end of the period, and is subject to change based on market and other conditions.


2


 

 
Benchmark Descriptions
 
       
Index     Description
MSCI World Indexsm     An unmanaged index that measures the performance of over 1,400 securities listed on exchanges in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East.
       
S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index     A composite index of the home price index for the top 20 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the United States. The index is published monthly by Standard & Poor’s.
       
S&P 500® Index     An unmanaged index that measures the performance of securities of approximately 500 large-capitalization companies whose securities are traded on major U.S. stock markets.
       
MSCI Japan® Index     A free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance in Japan.
       
MSCI Europe ex UK® Index     A free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance in Europe, excluding the UK.
       
MSCI UK® Index     A free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance in the UK.
       
Chicago Board Options Exchange BuyWrite Monthly Index (“CBOE BuyWrite Monthly Index”)     A passive total return index based on selling the near-term, at-the-money S&P 500® Index call option against the S&P 500® stock index portfolio each month, on the day the current contract expires.
       


3


 

 
ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund
Portfolio Managers’ Report
 

 
Country Allocation
as of August 31, 2010
(as a percent of net assets)
 
           
United States
    37.7%    
France
    11.1%    
United Kingdom
    7.0%    
Japan
    6.0%    
Germany
    5.6%    
Australia
    4.8%    
Italy
    4.2%    
Netherlands
    3.5%    
Switzerland
    2.8%    
Hong Kong
    2.7%    
Spain
    2.4%    
Singapore
    2.2%    
Countries less than 2.2%(1)
    7.0%    
Other Assets and Liabilities – Net
    3.0%    
         
Net Assets
    100.0%    
 
  (1)  Includes six countries, which each represents less than 2.2% of net assets.  
 
Portfolio holdings are subject to change daily.
 

 
ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investors with a high level of income from a portfolio of global common stocks with historically attractive dividend yields and premiums from call option writing utilizing an integrated option strategy. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its managed assets in a portfolio of common stocks of dividend paying companies located throughout the world, including the U.S. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is capital appreciation.
 
The Fund is managed by Moudy El Khodr, Nicolas Simar, Kris Hermie, Willem van Dommelen, Edwin Cuppen, Bas Peeters and Alexander van Eekelen, Portfolio Managers, ING Investment Management Advisors B.V. — the Sub-Adviser.*
 
Equity Portfolio Construction: The stock selection process begins with constructing an eligible universe of global common stocks with market capitalizations typically over $1 billion that have a history of paying dividend yields in excess of 3% annually. Through a multi-step screening process of various fundamental factors and fundamental analysis the portfolio managers construct a portfolio generally consisting of 65 to 90 common stocks with a history of attractive dividend yields, and stable or growing dividends that are supported by business fundamentals.
 
The Fund’s Integrated Option Strategy: The Fund’s option strategy is designed to seek gains and lower volatility of total returns over a market cycle by selling calls on individual securities and/or selected indices and/or exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) and by buying puts on both local and regional indices.
 
The Fund’s call option writing is determined based on stock outlook, market opportunities and option price volatility. The Fund seeks to sell call options that are generally short-term (between 10 days and three months until expiration) and at- or near-the-money. The Fund typically maintains its call positions until expiration, but it retains the option to buy back the call options and sell new call options. The Fund may generate premiums by writing (selling) call options on individual securities and/or selected equity indices and/or ETFs, and may also engage in other related option strategies to seek gains and lower volatility over a market cycle.
 
The Fund may seek, and during the reporting period sought, to partially hedge against significant market declines by buying out-of-the-money put options on related indices, such as the S&P 500® Index, the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index (“FTSE 100”), the Nikkei All Stock Index (“Nikkei”), the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 (Price) Index (“EuroStoxx50”) or any other broad-based global or regional securities index with an active derivatives market. The Fund generally invests in out-of-the-money puts that expire in 20 to 125 trading days. A portion of the premiums generated from the call strategy is used to buy put protection. Also, the Fund may seek to, and during the reporting period sought to, partially hedge the foreign currency risk inherent in its international equity holdings. Such currency hedges are implemented either by selling the international currencies forward, writing calls or by buying out-of-the-money puts on international currencies versus the U.S. Dollar.
 
Performance: Based on net asset value (“NAV”) as of August 31, 2010, the Fund provided a total return of (1.86)% for the six month period. This NAV return reflects a decrease in its NAV from $11.58 on February 28, 2010 to $10.68 on August 31, 2010. Based on its share price, the Fund provided a total return of (8.11)% for the six month period.

 
Top Ten Holdings
as of August 31, 2010
(as a percent of net assets)
 
         
Vivendi
    1.7 %
Kraft Foods, Inc.
    1.6 %
Telefonica S.A.
    1.6 %
AT&T, Inc.
    1.6 %
Credit Suisse Group
    1.6 %
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    1.6 %
ENI S.p.A.
    1.6 %
Sanofi-Aventis
    1.6 %
Pfizer, Inc.
    1.6 %
Royal Dutch Shell PLC
    1.6 %
 
Portfolio holdings are subject to change daily.
 


4


 

 
ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund
Portfolio Managers’ Report
 
This share price return reflects a decrease in its share price from $12.45 on February 28, 2010 to $11.04 on August 31, 2010. The MSCI World Indexsm and the Chicago Board Options Exchange (“CBOE”) BuyWrite Monthly Index (“BXM Index”) returned (3.48)% and (3.05)%, respectively, for the reporting period. During the six month period, the Fund made monthly total distributions of $0.70 per share, all consisting of net investment income. During the six month period, the Fund reduced its monthly distribution from $0.125 to $0.100 per month, commencing with the distribution paid on July 15, 2010. As of August 31, 2010, the Fund had 97,023,460 shares outstanding.
 
Market Review: The review period was characterized by considerable market volatility. The escalating Greek sovereign debt crisis and concerns about the sustainability of the global economic recovery led to a sharp market sell-off and a sharply lower euro versus the U.S. dollar between late April and early June. Aggressive support from the European Central Bank helped stabilize markets in June, followed by a partial market recovery for the remainder of the period as it became apparent that the global expansion was still on track. North America, Europe and Japan posted declines for the period, while Asia-Pacific ex-Japan held up well and emerging markets posted a positive return. The information technology, healthcare and energy sectors were notably weak, while the consumer, telecommunication services, and utilities sectors rose in a choppy market.
 
Equity Portfolio: For the review period, the equity portfolio outperformed its reference index, the MSCI World Indexsm. Sector allocation contributed to the performance, due largely to overweighing the relatively defensive utilities and telecommunication services sectors. Security selection within sectors added value, especially in the consumer staples, healthcare, energy and utilities sectors, but detracted in the materials and telecommunication services sectors. The regional allocation result was modestly positive, while security selection was strongly positive in North America but was partly offset by a negative selection effect within Europe.
 
Option Portfolio: The option strategy seeks to reduce volatility of total returns and to supplement distributions by selling call options and by buying puts. In the reporting period, around two-thirds of the call option premium came from index call options, the remaining one-third came from overwriting individual stocks. At the beginning of this year we changed the option strategy from a fixed-premium strategy (i.e. variable coverage) to a fixed-coverage strategy (i.e. variable premium) to align with changing fund objectives. At the same time we reduced the equity index put coverage from 50% to approximately 25% of the total portfolio’s value. The call option coverage ratio was maintained at approximately 50% of the portfolio’s value during the period.
 
Call options were sold generally at-the-money and implemented in the over-the-counter market to enable the Fund managers to profit from its flexibility, liquidity and opportunities. The markets ended the first half of the year lower than where they began, with a large contraction halfway through May and strong recovery mid-June and late July through early August. The result was elevated volatilities in April and May and stabilizing volatilities towards the end of August. With regard to the option strategy the premiums received were higher early in the year and decreased towards the end of August. The total premium collected exceeded the amount that had to be settled at expiry; therefore, the call-writing strategy added value. Most of the put option portfolio expired out of the money; the put-buying strategy therefore detracted from results. Overall, the option overlay contributed to the Fund’s total return for the period.
 
A significant part of the Fund’s investments is directly exposed to currency risk, due to investments in global markets. To mitigate this risk, the Fund uses foreign-exchange (FX) option collars covering approximately 50% of the FX exposure. For the review period as a whole the collars added value, largely due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar in May and June.
 
Current Outlook & Strategy: High-dividend and income strategies seek to dampen volatility versus the broader market across an investment cycle. While our market outlook remains constructive, we believe a continuation of the strong gains since March 2009 through early 2010 is unlikely. For the developed countries, we expect the economic recovery to be anemic by historical standards, as deleveraging and modest consumption at best constrain growth. Given this scenario, we believe market gains are likely to be modest and erratic. We believe the Fund’s dividend approach is well positioned for this outcome. Current volatility levels remain significantly higher than when the Fund was launched in March 2005, indicating continued opportunities for attractive call writing.
Effective September 30, 2010, Edwin Cuppen is added as a portfolio manager to the Fund and Frank van Etten is removed as a portfolio manager to the Fund.
 
Portfolio holdings and characteristic are subject to change and may not be representative of current holdings and characteristics.
Performance data represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results.
An index has no cash in its portfolio, imposes no sales charges and incurs no operating expenses. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.


5


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
         
ASSETS:
       
Investments in securities at value*
  $ 1,004,687,099  
Cash
    30,468,512  
Receivables:
       
Investment securities sold
    14,601,473  
Dividends and interest
    4,758,797  
Prepaid expenses
    3,084  
         
Total assets
    1,054,518,965  
         
         
LIABILITIES:
       
Payable for investment securities purchased
    192,798  
Payable to affiliates
    818,542  
Payable to custodian due to foreign currency overdraft**
    6,775,360  
Payable for trustee fees
    12,784  
Other accrued expenses and liabilities
    250,437  
Written options, at fair value^
    10,740,383  
         
Total liabilities
    18,790,304  
         
NET ASSETS (equivalent to $10.68 per share on 97,023,460 shares outstanding)
  $ 1,035,728,661  
         
         
NET ASSETS WERE COMPRISED OF:
       
Paid-in capital — shares of beneficial interest at $0.01 par value (unlimited shares authorized)
  $ 1,577,437,083  
Distributions in excess of net investment income
    (51,841,130 )
Accumulated net realized loss
    (476,396,633 )
Net unrealized depreciation
    (13,470,659 )
         
NET ASSETS
  $ 1,035,728,661  
         
         
       
* Cost of investments in securities
  $ 1,025,635,272  
** Cost of foreign currency overdraft
  $ 6,702,970  
^ Premiums received on options written
  $ 18,317,643  
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


6


 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS for the six months ended August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
         
INVESTMENT INCOME:
       
Dividends, net of foreign taxes withheld*
  $ 29,086,136  
Interest
    5,433  
         
Total investment income
    29,091,569  
         
         
EXPENSES:
       
Investment management fees
    5,660,798  
Transfer agent fees
    16,620  
Administrative service fees
    539,119  
Shareholder reporting expense
    92,315  
Professional fees
    39,310  
Custody and accounting expense
    121,829  
Trustee fees
    21,907  
Miscellaneous expense
    101,448  
         
Total expenses
    6,593,346  
Net waived and reimbursed fees
    (858,251 )
         
Net expenses
    5,735,095  
         
Net investment income
    23,356,474  
         
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
       
Net realized gain (loss) on:
       
Investments
    38,287,072  
Foreign currency related transactions
    (2,176,186 )
Written options
    3,567,675  
         
Net realized gain
    39,678,561  
         
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on:
       
Investments
    (87,499,010 )
Foreign currency related transactions
    294,496  
Written options
    4,331,898  
         
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
    (82,872,616 )
         
Net realized and unrealized loss
    (43,194,055 )
         
Decrease in net assets resulting from operations
  $ (19,837,581 )
         
         
       
* Foreign taxes withheld
  $ 2,290,086  
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


7


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Unaudited)
 
                 
    Six Months
   
    Ended
  Year Ended
    August 31,
  February 28,
   
2010
 
2010
 
FROM OPERATIONS:
               
Net investment income
  $ 23,356,474     $ 36,696,046  
Net realized gain (loss)
    39,678,561       (163,645,764 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
    (82,872,616 )     463,535,412  
                 
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
    (19,837,581 )     336,585,694  
                 
                 
FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
               
Net investment income
    (67,733,410 )     (28,136,372 )
Return of capital
          (142,562,967 )
                 
Total distributions
    (67,733,410 )     (170,699,339 )
                 
                 
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Reinvestment of distributions
    5,389,415       12,397,012  
Cost of shares repurchased, net of commissions
          (8,262,047 )
                 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions
    5,389,415       4,134,965  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
    (82,181,576 )     170,021,320  
                 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of period
    1,117,910,237       947,888,917  
                 
End of period
  $ 1,035,728,661     $ 1,117,910,237  
                 
Distributions in excess of net investment income at end of period
  $ (51,841,130 )   $ (7,464,194 )
                 
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


8


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
 
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year or period.
 
                                                     
        Six Months
                  March 30,
        Ended
  Year Ended   2005(1) to
        August 31,
  February 28,
  February 28,
  February 29,
  February 28,
  February 28,
        2010   2010   2009   2008   2007   2006
 
Per Share Operating Performance:
                                                   
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $     11.58       9.81       17.39       19.98       19.08       19.06 (2)
Income (loss) from investment operations:
                                                   
Net investment income
  $     0.24       0.38       0.68 *     0.66 *     0.67 *     0.63  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
  $     (0.44 )     3.17       (6.39 )     (1.18 )     2.09       0.79  
Total from investment operations
  $     (0.20 )     3.55       (5.71 )     (0.52 )     2.76       1.42  
Less distributions from:
                                                   
Net investment income
  $     0.70       0.30       0.95       0.61       0.57       0.66  
Net realized gains on investments
  $                       1.35       1.24       0.43  
Return of capital
  $           1.48       0.92       0.11       0.06       0.31  
Total distributions
  $     0.70       1.78       1.87       2.07       1.87       1.40  
Adjustment to paid-in capital for offering costs
  $                             0.01        
Net asset value, end of period
  $     10.68       11.58       9.81       17.39       19.98       19.08  
Market value, end of period
  $     10.75       12.45       8.14       17.34       20.55       18.96  
Total investment return at net asset value(3)
  %     (1.86 )     38.12       (34.02 )     (2.74 )     15.32       7.84  
Total investment return at market value(4)
  %     (8.11 )     78.96       (45.09 )     (5.71 )     19.35       2.13  
                                                     
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
                                                   
Net assets, end of period (000s)
  $     1,035,729       1,117,910       947,889       1,691,458       1,933,397       1,825,844  
Ratios to average net assets:
                                                   
Gross expenses prior to expense waiver(5)
  %     1.22       1.23       1.22       1.23       1.21       1.23  
Net expenses after expense waiver(5)(6)
  %     1.06       1.03       1.02       1.03       1.01       1.03  
Net investment income after expense waiver(5)(6)
  %     4.33       3.34       4.76       3.40       3.43       3.75  
Portfolio turnover rate
  %     35       72       84       79       119       112  
 
 
(1) Commencement of operations.
 
(2) Net asset value at beginning of period reflects the deduction of the sales load of $0.90 per share and offering costs of $0.04 per share paid by the shareholder from the $20.00 offering price.
 
(3) Total investment return at net asset value has been calculated assuming a purchase at net asset value at the beginning of each period and a sale at net asset value at the end of each period and assumes reinvestment of dividends, capital gain distributions and return of capital distributions/allocations, if any, in accordance with the provisions of the dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return at net asset value is not annualized for periods less than one year.
 
(4) Total investment return at market value measures the change in the market value of your investment assuming reinvestment of dividends, capital gain distributions and return of capital distributions/allocations, if any, in accordance with the provisions of the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return at market value is not annualized for periods less than one year.
 
(5) Annualized for periods less than one year.
 
(6) The Investment Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its fee equivalent to 0.20% of the Fund’s managed assets for the first five years of the Fund’s existence. Beginning in the sixth year, the fee waiver will decline each year by 0.05% until it is eliminated in the ninth year.
 
* Calculated using average number of shares outstanding throughout the period.
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


9


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
 
NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION
 
ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Pursuant to guidance from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s classification changed from a non-diversified fund to a diversified fund. As a result of this classification change, the Fund is limited in the proportion of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. Further, the classification change to a diversified fund may cause the Fund to benefit less from appreciation in a single issuer than if it had greater exposure to that issuer. The Fund is organized as a Delaware statutory trust.
 
NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The following significant accounting policies are consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements, and such policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for investment companies.
 
A. Security Valuation. Investments in equity securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sale price. Securities reported by NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing prices. Securities traded on an exchange or NASDAQ for which there has been no sale and equity securities traded in the over-the-counter-market are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. All investments quoted in foreign currencies will be valued daily in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at that time. Debt securities with more than 60 days to maturity are valued using matrix pricing methods determined by an independent pricing service which takes into consideration such factors as yields, maturities, liquidity, ratings and traded prices in similar or identical securities. Securities for which valuations are not readily available from an independent pricing service may be valued by brokers which use prices provided by market makers or estimates of fair market value obtained from yield data relating to investments or securities with similar characteristics. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the net asset value. Investments in securities of sufficient credit quality maturing 60 days or less from date of acquisition are valued at amortized cost which approximates fair value.
 
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available (which may include certain restricted securities that are subject to limitations as to their sale) are valued at their fair values, as defined by the 1940 Act, and as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (“Board”), in accordance with methods that are specifically authorized by the Board. Securities traded on exchanges, including foreign exchanges, which close earlier than the time that the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) may also be valued at their fair values, as defined by the 1940 Act, and as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Board, in accordance with methods that are specifically authorized by the Board. The value of a foreign security traded on an exchange outside the United States is generally based on its price on the principal foreign exchange where it trades as of the time the Fund determines its NAV or if the foreign exchange closes prior to the time the Fund determines its NAV, the most recent closing price of the foreign security on its principal exchange. Trading in certain non-U.S. securities may not take place on all days on which the NYSE Euronext (“NYSE”) is open. Further, trading takes place in various foreign markets on days on which the NYSE is not open. Consequently, the calculations of the Fund’s NAV may not take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of securities held by the Fund in foreign securities markets. Further, the value of the Fund’s assets may be significantly affected by foreign trading on days when a shareholder cannot purchase or redeem shares of the Fund. In calculating the Fund’s NAV, foreign securities denominated in foreign currency are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents. If an event occurs after the time at which the market for foreign securities held by the Fund closes but before the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated, such event may cause the closing price on the foreign exchange to not represent a readily available reliable market value quotation for such securities at the time the Fund determines its NAV. In such a case, the Fund will use the fair value of such securities as determined under the Fund’s valuation procedures. Events after the close of trading on a foreign market that could require the Fund to fair value some or all of its foreign securities include, among others, securities trading in the U.S. and other markets, corporate announcements, natural and other disasters, and political and other events. Among other elements of analysis in the determination of a security’s fair value, the Board has authorized the use of one or more independent


10


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
 
research services to assist with such determinations. An independent research service may use statistical analyses and quantitative models to help determine fair value as of the time the Fund calculates its NAV. There can be no assurance that such models accurately reflect the behavior of the applicable markets or the effect of the behavior of such markets on the fair value of securities, or that such markets will continue to behave in a fashion that is consistent with such models. Unlike the closing price of a security on an exchange, fair value determinations employ elements of judgment. Consequently, the fair value assigned to a security may not represent the actual value that the Fund could obtain if it were to sell the security at the time of the close of the NYSE. Pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board, the Fund is not obligated to use the fair valuations suggested by any research service, and valuation recommendations provided by such research services may be overridden if other events have occurred or if other fair valuations are determined in good faith to be more accurate. Unless an event is such that it causes the Fund to determine that the closing prices for one or more securities do not represent readily available reliable market value quotations at the time the Fund determines its NAV, events that occur between the time of the close of the foreign market on which they are traded and the close of regular trading on the NYSE will not be reflected in the Fund’s NAV.
 
Options that are traded over-the-counter will be valued using one of three methods: (1) dealer quotes; (2) industry models with objective inputs; or (3) by using a benchmark arrived at by comparing prior-day dealer quotes with the corresponding change in the underlying security. Exchange traded options will be valued using the last reported sale. If no last sale is reported, exchange traded options will be valued using an industry accepted model such as “Black Scholes.” Options on currencies purchased by the Fund are valued using industry models with objective inputs.
 
Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Each investment asset or liability of the Fund is assigned a level at measurement date based on the significance and source of the inputs to its valuation. Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities are classified as “Level 1,” inputs other than quoted prices for an asset or liability that are observable are classified as “Level 2” and unobservable inputs, including the sub-adviser’s judgment about the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability are classified as “Level 3.” The inputs used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. Short-term securities of sufficient credit quality which are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value, are generally considered to be Level 2 securities under applicable accounting rules. A table summarizing the Fund’s investments under these levels of classification is included following the Summary Portfolio of Investments.
 
For the six months ended August 31, 2010, there have been no significant changes to the fair valuation methodologies.
 
B. Security Transactions and Revenue Recognition. Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Premium amortization and discount accretion are determined using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or in the case of certain foreign dividends, when the information becomes available to the Fund.
 
C. Foreign Currency Translation. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Any foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:
 
  (1)  Market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities — at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the day.
 
  (2)  Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses — at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
 
Although the net assets and the market values are presented at the foreign exchange rates at the end of the day, the Fund does not isolate the portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments. For securities, which are subject to foreign withholding tax upon disposition, liabilities are recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the estimated tax withholding based on the securities current market


11


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
 
value. Upon disposition, realized gains or losses on such securities are recorded net of foreign withholding tax. Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at period end, resulting from changes in the exchange rate. Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies and U.S. government securities. These risks include, but are not limited to, revaluation of currencies and future adverse political and economic developments which could cause securities and their markets to be less liquid and prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies and U.S. government securities.
 
D. Distributions to Shareholders. The Fund intends to make monthly distributions from its cash available for distribution, which consists of the Fund’s dividends and interest income after payment of Fund expenses, net option premiums and net realized and unrealized gains on investments. At least annually, the Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax principles, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for investment companies.
 
The tax treatment and characterization of the Fund’s distributions may vary significantly from time to time depending on whether the Fund has gains or losses on the call options written on its portfolio versus gains or losses on the equity securities in the portfolio. Each month, the Fund will provide disclosures with distribution payments made that estimate the percentages of that distribution that represent net investment income, other income or capital gains, and return of capital, if any. The final composition of the tax characteristics of the distributions cannot be determined with certainty until after the end of the Fund’s tax year, and will be reported to shareholders at that time. A significant portion of the Fund’s distributions may constitute a return of capital. The amount of monthly distributions will vary, depending on a number of factors. As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of dividends on the common shares will change. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to declare a dividend in each period.
 
E. Federal Income Taxes. It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and any net realized capital gains to its shareholders. Therefore, a federal income tax or excise tax provision is not required. Management has considered the sustainability of the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years in making this determination. No capital gain distributions shall be made until the capital loss carryforwards have been fully utilized or expire.
 
F. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
G. Risk Exposures and the use of Derivative Instruments. The Fund’s investment objectives permit the Fund to enter into various types of derivatives contracts, including, but not limited to, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and purchased and written options. In doing so, the Fund will employ strategies in differing combinations to permit it to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the level or types of exposure to market risk factors. This may allow the Fund to pursue its objectives more quickly and efficiently, than if it were to make direct purchases or sales of securities capable of affecting a similar response to market factors.
 
Market Risk Factors. In pursuit of its investment objectives, the Fund may seek to use derivatives to increase or decrease its exposure to the following market risk factors:
 
Credit Risk. Credit risk relates to the ability of the issuer to meet interest and principal payments, or both, as they come due. In general, lower-grade,


12


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
 
higher-yield bonds are subject to credit risk to a greater extent than lower-yield, higher-quality bonds.
 
Equity Risk. Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market.
 
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk. Foreign exchange rate risk relates to the change in U.S. dollar value of a security held that is denominated in a foreign currency. The U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency denominated security will decrease as the dollar appreciates against the currency, while the U.S. dollar value will increase as the dollar depreciates against the currency.
 
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk refers to the fluctuations in value of fixed-income securities resulting from the inverse relationship between price and yield. For example, an increase in general interest rates will tend to reduce the market value of already issued fixed-income investments, and a decline in general interest rates will tend to increase their value. In addition, debt securities with longer duration, which tend to have higher yields, are subject to potentially greater fluctuations in value from changes in interest rates than obligations with shorter duration.
 
Risks of Investing in Derivatives. The Fund’s use of derivatives can result in losses due to unanticipated changes in the market risk factors and the overall market. In instances where the Fund is using derivatives to decrease, or hedge, exposures to market risk factors for securities held by the Fund, there are also risks that those derivatives may not perform as expected resulting in losses for the combined or hedged positions.
 
The use of these strategies involves certain special risks, including a possible imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of derivative instruments and price movements of related investments. While some strategies involving derivative instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in related investments or otherwise, due to the possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that otherwise would be favorable or the possible need to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time because the Fund is required to maintain asset coverage or offsetting positions in connection with transactions in derivative instruments. Additional associated risks from investing in derivatives also exist and potentially could have significant effects on the valuation of the derivative and the Fund. Associated risks are not the risks that the Fund is attempting to increase or decrease exposure to, per its investment objectives, but are the additional risks from investing in derivatives. Examples of these associated risks are liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund will not be able to sell the derivative in the open market in a timely manner, and counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Associated risks can be different for each type of derivative and are discussed by each derivative type in the following notes.
 
Counterparty Credit Risk and Credit Related Contingent Features. Certain derivative positions are subject to counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. The Fund’s derivative counterparties are financial institutions who are subject to market conditions that may weaken their financial position. The Fund intends to enter into financial transactions with counterparties that it believes to be creditworthy at the time of the transaction. To reduce this risk, the Fund generally enters into master netting arrangements, established within the Fund’s International Swap and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) Master Agreements (“Master Agreements”). These agreements are with select counterparties and they govern transactions, including certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative and forward foreign currency contracts, entered into by the Fund and the counterparty. The Master Agreements maintain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral, and events of default or termination. The occurrence of a specified event of termination may give a counterparty the right to terminate all of its contracts and affect settlement of all outstanding transactions under the applicable Master Agreement.
 
The Fund may also enter into collateral agreements with certain counterparties to further mitigate OTC derivative and forward foreign currency contracts. Subject to established minimum levels, collateral is generally determined based on the net aggregate unrealized gain or loss on contracts with a certain counterparty. Collateral pledged to the Fund is held in a segregated account by a third-party agent and can


13


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
 
be in the form of cash or debt securities issued by the U.S. government or related agencies.
 
The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives is generally the aggregate unrealized gain in excess of any collateral pledged by the counterparty to the Fund. For purchased OTC options, the Fund bears the risk of loss in the amount of the premiums paid and the change in market value of the options should the counterparty not perform under the contracts. As of August 31, 2010, the total value of purchased OTC options subject to counterparty credit risk was $4,288,105. The counterparties did not post any collateral to the Fund at year end.
 
The Fund has credit related contingent features that if triggered would allow its derivatives counterparties to close out and demand payment or additional collateral to cover their exposure from the Fund. Credit related contingent features are established between the Fund and its derivatives counterparties to reduce the risk that the Fund will not fulfill its payment obligations to its counterparties. These triggering features include, but are not limited to, a percentage decrease in the Fund’s net assets and or a percentage decrease in the Fund’s NAV, which could cause the Fund to accelerate payment of any net liability owed to the counterparty. The contingent features are established within the Fund’s Master Agreements.
 
Written options by the Fund do not give rise to counterparty credit risk, as written options obligate the Fund to perform and not the counterparty. As of August 31, 2010, the total value of written OTC call options subject to Master Agreements in a net liability position was $10,740,383. If a contingent feature had been triggered, the Fund could have been required to pay this amount in cash to its counterparties. The Fund did not hold or post collateral for its open written OTC call options at year end.
 
H. Forward Foreign Currency Contracts. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts primarily to hedge against foreign currency exchange rate risks its non-U.S. dollar denominated investment securities. When entering into a forward foreign currency contract, the Fund agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of foreign currency for an agreed-upon price on an agreed future date. These contracts are valued daily and the Fund’s net equity therein, representing unrealized gain or loss on the contracts as measured by the difference between the forward foreign exchange rates at the dates of entry into the contracts and the forward rates at the reporting date, is included in the statement of assets and liabilities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on forward foreign currency contracts are included on the Statement of Operations. These instruments involve market and/or credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement of assets and liabilities. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movement in currency and securities values and interest rates. For the six months ended August 31, 2010, the Fund has entered into forward foreign currency contracts with the obligation to buy and sell specified foreign currencies in the future at a currently negotiated forward rate in order to increase or decrease exposure to foreign exchange rate risk. The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts to enhance potential gain, hedge against anticipated currency exchange rates, and to maintain diversity and liquidity of the portfolio.
 
I. Options Contracts. The Fund may purchase put and call options and may write (sell) put options and covered call options. The premium received by the Fund upon the writing of a put or call option is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a liability which is subsequently marked-to-market until it is exercised or closed, or it expires. The Fund will realize a gain or loss upon the expiration or closing of the option contract. When an option is exercised, the proceeds on sales of the underlying security for a written call option or purchased put option or the purchase cost of the security for a written put option or a purchased call option is adjusted by the amount of premium received or paid. The risk in writing a call option is that the Fund gives up the opportunity for profit if the market price of the security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in buying an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Risks may also arise from an illiquid secondary market or from the inability of counterparties to meet the terms of the contract.
 
The Fund’s option strategy seeks to reduce volatility of total returns and to supplement distributions by selling call options and buying puts options on indices and individual securities.
 
The Fund is also subject to foreign currency risk given its significant investments in foreign equities. In order to mitigate this risk, the Fund uses foreign-exchange option collars covering approximately 50% of the foreign currency exposure. Please refer to Note 6 for


14


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
 
the volume of both purchased and written option activity during the six months ended August 31, 2010.
 
J. Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide certain indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, management considers the risk of loss from such claims remote.
 
NOTE 3 — INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
 
ING Investments, LLC (“ING Investments” or the “Investment Adviser”), an Arizona limited liability company, is the Investment Adviser of the Fund. The Fund pays the Investment Adviser for its services under an investment management agreement (“Management Agreement”), a fee, payable monthly, based on an annual rate of 1.05% of the Fund’s average daily managed assets. For the first five years of the Fund’s existence, the Investment Adviser will contractually waive a portion of its fee equivalent to 0.20% of the Fund’s managed assets. Beginning in the sixth year, the fee waiver will decline each year by 0.05% until it is eliminated in the ninth year. For purposes of the Management Agreement, managed assets are defined as the Fund’s average daily gross asset value, minus the sum of the Fund’s accrued and unpaid dividends on any outstanding preferred shares and accrued liabilities (other than liabilities for the principal amount of any borrowings incurred, commercial paper or notes issued by the Fund and the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares). As of August 31, 2010, there were no preferred shares outstanding.
 
The Investment Adviser entered into a sub-advisory agreement (“Sub-Advisory Agreement”) with ING Investment Management Advisors B.V. (“IIMA”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of ING Groep N.V. (“ING Groep”), domiciled in The Hague, The Netherlands. Subject to policies as the Board or the Investment Adviser might determine, IIMA manages the Fund’s assets in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and limitations.
 
The Investment Adviser has also retained ING Investment Management Co. (“ING IM” or “Consultant”), a Connecticut corporation, to provide certain consulting services for the Investment Adviser. These services include, among other things, furnishing statistical and other factual information; providing advice with respect to potential investment strategies that may be employed for the Fund, including, but not limited to, potential options strategies; developing economic models of the anticipated investment performance and yield for the Fund; and providing advice to the Investment Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund’s level and/or managed distribution policy. For its services, the Consultant will receive a consultancy fee from the Investment Adviser. No fee will be paid by the Fund directly to the Consultant.
 
ING Funds are permitted to invest end-of-day cash balances into ING Institutional Prime Money Market Fund. Investment management fees paid by the Fund will be reduced by an amount equal to the management fees paid indirectly to the ING Institutional Prime Money Market Fund with respect to assets invested by the Fund. For the six months ended August 31, 2010 the Fund did not invest in ING Institutional Prime Money Market Fund and thus waived no such management fees. These fees are not subject to recoupment.
 
ING Funds Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, (the “Administrator”) serves as Administrator to the Fund. The Fund pays the Administrator for its services a fee based on an annual rate of 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily managed assets. The Investment Adviser, IIMA, ING IM and the Administrator are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of ING Groep. ING Groep is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services.
 
ING Groep has adopted a formal restructuring plan that was approved by the European Commission in November 2009 under which the ING life insurance businesses, including the retirement services and investment management businesses, which include the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, would be divested by ING Groep by the end of 2013. While there can be no assurance that it will be carried out, the restructuring plan presents certain risks, including uncertainty about the effect on the businesses of the ING entities that service the Fund and potential termination of the Fund’s existing advisory agreement, which may trigger the need for shareholder approval of new agreements.


15


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NOTE 4 — OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED AND RELATED PARTIES
 
As of August 31, 2010, the Fund had the following amounts recorded as payable to affiliates on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities:
 
                     
Accrued
       
Investment
  Accrued
   
Management
  Administrative
   
Fees   Fees   Total
$ 729,188     $ 89,354     $ 818,542  
 
The Fund has adopted a Retirement Policy (“Policy”) covering independent trustees of the Fund who were trustees on or before May 9, 2007, and who will have served as an independent trustee for at least five years as of the date of their retirement (as that term is defined in the Policy). Benefits under the Policy are based on an annual rate as defined in the Policy.
 
The Fund has adopted a Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), which allows eligible non-affiliated trustees as described in the Plan to defer the receipt of all or a portion of the trustees fees payable. Amounts deferred are treated as though invested in various “notional” funds advised by ING Investments until distribution in accordance with the Plan.
 
The Fund places a portion of its transactions with brokerage firms which are affiliates of the Investment Adviser. The commissions paid to these affiliated firms during the year ended August 31, 2010 were:
 
         
Affiliated Broker
  Commissions Received
 
ING Baring, LLC
  $ 4,218  
 
NOTE 5 — PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments for the period ended August 31, 2010, excluding short-term securities, were $354,468,116 and $362,779,890, respectively.
 
NOTE 6 — PURCHASED AND WRITTEN OPTIONS
 
Transactions in purchased OTC put options on indices were as follows:
 
                 
    Number of
   
    Contracts   Cost
 
Balance at 02/28/10
    783,200     $ 7,689,364  
Options Purchased
    905,450       9,934,318  
Options Expired
    (1,092,300 )     (11,562,316 )
Options Exercised
           
Options Terminated in Closing Sell Transactions
    (148,300 )     (1,059,678 )
                 
Balance at 08/31/10
    448,050     $ 5,001,688  
                 
 
Transactions in purchased OTC put options on foreign currencies were as follows:
 
                 
    USD
   
    Notional   Cost
 
Balance at 02/28/10
  $ 243,500,000     $ 2,043,975  
Options Written
    429,500,000       3,595,750  
Options Expired
    (290,000,000 )     (2,411,900 )
Options Exercised
           
Options Terminated in Closing Purchase Transactions
    (165,500,000 )     (1,414,475 )
                 
Balance at 08/31/10
  $ 217,500,000     $ 1,813,350  
                 
 
Transactions in written OTC call options on securities were as follows:
 
                 
    Number of
  Premiums
    Contracts   Received
 
Balance at 02/28/10
    11,534,000     $ 5,836,558  
Options Written
    52,890,000       28,252,091  
Options Expired
    (24,225,000 )     (12,931,853 )
Options Exercised
           
Options Terminated in Closing Purchase Transactions
    (29,426,000 )     (15,608,270 )
                 
Balance at 08/31/10
    10,773,000     $ 5,548,526  
                 
 
Transactions in written OTC call options on indices were as follows:
 
                 
    Number of
  Premiums
    Contracts   Received
 
Balance at 02/28/10
    628,100     $ 10,396,386  
Options Written
    2,440,075       42,235,037  
Options Expired
    (1,532,325 )     (16,972,873 )
Options Exercised
           
Options Terminated in Closing Purchase Transactions
    (927,750 )     (24,702,783 )
                 
Balance at 08/31/10
    608,100     $ 10,955,767  
                 
 
Transactions in written OTC call options on foreign currencies were as follows:
 
                 
    USD
  Premiums
    Notional   Received
 
Balance at 02/28/10
  $ 243,500,000     $ 2,043,975  
Options Written
    429,500,000       3,595,750  
Options Expired
    (415,500,000 )     (3,477,975 )
Options Exercised
           
Options Terminated in Closing Purchase Transactions
    (40,000,000 )     (348,400 )
                 
Balance at 08/31/10
  $ 217,500,000     $ 1,813,350  
                 
 
NOTE 7 — CONCENTRATION OF INVESTMENT RISKS
 
All mutual funds involve risk — some more than others — and there is always the chance that you could lose money or not earn as much as you hope. The Fund’s risk profile is largely a factor of the principal securities in which it invests and investment techniques that it uses. For more information regarding the types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Fund and its corresponding risks, see the


16


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NOTE 7 — CONCENTRATION OF INVESTMENT RISKS (continued)
 
Fund’s most recent Prospectus and/or the Statement of Additional Information.
 
Foreign Securities and Emerging Markets. The Fund makes significant investments in foreign securities and may invest up to 20% of its managed assets in securities issued by companies located in countries with emerging markets. Investments in foreign securities may entail risks not present in domestic investments. Since investments in securities are denominated in foreign currencies, changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, as well as from movements in currency, security value and interest rate, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments. The risks of investing in foreign securities can be intensified in the case of investments in issuers located in countries with emerging markets.
 
Leverage. Although the Fund has no current intention to do so, the Fund is authorized to utilize leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, including the issuance of debt securities. In the event that the Fund determines in the future to utilize investment leverage, there can be no assurance that such a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed.
 
 
NOTE 8 — CAPITAL SHARES
 
Transactions in capital shares and dollars were as follows:
 
                 
    Six Months
  Year
    Ended
  Ended
    August 31,
  February 28,
    2010   2010
 
Number of Shares
               
Reinvestment of distributions
    476,620       1,045,924  
Shares repurchased
          (1,106,116 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding
    476,620       (60,192 )
                 
$
               
Reinvestment of distributions
  $ 5,389,415     $ 12,397,012  
Shares repurchased, net of commissions
          (8,262,047 )
                 
Net increase
  $ 5,389,415     $ 4,134,965  
                 
 
Share Repurchase Program
 
Effective December 2008, the Board authorized an open-market share repurchase program pursuant to which the Fund could purchase, over the period ended December 31, 2009, up to 10% of its stock, in open-market transactions. There was no assurance that the Fund would purchase shares at any particular discount level or in any particular amounts. The share repurchase program sought to enhance shareholder value by purchasing shares trading at a discount from their NAV per share, in an attempt to reduce or eliminate the discount or to increase the NAV per share of the applicable remaining shares of the Fund.
 
For the year ended February 28, 2010, the Fund repurchased 1,106,116 shares, representing approximately 1.2% of the Fund’s outstanding shares for a net purchase price of $8,262,047 (including commissions of $33,183). Shares were repurchased at a weighted-average discount from NAV per share of 20.13% and a weighted-average price per share of $7.44.
 
NOTE 9 — FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
The amount of distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for investment companies. These book/tax differences may be either temporary or permanent. Permanent differences are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences are not reclassified. Key differences include the treatment of short-term capital gains, foreign currency transactions, income from passive foreign investment corporations and wash sale deferrals. Distributions in excess of net investment income and/or net realized capital gains for tax purposes are reported as return of capital.
 
Dividends paid by the Fund from net investment income and distributions of net realized short-term capital gains are, for federal income tax purposes, taxable as ordinary income to shareholders.
 
The tax composition of dividends and distributions in the current period will not be determined until after the Fund’s tax year-end of December 31, 2010. The tax


17


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NOTE 9 — FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (continued)
 
composition of dividends and distributions as of the Fund’s most recent tax year-end was as follows:
 
             
Tax Year Ended
December 31, 2009
Ordinary
  Return
Income
 
of Capital
 
$ 31,274,804     $ 142,562,967  
 
The tax-basis components of distributable earnings and the expiration dates of the capital loss carryforwards which may be used to offset future realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes as of the tax year ended December 31, 2009 were:
 
                     
Unrealized
  Capital Loss
  Expiration
Appreciation
 
Carryforwards
 
Date
 
$ 56,540,484     $ (155,459,076 )     2016  
          (325,327,424 )     2017  
                     
        $ (480,786,500 )        
                     
 
The Fund’s major tax jurisdictions are federal and Arizona. The earliest tax year that remains subject to examination by these jurisdictions is 2005.
 
As of August 31, 2010, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements as a result of tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for open tax years. The Fund’s federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state department of revenue.
 
NOTE 10 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
Dividends: Subsequent to August 31, 2010, the Fund made distributions of:
 
             
Per Share Amount
 
Declaration Date
 
Payable Date
 
Record Date
 
$0.100
  8/16/2010   9/15/2010   9/3/2010
$0.100
  9/15/2010   10/15/2010   10/5/2010
 
Each quarter, the Fund will provide disclosures with distribution payments made that estimate the percentages of that distribution that represent net investment income, capital gains, and return of capital, if any. At the Fund’s tax year end, the Fund may re-characterize payments over the course of the year across ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital, if any. A significant portion of the quarterly distribution payments made by the Fund may constitute a return of capital.
 
The Fund has evaluated events occurring after the Statement of Assets and Liabilities date (subsequent events) to determine whether any subsequent events necessitated adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements. Other than the above, no such subsequent events were identified.


18


 

SUMMARY PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
ING Global Equity Dividend and
Premium Opportunity Fund
as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
                             
 
            Percent
                of Net
Shares       Value   Assets
 
 
 
COMMON STOCK: 94.3%
             
            Australia: 4.1%
  4,498,874         Telstra Corp. Ltd.   $ 11,049,798       1.0  
 
 
            Other Securities     31,850,970       3.1  
 
 
                  42,900,768       4.1  
             
            Canada: 1.9%
  326,423         TransCanada Corp.     11,632,273       1.1  
 
 
            Other Securities     8,090,364       0.8  
 
 
                  19,722,637       1.9  
             
            Denmark: 0.8%
            Other Securities     7,885,962       0.8  
 
 
             
            Finland: 1.5%
  1,880,807         Nokia OYJ     16,026,437       1.5  
 
 
             
            France: 11.1%
  283,430         Bouygues S.A.     11,442,596       1.1  
 
 
  255,167         Carrefour S.A.     11,528,038       1.1  
 
 
  363,845         Gaz de France     11,219,915       1.1  
 
 
  245,401         Lafarge S.A.     11,258,222       1.1  
 
 
  290,582         Sanofi-Aventis     16,634,750       1.6  
 
 
  349,867         Total S.A.     16,273,865       1.6  
 
 
  263,737         Vinci S.A.     11,513,276       1.1  
 
 
  750,468         Vivendi     17,411,927       1.7  
 
 
            Other Securities     7,510,058       0.7  
 
 
                  114,792,647       11.1  
             
            Germany: 5.6%
  160,828         Allianz AG     16,418,333       1.6  
 
 
  696,871         Deutsche Post AG     11,372,774       1.1  
 
 
  397,765         E.ON AG     11,164,170       1.1  
 
 
  87,899         Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG     11,201,225       1.1  
 
 
            Other Securities     7,492,086       0.7  
 
 
                  57,648,588       5.6  
             
            Hong Kong: 2.7%
  319,602         China Mobile Ltd. ADR     16,401,975       1.6  
 
 
  820,682         Hang Seng Bank Ltd.     11,281,949       1.1  
 
 
                  27,683,924       2.7  
             
            Ireland: 1.1%
  762,119         CRH PLC     11,692,590       1.1  
 
 
             
            Italy: 4.2%
  628,560         Altantia S.p.A.     11,813,569       1.1  
 
 
  842,387         ENI S.p.A.     16,643,968       1.6  
 
 
            Other Securities     15,029,789       1.5  
 
 
                  43,487,326       4.2  
             
            Japan: 5.9%
  7,132,100         Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.     10,938,624       1.0  
 
 
  60,100         Nintendo Co., Ltd.     16,661,530       1.6  
 
 
  6,771         NTT DoCoMo, Inc.     11,473,625       1.1  
 
 
  371,900         Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.     11,036,844       1.1  
 
 
  245,900         Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.     11,301,913       1.1  
 
 
                  61,412,536       5.9  
             
            Netherlands: 2.7%
  622,388         Royal Dutch Shell PLC     16,477,769       1.6  
 
 
  818,455         Royal KPN NV     11,833,172       1.1  
 
 
                  28,310,941       2.7  
             
            Singapore: 2.2%
  1,105,500         DBS Group Holdings Ltd.     11,355,455       1.1  
 
 
  5,154,000         Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.     11,743,968       1.1  
 
 
                  23,099,423       2.2  
             
            Spain: 2.4%
  763,956         Telefonica S.A.     16,884,851       1.6  
 
 
            Other Securities     7,660,856       0.8  
 
 
                  24,545,707       2.4  
             
            Switzerland: 2.8%
  381,578         Credit Suisse Group     16,687,837       1.6  
 
 
  227,045         Novartis AG ADR     11,917,592       1.2  
 
 
                  28,605,429       2.8  
             
            Taiwan: 1.6%
  1,728,941         Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR     16,269,335       1.6  
 
 
             
            United Kingdom: 6.2%
  608,730         GlaxoSmithKline PLC     11,359,746       1.1  
 
 
  1,413,124         Reed Elsevier PLC     11,308,414       1.1  
 
 
  5,965,757         Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group     11,218,101       1.1  
 
 
  647,792         Scottish & Southern Energy PLC     11,365,667       1.1  
 
 
  4,009,161         Thomas Cook Group PLC     11,123,110       1.1  
 
 
            Other Securities     7,808,966       0.7  
 
 
                  64,184,004       6.2  
             
            United States: 37.5%
  228,420         Abbott Laboratories     11,270,243       1.1  
 
 
  409,021         Ameren Corp.     11,481,219       1.1  
 
 
  322,457         American Electric Power Co., Inc.     11,418,202       1.1  
 
 
  463,008         Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.     11,505,749       1.1  
 
 
  621,706         AT&T, Inc.     16,804,713       1.6  
 
 
  291,948         Automatic Data Processing, Inc.     11,272,112       1.1  
 
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


19


 

SUMMARY PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
ING Global Equity Dividend and
Premium Opportunity Fund
as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
                             
 
            Percent
                of Net
Shares       Value   Assets
 
 
                             
             
            United States (continued)
                             
  432,409         Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   $ 11,277,227       1.1  
 
 
  221,425         Chevron Corp.     16,420,878       1.6  
 
 
  531,264         ConAgra Foods, Inc.     11,469,990       1.1  
 
 
  308,925         ConocoPhillips     16,196,938       1.6  
 
 
  241,052         Consolidated Edison, Inc.     11,457,202       1.1  
 
 
  281,001         Exelon Corp.     11,442,361       1.1  
 
 
  943,386         Hudson City Bancorp., Inc.     10,872,524       1.0  
 
 
  253,060         Kimberly-Clark Corp.     16,297,064       1.6  
 
 
  564,262         Kraft Foods, Inc.     16,899,647       1.6  
 
 
  156,237         McDonald’s Corp.     11,414,675       1.1  
 
 
  328,855         Merck & Co., Inc.     11,562,542       1.1  
 
 
  1,036,700         Pfizer, Inc.     16,514,631       1.6  
 
 
  220,034         Philip Morris International, Inc.     11,318,549       1.1  
 
 
  842,350         Pitney Bowes, Inc.     16,206,814       1.6  
 
 
  200,805         Reynolds American, Inc.     10,951,905       1.0  
 
 
  314,299         Southern Co.     11,531,630       1.1  
 
 
  341,242         Waste Management, Inc.     11,291,698       1.1  
 
 
            Other Securities     91,879,351       8.9  
 
 
                  388,757,864       37.5  
            Total Common Stock
(Cost $994,755,024)
    977,026,118       94.3  
 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS: 2.3%
             
            Australia: 0.7%
            Other Securities     7,717,758       0.7  
 
 
             
            Netherlands: 0.8%
            Other Securities     7,830,706       0.8  
 
 
             
            United Kingdom: 0.8%
            Other Securities     7,824,412       0.8  
 
 
            Total Real Estate Investment Trusts
(Cost $24,065,210)
    23,372,876       2.3  
                                 
 
            Percent
# of
          of Net
Contracts   Counterparty   Value   Assets
 
 
 
POSITIONS IN PURCHASED OPTIONS: 0.4%
         
        European Union: 0.1%
  4,000     Morgan Stanley   @   Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 Index, Strike Price 2,389.830 EUR, Expires 09/17/10   $ 49,647       0.0  
 
 
  3,800     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   @   Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 Index, Strike Price 2,294.160 EUR, Expires 10/15/10     112,860       0.0  
 
 
  6,500     Goldman Sachs & Co.   @   Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 Index, Strike Price 2,302.890 EUR, Expires 11/19/10     418,546       0.1  
 
 
  27,000,000     JPMorgan Chase & Co.   @   European Union Currency Option (EUR/USD), Strike Price 1.165, Expires 09/21/10     5,718       0.0  
 
 
  26,000,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.   @   European Union Currency Option (EUR/USD), Strike Price 1.214, Expires 10/20/10     155,684       0.0  
 
 
  40,000,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.   @   European Union Currency Option (EUR/USD), Strike Price 1.197, Expires 11/22/10     315,115       0.0  
 
 
                      1,057,570       0.1  
         
        Japan: 0.1%
  95,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   @   Nikkei 225 Index, Strike Price 8,921.070 JPY, Expires 09/17/10     328,818       0.1  
 
 
  102,000     UBS Warburg LLC   @   Nikkei 225 Index, Strike Price 8,336.700 JPY, Expires 10/15/10     247,109       0.0  
 
 
  94,000     Morgan Stanley   @   Nikkei 225 Index, Strike Price 8,153.280 JPY, Expires 11/19/10     281,765       0.0  
 
 
  20,500,000     JPMorgan Chase & Co.   @   Japanese Yen Currency Option (USD/JPY), Strike Price 95.800, Expires 09/21/10     119       0.0  
 
 
  22,000,000     JPMorgan Chase & Co.   @   Japanese Yen Currency Option (USD/JPY), Strike Price 91.000, Expires 10/20/10     18,785       0.0  
 
 
  20,500,000     Citigroup, Inc.   @   Japanese Yen Currency Option (USD/JPY), Strike Price 89.800, Expires 11/22/10     70,959       0.0  
 
 
                      947,555       0.1  
         
        United Kingdom: 0.0%
  1,250     Morgan Stanley   @   FTSE 100 Index, Strike Price 4,694.898 GBP, Expires 09/17/10     19,378       0.0  
 
 
  1,300     Morgan Stanley   @   FTSE 100 Index, Strike Price 4,569.260 GBP, Expires 10/15/10     76,308       0.0  
 
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


20


 

SUMMARY PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
ING Global Equity Dividend and
Premium Opportunity Fund
as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
                                 
 
            Percent
# of
          of Net
Contracts   Counterparty   Value   Assets
 
 
         
        United Kingdom (continued)
                                 
  1,200     Societe Generale   @   FTSE 100 Index, Strike Price 4,580.000 GBP, Expires 11/19/10   $ 150,958       0.0  
 
 
  20,000,000     Citigroup, Inc.   @   United Kingdom Currency Option (GBP/USD), Strike Price 1.400, Expires 09/21/10     2,506       0.0  
 
 
  22,500,000     Barclays Bank PLC   @   United Kingdom Currency Option (GBP/USD), Strike Price 1.430, Expires 10/20/10     53,739       0.0  
 
 
  19,000,000     Citigroup, Inc.   @   United Kingdom Currency Option (GBP/USD), Strike Price 1.470, Expires 11/22/10     179,156       0.0  
 
 
                      482,045       0.0  
         
        United States: 0.2%
  45,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   @   S&P 500® Index, Strike Price 991.460 USD, Expires 09/17/10     333,671       0.0  
 
 
  48,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   @   S&P 500® Index, Strike Price 937.070 USD, Expires 10/15/10     521,332       0.1  
 
 
  46,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.   @   S&P 500® Index, Strike Price 937.700 USD, Expires 11/19/10     945,932       0.1  
 
 
                      1,800,935       0.2  
        Total Positions in Purchased Options
(Cost $6,815,038)
    4,288,105       0.4  
                         
        Total Investments in Securities
(Cost $1,025,635,272)*
  $ 1,004,687,099       97.0  
        Other Assets and
Liabilities - Net
    31,041,562       3.0  
                         
        Net Assets   $ 1,035,728,661       100.0  
                         
     
     
    “Other Securities” represents issues not identified as the top 50 holdings in terms of market value and issues or issuers not exceeding 1% of net assets individually or in aggregate respectively as of August 31, 2010.
     
    The following footnotes apply to either the individual securities noted or one or more of the securities aggregated and listed as a single line item.
     
ADR
  American Depositary Receipt
     
@
  Non-income producing security
     
*
  Cost for federal income tax purposes is $1,088,786,819.
     
    Net unrealized depreciation consists of:
 
         
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
  $ 63,126,224  
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
    (147,225,944 )
         
Net Unrealized Depreciation
  $ (84,099,720 )
         
 
         
    Percentage of
Industry   Net Assets
 
Consumer Discretionary
    7.1 %
Consumer Staples
    9.9  
Energy
    11.3  
Financials
    21.5  
Health Care
    9.8  
Industrials
    8.6  
Information Technology
    6.5  
Materials
    3.0  
Purchased Option
    0.4  
Telecommunication Services
    9.3  
Utilities
    9.6  
Other Assets and Liabilities – Net
    3.0  
         
Net Assets
    100.0 %
         
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


21


 

SUMMARY PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
ING Global Equity Dividend and
Premium Opportunity Fund
as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
Fair Value Measurements^
 
The following is a summary of the fair valuations according to the inputs used as of August 31, 2010 in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities:
 
                                 
    Quoted Prices
           
    in Active Markets
  Other
  Significant
   
    for Identical
  Observable
  Unobservable
  Fair Value
    Investments
  Inputs#
  Inputs
  at
    (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   8/31/2010
 
 
Asset Table
                               
Investments, at value
                               
Common Stock
                               
Australia
  $     $ 42,900,768     $     $ 42,900,768  
Canada
    19,722,637                   19,722,637  
Denmark
          7,885,962             7,885,962  
Finland
          16,026,437             16,026,437  
France
          114,792,647             114,792,647  
Germany
          57,648,588             57,648,588  
Hong Kong
    16,401,975       11,281,949             27,683,924  
Ireland
          11,692,590             11,692,590  
Italy
          43,487,326             43,487,326  
Japan
          61,412,536             61,412,536  
Netherlands
          28,310,941             28,310,941  
Singapore
          23,099,423             23,099,423  
Spain
          24,545,707             24,545,707  
Switzerland
    11,917,592       16,687,837             28,605,429  
Taiwan
    16,269,335                   16,269,335  
United Kingdom
          64,184,004             64,184,004  
United States
    388,757,864                   388,757,864  
                                 
Total Common Stock
    453,069,403       523,956,715             977,026,118  
                                 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
          23,372,876             23,372,876  
Positions In Purchased Options
          4,288,105             4,288,105  
                                 
Total Investments, at value
  $ 453,069,403     $ 551,617,696     $     $ 1,004,687,099  
                                 
Liabilities Table
                               
Other Financial Instruments+:
                               
Written options
          (10,740,383 )           (10,740,383 )
                                 
Total Liabilities
  $     $ (10,740,383 )   $     $ (10,740,383 )
                                 
 
See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.
Other Financial Instruments are derivatives not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments and may include open forward foreign currency contracts, futures, swaps, and written options. Forward foreign currency contracts and futures are reported at their unrealized gain/loss at measurement date which represents the amount due to/from the Fund. Swaps and written options are reported at their market value at measurement date.
The earlier close of the foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available. Accordingly, a significant portion of the Portfolio’s investments are categorized as Level 2 investments.
 
Written OTC Call Options
 
                                         
# of
          Expiration
          Premiums
  Fair
Contracts   Counterparty   Description   Date   Strike       Received   Value
 
 
Options on Securities
  106,000     Morgan Stanley   Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.   09/29/10   22.335   AUD   $ 76,893     $ (77,642 )
  343,000     Morgan Stanley   Insurance Australia Group   09/29/10   3.241   AUD     34,697       (65,988 )
  263,000     Societe Generale   Macquarie Airports Management Ltd.   09/29/10   2.922   AUD     26,605       (27,371 )
  1,155,000     Morgan Stanley   Telstra Corp. Ltd.   09/29/10   2.761   AUD     91,113       (65,215 )
  74,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Wesfarmers Ltd.   09/29/10   30.323   AUD     62,322       (134,434 )
  190,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Westfield Group   09/29/10   12.358   AUD     54,996       (75,015 )
  101,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Credit Suisse Group   09/29/10   44.610   CHF     200,322       (183,726 )
  165,000     Nomura   Altantia S.p.A.   09/29/10   14.691   EUR     94,106       (103,315 )
  32,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   BNP Paribas   09/29/10   49.620   EUR     108,952       (96,551 )
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


22


 

SUMMARY PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
ING Global Equity Dividend and
Premium Opportunity Fund
as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
                                         
# of
          Expiration
          Premiums
  Fair
Contracts   Counterparty   Description   Date   Strike       Received   Value
 
 
  73,000     Nomura   Bouygues S.A.   09/29/10   31.722   EUR   $ 135,581     $ (145,843 )
  67,000     Morgan Stanley   Carrefour S.A.   09/29/10   34.720   EUR     110,776       (155,715 )
  225,000     UBS Warburg LLC   ENI S.p.A.   09/29/10   15.042   EUR     125,148       (140,166 )
  726,000     Nomura   Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.   09/29/10   2.246   EUR     115,414       (88,697 )
  64,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Lafarge S.A.   09/29/10   36.850   EUR     133,878       (106,137 )
  503,000     Morgan Stanley   Nokia OYJ   09/29/10   6.857   EUR     206,790       (157,223 )
  168,000     Morgan Stanley   Royal Dutch Shell PLC   09/29/10   20.825   EUR     123,359       (136,522 )
  79,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   Sanofi-Aventis   09/29/10   44.300   EUR     140,269       (185,887 )
  96,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   Suez SA   09/29/10   24.160   EUR     113,025       (112,468 )
  93,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   Total S.A.   09/29/10   36.875   EUR     144,530       (127,944 )
  225,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    UBI Banca   09/29/10   7.130   EUR     88,835       (57,154 )
  69,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    Vinci S.A.   09/29/10   34.090   EUR     124,243       (138,258 )
  197,000     Societe Generale   Vivendi   09/29/10   17.320   EUR     152,877       (329,735 )
  168,000     Morgan Stanley   GlaxoSmithKline PLC   09/29/10   12.024   GBP     80,020       (93,607 )
  214,000     Morgan Stanley   HSBC Holdings PLC   09/29/10   6.329   GBP     67,328       (82,869 )
  299,000     Barclays Bank PLC   DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   09/29/10   13.728   SGD     60,583       (62,107 )
  1,417,000     UBS Warburg LLC   Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.   09/29/10   3.020   SGD     72,144       (116,425 )
  63,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    Abbott Laboratories   09/29/10   49.460   USD     71,669       (64,937 )
  93,000     Nomura   Altria Group, Inc.   09/29/10   22.530   USD     29,332       (18,046 )
  114,000     Morgan Stanley   Ameren Corp.   09/29/10   27.474   USD     85,762       (125,268 )
  89,000     Barclays Bank PLC   American Electric Power Co., Inc.   09/29/10   35.290   USD     71,609       (77,108 )
  167,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    AT&T, Inc.   09/29/10   26.845   USD     103,557       (120,773 )
  79,000     Societe Generale   Automatic Data Processing, Inc.   09/29/10   38.490   USD     78,858       (71,258 )
  119,000     Morgan Stanley   Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   09/29/10   25.960   USD     88,667       (74,623 )
  59,000     Nomura   Chevron Corp.   09/29/10   73.970   USD     126,561       (120,722 )
  86,000     Societe Generale   China Mobile Ltd. ADR   09/29/10   51.910   USD     88,838       (62,971 )
  82,000     Societe Generale   ConocoPhillips   09/29/10   53.140   USD     143,361       (102,985 )
  67,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Consolidated Edison, Inc.   09/29/10   47.350   USD     57,426       (65,525 )
  52,000     Barclays Bank PLC   EI Du Pont de Nemours & Co.   09/29/10   39.950   USD     72,077       (92,045 )
  76,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Exelon Corp.   09/29/10   40.280   USD     74,389       (91,663 )
  154,000     Societe Generale   H&R Block, Inc.   09/29/10   13.332   USD     99,438       (55,011 )
  265,000     Societe Generale   Hudson City Bancorp., Inc.   09/29/10   11.470   USD     95,453       (105,585 )
  103,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    JC Penney Co., Inc.   09/29/10   20.800   USD     119,758       (72,344 )
  70,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    Kimberly-Clark Corp.   09/29/10   63.570   USD     80,906       (95,911 )
  31,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP   09/29/10   67.240   USD     41,273       (30,968 )
  155,000     Nomura   Kraft Foods, Inc.   09/29/10   28.928   USD     99,184       (166,544 )
  107,000     Morgan Stanley   Leggett & Platt, Inc.   09/29/10   18.955   USD     75,488       (71,962 )
  28,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Lorillard, Inc.   09/29/10   76.110   USD     50,840       (54,543 )
  42,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    McDonald’s Corp.   09/29/10   72.900   USD     65,436       (66,808 )
  89,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Merck & Co., Inc.   09/29/10   34.090   USD     92,951       (129,102 )
  61,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Novartis AG ADR   09/29/10   51.100   USD     96,636       (138,300 )
  74,000     UBS Warburg LLC   NYSE Euronext   09/29/10   27.767   USD     77,626       (63,167 )
  281,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    Pfizer, Inc.   09/29/10   16.010   USD     143,507       (114,761 )
  60,000     UBS Warburg LLC   Philip Morris International, Inc.   09/29/10   50.951   USD     63,900       (66,464 )
  114,000     UBS Warburg LLC   Pitney Bowes, Inc.   09/29/10   19.419   USD     99,180       (56,551 )
  79,000     Barclays Bank PLC   PPL Corp.   09/29/10   26.760   USD     42,913       (59,027 )
  55,000     Societe Generale   Reynolds American, Inc.   09/29/10   55.015   USD     69,806       (39,473 )
  87,000     Societe Generale   Southern Co.   09/29/10   36.140   USD     56,593       (84,914 )
  100,000     UBS Warburg LLC   Spectra Energy Corp.   09/29/10   20.793   USD     64,000       (40,775 )
  467,000     Barclays Bank PLC   Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR   09/29/10   9.450   USD     119,085       (152,661 )
  93,000     Morgan Stanley   Waste Management, Inc.   09/29/10   33.143   USD     57,641       (50,547 )
                                         
                            $ 5,548,526     $ (5,869,356 )
                                         
Options on Indices
  5,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 Index   09/03/10   2,652.200   EUR   $ 656,731     $ (84,693 )
  4,800     Goldman Sachs & Co.    Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 Index   09/17/10   2,783.560   EUR     574,239       (53,194 )
  6,600     Goldman Sachs & Co.    Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 Index   10/01/10   2,657.590   EUR     774,855       (540,941 )
  1,700     Morgan Stanley   FTSE 100 Index   09/03/10   5,149.400   GBP     427,334       (241,635 )
  1,700     Societe Generale   FTSE 100 Index   09/17/10   5,330.640   GBP     386,994       (138,716 )
  1,700     Nomura   FTSE 100 Index   10/01/10   5,195.340   GBP     402,116       (405,208 )
  135,000     UBS Warburg LLC   Nikkei-225 Stock Average   09/03/10   9,457.680   JPY     512,084       (496 )
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

23


 

SUMMARY PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
ING Global Equity Dividend and
Premium Opportunity Fund
as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
                                         
# of
          Expiration
          Premiums
  Fair
Contracts   Counterparty   Description   Date   Strike       Received   Value
 
 
  133,000     Societe Generale   Nikkei-225 Stock Average   09/17/10   9,653.875   JPY   $ 436,227     $ (24,461 )
  129,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    Nikkei-225 Stock Average   10/01/10   9,083.520   JPY     438,201       (250,509 )
  64,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   S&P 500® Index   09/03/10   1,073.840   USD     2,311,360       (108,637 )
  64,000     Morgan Stanley   S&P 500® Index   09/17/10   1,120.487   USD     1,989,594       (120,996 )
  61,600     Goldman Sachs & Co.    S&P 500® Index   10/01/10   1,071.200   USD     2,046,032       (1,201,113 )
                                         
                            $ 10,955,767     $ (3,170,599 )
                                         
Options on Currencies
  27,000,000     JPMorgan Chase & Co.    European Union Currency Option (EUR/USD)   09/21/10   1.291   USD   $ 261,900     $ (103,291 )
  26,000,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    European Union Currency Option (EUR/USD)   10/20/10   1.341   USD     247,000       (53,917 )
  40,000,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.    European Union Currency Option (EUR/USD)   11/22/10   1.319   USD     376,000       (340,321 )
  20,500,000     JPMorgan Chase & Co.    Japanese Yen Currency Option (USD/JPY)   09/21/10   85.780   USD     143,500       (496,455 )
  22,000,000     JPMorgan Chase & Co.    Japanese Yen Currency Option (USD/JPY)   10/20/10   81.450   USD     154,000       (171,285 )
  20,500,000     Citigroup, Inc.    Japanese Yen Currency Option (USD/JPY)   11/22/10   80.100   USD     133,250       (177,656 )
  20,000,000     Citigroup, Inc.    United Kingdom Currency Option (GBP/USD)   09/21/10   1.550   USD     160,000       (108,569 )
  22,500,000     Barclays Bank PLC   United Kingdom Currency Option (GBP/USD)   10/20/10   1.575   USD     180,000       (137,188 )
  19,000,000     Citigroup, Inc.    United Kingdom Currency Option (GBP/USD)   11/22/10   1.605   USD     157,700       (111,746 )
                                         
                            $ 1,813,350     $ (1,700,428 )
                                         
            Total Written OTC Call Options:           $ 18,317,643     $ (10,740,383 )
                                     
 
A summary of derivative instruments by primary risk exposure is outlined in the following tables.
 
The fair value of derivative instruments as of August 31, 2010 was as follows:
 
             
Derivatives not accounted for
       
as hedging instruments   Location on Statement of Assets and Liabilities   Fair Value
 
Asset Derivatives
           
             
Equity contracts
  Investments in securities at value*   $ 3,486,324  
Foreign exchange contracts
  Investments in securities at value*     801,781  
             
Total Asset Derivatives
      $ 4,288,105  
             
Liability Derivatives
           
             
Equity contracts
  Written options, at fair value   $ 9,039,955  
Foreign exchange contracts
  Written options, at fair value     1,700,428  
             
Total Liability Derivatives
      $ 10,740,383  
             
 
Includes purchased options
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

24


 

SUMMARY PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
ING Global Equity Dividend and
Premium Opportunity Fund
as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) (continued)
 
The effect of derivative instruments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the six months ended August 31, 2010 was as follows:
 
                         
    Amount of Realized Gain or (Loss)
    on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Derivatives not accounted for
      Written
   
as hedging instruments
  Investments*   Options   Total
 
Equity contracts
  $ (10,468,115 )   $ 540,775     $ (9,927,340 )
Foreign exchange contracts
    130,828       3,026,900       3,157,728  
                         
Total
  $ (10,337,287 )   $ 3,567,675     $ (6,769,612 )
                         
 
                         
    Change in Unrealized
    Appreciation or (Depreciation)
    on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Derivatives not accounted for
      Written
   
as hedging instruments
  Investments*   Options   Total
 
Equity contracts
  $ 1,733,983     $ 5,408,119     $ 7,142,102  
Foreign exchange contracts
    (1,340,646 )     (1,076,221 )     (2,416,867 )
                         
Total
  $ 393,337     $ 4,331,898     $ 4,725,235  
                         
 
Amounts recognized for purchased options are included in net realized gain (loss) on investments and net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.
 
Supplemental Option Information (Unaudited)
 
     
Supplemental Call Option Statistics as of August 31, 2010
   
% of Total Net Assets against which calls written
  50.86%
Average Days to Expiration at time written
  36 days
Average Call Moneyness* at time written
  OTM/ATM
Premium received for calls
  $18,317,643
Value of calls
  $(10,740,383)
     
Supplemental Put Option Statistics as of August 31, 2010
   
% of Total Net Assets against which Currency puts purchased
  41.86%
Average Days to Expiration at time purchased
  93 days
% of Total Net Assets against which Index puts purchased
  25.10%
Average Days to Expiration at time purchased
  91 days
Average Currency Put Moneyness* at time purchased
  OTM
Average Index Put Moneyness* at time purchased
  OTM
Premium Paid for puts
  $6,815,038
Value of puts
  $4,288,105
 
“Moneyness” is the term used to describe the relationship between the price of the underlying asset and the option’s exercise or strike price. For example, a call (buy) option is considered “in-the-money” when the value of the underlying asset exceeds the strike price. Conversely, a put (sell) option is considered “in-the-money” when its strike price exceeds the value of the underlying asset. Options are characterized for the purpose of Moneyness as, “in-the-money” (“ITM”), “out-of-the-money” (“OTM”) or “at-the-money” (“ATM”), where the underlying asset value equals the strike price.
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


25


 

SHAREHOLDER MEETING INFORMATION (Unaudited)
 
A special meeting of shareholders of the ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund was held June 24, 2010, at the offices of ING Funds, 7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.
 
Proposal:
 
To elect three members of the Board of Trustees to represent the interests of the holders of Common Shares of the Fund, with all three individuals to serve as Class II Trustees, for a term of three-years, and until the election and qualification of their successors.
 
                                         
            Shares
       
            Voted
       
        Shares
  Against
      Total
        Voted
  or
  Shares
  Shares
    Proposal*   For   Withheld   Abstained   Voted
 
Class II Trustees
    John V. Boyer       86,485,148.032       2,248,135.396               88,733,283.428  
      Patricia W. Chadwick       86,534,033.646       2,199,249.782               88,733,283.428  
      Sheryl K. Pressler       86,479,974.731       2,253,308.697               88,733,283.428  
Proposal Passed


26


 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
 
During the period, there were no material changes in the Fund’s investment objective or policies that were not approved by the shareholders or the Fund’s charter or by-laws or in the principal risk factors associated with investment in the Fund. Effective September 30, 2010, Edwin Cuppen was added and Frank van Etten was removed as individuals who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.
 
During the period, the Fund reduced its monthly distribution from $0.125 to $0.100 per month, commencing with the distribution paid on July 15, 2010.
 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
 
Unless the registered owner of Common Shares elects to receive cash by contacting BNY (the “Plan Agent”), all dividends declared on Common Shares of the Fund will be automatically reinvested by the Plan Agent for shareholders in additional Common Shares of the Fund through the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”). Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all dividends and other distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by the Plan Agent. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Plan Agent prior to the dividend record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other distribution. Some brokers may automatically elect to receive cash on your behalf and may re-invest that cash in additional Common Shares of the Fund for you. If you wish for all dividends declared on your Common Shares of the Fund to be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan, please contact your broker.
 
The Plan Agent will open an account for each Common Shareholder under the Plan in the same name in which such Common Shareholder’s Common Shares are registered. Whenever the Fund declares a dividend or other distribution (together, a “Dividend”) payable in cash, non-participants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in Common Shares. The Common Shares will be acquired by the Plan Agent for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional unissued but authorized Common Shares from the Fund (“Newly Issued Common Shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding Common Shares on the open market (“Open-Market Purchases”) on the NYSE or elsewhere. Open-market purchases and sales are usually made through a broker affiliated with the Plan Agent.
 
If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the closing market price plus estimated brokerage commissions per Common Share is equal to or greater than the net asset value per Common Share, the Plan Agent will invest the Dividend amount in Newly Issued Common Shares on behalf of the participants. The number of Newly Issued Common Shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the Dividend by the net asset value per Common Share on the payment date; provided that, if the net asset value is less than or equal to 95% of the closing market value on the payment date, the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the closing market price per Common Share on the payment date. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the net asset value per Common Share is greater than the closing market value plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Agent will invest the Dividend amount in Common Shares acquired on behalf of the participants in Open-Market Purchases. In the event of a market discount on the payment date for any Dividend, the Plan Agent will have until the last business day before the next date on which the Common Shares trade on an “ex-dividend” basis or 30 days after the payment date for such Dividend, whichever is sooner (the “Last Purchase Date”), to invest the Dividend amount in Common Shares acquired in Open-Market Purchases.
 
It is contemplated that the Fund will pay monthly Dividends. Therefore, the period during which Open-Market Purchases can be made will exist only from the payment date of each Dividend through the date before the next “ex-dividend” date, which typically will be approximately ten days.
 
If, before the Plan Agent has completed its Open-Market Purchases, the market price per common share exceeds the net asset value per Common Share, the average per Common Share purchase price paid by the Plan Administrator may exceed the net asset value of the Common Shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer Common Shares than if the Dividend had been paid in Newly Issued Common Shares on the Dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect to Open-Market Purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full Dividend amount in Open-Market Purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent will cease making Open-Market Purchases and will invest the un-invested portion of the Dividend


27


 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)
 
amount in Newly Issued Common Shares at the net asset value per common share at the close of business on the Last Purchase Date provided that, if the net asset value is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per Common Share, the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the payment date.
 
The Plan Agent maintains all shareholders’ accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for tax records. Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent on behalf of the Plan participant, and each shareholder proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Agent will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held under the Plan in accordance with the instructions of the participants.
 
In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees which hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.
 
There will be no brokerage charges with respect to Common Shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred in connection with Open-Market Purchases. The automatic reinvestment of Dividends will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such Dividends. Participants that request a partial or full sale of shares through the Plan Agent are subject to a $15.00 sales fee and a $0.10 per share brokerage commission on purchases or sales, and may be subject to certain other service charges.
 
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants.
 
All questions concerning the Plan should be directed to the Fund’s Shareholder Service Department at (800) 992-0180.
 
Key Financial Dates — Calendar 2010 Distributions:
 
         
Declaration Date
 
Ex-Dividend Date
 
Payable Date
 
January 15, 2010   February 1, 2010   February 16, 2010
February 16, 2010
  March 1, 2010   March 15, 2010
March 15, 2010
  April 1, 2010   April 15, 2010
April 15, 2010
  May 3, 2010   May 17, 2010
May 17, 2010
  June 1, 2010   June 15, 2010
June 15, 2010
  July 1, 2010   July 15, 2010
July 15, 2010
  August 2, 2010   August 16, 2010
August 16, 2010
  September 1, 2010   September 15, 2010
September 15, 2010
  October 1, 2010   October 15, 2010
October 15, 2010
  November 1, 2010   November 15, 2010
November 15, 2010
  December 1, 2010   December 15, 2010
December 15, 2010
  December 29, 2010   January 17, 2011
 
Record date will be two business days after each Ex-Dividend Date. These dates are subject to change.
 
Stock Data
 
The Fund’s common shares are traded on the NYSE (Symbol: IGD).
 
Repurchase of Securities by Closed-End Companies
 
In accordance with Section 23(c) of the 1940 Act, and Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act the Fund may from time to time purchase shares of beneficial interest of the Fund in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions and/or purchase shares to correct erroneous transactions.
 
Number of Shareholders
 
The approximate number of record holders of Common Stock as of August 31, 2010 was 55,566, which does not include beneficial owners of shares held in the name of brokers of other nominees.
 
Certifications
 
In accordance with Section 303A.12 (a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, the Fund’s CEO submitted the Annual CEO Certification on May 28, 2010 certifying that he was not aware, as of that date, of any violation by the Fund of the NYSE’s Corporate governance listing standards. In addition, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Fund’s principal executive and financial officers have made quarterly certifications, included in filings with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q, relating to, among other things, the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting.


28


 

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Investment Adviser
ING Investments, LLC
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Suite 100
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
 
Administrator
ING Funds Services, LLC
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Suite 100
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
 
Transfer Agent
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services
480 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07310-1900
 
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10286
 
Legal Counsel
Dechert LLP
1775 I Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
 
 
Toll-Free Shareholder Information
Call us from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time on any business day for account or other information, at (800) 992-0180
 
PRSAR-UIGD                  (0810-102210)
 
(ING FUNDS LOGO)


 

Item 2.  Code of Ethics.

Not required for semi-annual filing.

Item 3.  Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not required for semi-annual filing.

Item 4.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not required for semi-annual filing.

Item 5.  Audit Committee Of Listed Registrants.

Not required for semi-annual filing.

Item 6.  Schedule of Investments.

     
ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund   PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
as of August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
                                         
    Shares                               Value  
 
COMMON STOCK:              
 
    94.3 %                
               
Australia:
            4.1 %        
          383,034    
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.
                  $ 7,735,305  
          2,612,014    
Insurance Australia Group
                    8,033,840  
          3,032,129    
Macquarie Airports Management Ltd.
                    8,016,367  
          4,498,874    
Telstra Corp. Ltd.
                    11,049,798  
          282,853    
Wesfarmers Ltd.
                    8,065,458  
               
 
                    42,900,768  
               
 
                     
               
Canada:
            1.9 %        
          353,291    
Enerplus Resources Fund
                    8,090,364  
          326,423    
TransCanada Corp.
                    11,632,273  
               
 
                    19,722,637  
               
 
                     
               
Denmark:
            0.8 %        
          210,015    
D/S Norden
                    7,885,962  
               
 
                    7,885,962  
               
 
                     
               
Finland:
            1.5 %        
          1,880,807    
Nokia OYJ
                    16,026,437  
               
 
                    16,026,437  
               
 
                     
               
France:
            11.1 %        
          121,225    
BNP Paribas
                    7,510,058  
          283,430    
Bouygues S.A.
                    11,442,596  
          255,167    
Carrefour S.A.
                    11,528,038  
          363,845    
Gaz de France
                    11,219,915  
          245,401    
Lafarge S.A.
                    11,258,222  
          290,582    
Sanofi-Aventis
                    16,634,750  
          349,867    
Total S.A.
                    16,273,865  
          263,737    
Vinci S.A.
                    11,513,276  
          750,468    
Vivendi
                    17,411,927  
               
 
                    114,792,647  
               
 
                     
               
Germany:
            5.6 %        
          160,828    
Allianz AG
                    16,418,333  
          123,054    
Deutsche Boerse AG
                    7,492,086  
          696,871    
Deutsche Post AG
                    11,372,774  
          397,765    
E.ON AG
                    11,164,170  
          87,899    
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG
                    11,201,225  
               
 
                    57,648,588  
               
 
                     
               
Hong Kong:
            2.7 %        
          319,602    
China Mobile Ltd. ADR
                    16,401,975  
          820,682    
Hang Seng Bank Ltd.
                    11,281,949  
               
 
                    27,683,924  
               
 
                     
               
Ireland:
            1.1 %        
          762,119    
CRH PLC
                    11,692,590  
               
 
                    11,692,590  
               
 
                     
               
Italy:
            4.2 %        
          628,560    
Altantia S.p.A.
                    11,813,569  
          859,552    
Banche Popolari Unite Scpa
                    7,512,248  
          842,387    
ENI S.p.A.
                    16,643,968  
          2,697,905    
Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.
                    7,517,541  
               
 
                    43,487,326  
               
 
                     
               
Japan:
            5.9 %        
          7,132,100    
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
                    10,938,624  
          60,100    
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
                    16,661,530  
          6,771    
NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
                    11,473,625  
          371,900    
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.
                    11,036,844  
          245,900    
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
                    11,301,913  
               
 
                    61,412,536  
               
 
                     
               
Netherlands:
            2.7 %        
          622,388    
Royal Dutch Shell PLC
                    16,477,769  
          818,455    
Royal KPN NV
                    11,833,172  
               
 
                    28,310,941  
               
 
                     
               
Singapore:
            2.2 %        
          1,105,500    
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.
                    11,355,455  
          5,154,000    
Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.
                    11,743,968  
               
 
                    23,099,423  
               
 
                     
               
Spain:
            2.4 %        
          636,005    
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.
                    7,660,856  
          763,956    
Telefonica S.A.
                    16,884,851  
               
 
                    24,545,707  
               
 
                     
               
Switzerland:
            2.8 %        
          381,578    
Credit Suisse Group
                    16,687,837  
          227,045    
Novartis AG ADR
                    11,917,592  
               
 
                    28,605,429  
               
 
                     
               
Taiwan:
            1.6 %        
          1,728,941    
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR
                    16,269,335  
               
 
                    16,269,335  
               
 
                     
               
United Kingdom:
            6.2 %        
          608,730    
GlaxoSmithKline PLC
                    11,359,746  
          797,268    
HSBC Holdings PLC
                    7,808,966  
          1,413,124    
Reed Elsevier PLC
                    11,308,414  
          5,965,757    
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group
                    11,218,101  
          647,792    
Scottish & Southern Energy PLC
                    11,365,667  
          4,009,161    
Thomas Cook Group PLC
                    11,123,110  
               
 
                    64,184,004  
               
 
                     
               
United States:
            37.5 %        
          228,420    
Abbott Laboratories
                    11,270,243  
          338,650    
Altria Group, Inc.
                    7,558,668  
          409,021    
Ameren Corp.
                    11,481,219  
          322,457    
American Electric Power Co., Inc.
                    11,418,202  
          463,008    
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
                    11,505,749  
          621,706    
AT&T, Inc.
                    16,804,713  
          291,948    
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
                    11,272,112  
          432,409    
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
                    11,277,227  
          221,425    
Chevron Corp.
                    16,420,878  
          531,264    
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
                    11,469,990  
          308,925    
ConocoPhillips
                    16,196,938  
          241,052    
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
                    11,457,202  
          148,297    
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
                    7,600,221  
          285,019    
Diebold, Inc.
                    7,393,393  
          193,284    
EI Du Pont de Nemours & Co.
                    7,880,189  
          281,001    
Exelon Corp.
                    11,442,361  
          573,422    
H&R Block, Inc.
                    7,368,473  
          943,386    
Hudson City Bancorp., Inc.
                    10,872,526  
          379,724    
JC Penney Co., Inc.
                    7,594,480  
          253,060    
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
                    16,297,064  
          116,607    
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP
                    7,813,835  
          564,262    
Kraft Foods, Inc.
                    16,899,647  
          401,217    
Leggett & Platt, Inc.
                    7,691,330  
          104,217    
Lorillard, Inc.
                    7,921,534  
          156,237    
McDonald’s Corp.
                    11,414,675  
          328,855    
Merck & Co., Inc.
                    11,562,542  
          278,070    
NYSE Euronext
                    7,713,662  
          1,036,700    
Pfizer, Inc.
                    16,514,631  
          220,034    
Philip Morris International, Inc.
                    11,318,549  
          842,350    
Pitney Bowes, Inc.
                    16,206,814  
          291,477    
PPL Corp.
                    7,916,515  
          200,805    
Reynolds American, Inc.
                    10,951,905  
          314,299    
Southern Co.
                    11,531,630  
          365,145    
Spectra Energy Corp.
                    7,427,049  
          341,242    
Waste Management, Inc.
                    11,291,698  
               
 
                     
               
 
                    388,757,864  
               
 
                     
               
Total Common Stock
                       
               
( Cost $994,755,024 )
                    977,026,118  
               
 
                     
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS:   2.3 %                
               
Australia:
            0.7 %        
          690,437    
Westfield Group
                    7,717,758  
               
 
                     
               
 
                    7,717,758  
               
 
                     
               
Netherlands:
            0.8 %        
          136,639    
Corio NV
                    7,830,706  
               
 
                     
               
 
                    7,830,706  
               
 
                     
               
United Kingdom:
            0.8 %        
          838,102    
Land Securities Group PLC
                    7,824,412  
               
 
                     
               
 
                    7,824,412  
               
 
                     
               
Total Real Estate Investment Trusts
                       
               
( Cost $24,065,210 )
                    23,372,876  
               
 
                     
                                       
# of                                
Contracts   Counterparty                           Value
 
POSITIONS IN PURCHASED OPTIONS:      
0.4%
             
European Union:
            0.1 %        
4,000     Morgan Stanley   @   Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 Index, Strike Price 2,389.830 EUR, Expires 09/17/10         49,647  
3,800     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   @   Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 Index, Strike Price 2,294.160 EUR, Expires 10/15/10         112,860  
6,500     Goldman Sachs & Co.   @   Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 Index, Strike Price 2,302.890 EUR, Expires 11/19/10         418,546  
27,000,000     JPMorgan Chase & Co.   @   European Union Currency Option (EUR/USD), Strike Price 1.165, Expires 09/21/10         5,718  
26,000,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.   @   European Union Currency Option (EUR/USD), Strike Price 1.214, Expires 10/20/10         155,684  
40,000,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.   @   European Union Currency Option (EUR/USD), Strike Price 1.197, Expires 11/22/10         315,115  
             
 
                       
             
 
                    1,057,570  
             
 
                       
             
Japan:
            0.1 %        
95,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   @   Nikkei 225 Index, Strike Price 8,921.070 JPY, Expires 09/17/10         328,818  
102,000     UBS Warburg LLC   @   Nikkei 225 Index, Strike Price 8,336.700 JPY, Expires 10/15/10         247,109  
94,000     Morgan Stanley   @   Nikkei 225 Index, Strike Price 8,153.280 JPY, Expires 11/19/10         281,765  
20,500,000     JPMorgan Chase & Co.   @   Japanese Yen Currency Option (USD/JPY), Strike Price 95.800, Expires 09/21/10         119  
22,000,000     JPMorgan Chase & Co.   @   Japanese Yen Currency Option (USD/JPY), Strike Price 91.000, Expires 10/20/10         18,785  
20,500,000     Citigroup, Inc.   @   Japanese Yen Currency Option (USD/JPY), Strike Price 89.800, Expires 11/22/10         70,959  
             
 
                       
             
 
                    947,555  
             
 
                       
             
United Kingdom:
            0.0 %        
1,250     Morgan Stanley   @   FTSE 100 Index, Strike Price 4,694.898 GBP, Expires 09/17/10         19,378  
1,300     Morgan Stanley   @   FTSE 100 Index, Strike Price 4,569.260 GBP, Expires 10/15/10         76,308  
1,200     Societe Generale   @   FTSE 100 Index, Strike Price 4,580.000 GBP, Expires 11/19/10         150,958  
20,000,000     Citigroup, Inc.   @   United Kingdom Currency Option (GBP/USD), Strike Price 1.400, Expires 09/21/10         2,506  
22,500,000     Barclays Bank PLC   @   United Kingdom Currency Option (GBP/USD), Strike Price 1.430, Expires 10/20/10         53,739  
19,000,000     Citigroup, Inc.   @   United Kingdom Currency Option (GBP/USD), Strike Price 1.470, Expires 11/22/10         179,156  
             
 
                       
             
 
                    482,045  
             
 
                       
             
United States:
            0.2 %        
45,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   @   S&P 500® Index, Strike Price 991.460 USD, Expires 09/17/10         333,671  
48,000     Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC   @   S&P 500® Index, Strike Price 937.070 USD, Expires 10/15/10         521,332  
46,000     Goldman Sachs & Co.   @   S&P 500® Index, Strike Price 937.700 USD, Expires 11/19/10         945,932  
             
 
                       
             
 
                    1,800,935  
             
 
                       
             
Total Positions in Purchased Options
                       
             
(Cost $6,815,038)
                    4,288,105  
             
 
                       
             
 
                       
             
Total Long-Term Investments
                       
             
(Cost $1,025,635,272)
                    1,004,687,099  
             
 
                       
             
 
                       
             
Total Investments in Securities
                       
             
(Cost $1,025,635,272) *
    97.0 %             $1,004,687,099  
             
Other Assets and Liabilities — Net
    3.0               31,041,562  
             
 
                       
             
Net Assets
    100.0 %             $1,035,728,661  
             
 
                       
             
 
                       
          ADR  
American Depositary Receipt
                       
          @  
Non-income producing security
                       

Item 7.  Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-end Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 8.  Portfolio Managers of Closed-end Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 9.  Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-end Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

Item 10.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

The Board has a Nominating Committee for the purpose of considering and presenting to the Board candidates it proposes for nomination to fill Independent Trustee vacancies on the Board. The Committee currently consists of all Independent Trustees of the Board. (6 individuals). The Nominating Committee operates pursuant to a Charter approved by the Board. The primary purpose of the Nominating Committee is to consider and present to the Board the candidates it proposes for nomination to fill vacancies on the Board. In evaluating candidates, the Nominating Committee may consider a variety of factors, but it has not at this time set any specific minium qualifications that must be met. Specific qualifications of candidates for Board membership will be based on the needs of the Board at the time of nomination.

The Nominating Committee is willing to consider nominations received from shareholders and shall assess shareholder nominees in the same manner as it reviews its own nominees. A shareholder nominee for director should be submitted in writing to the Fund’s Secretary. Any such shareholder nomination should include at a minimum the following information as to each individual proposed for nomination as trustee: such individual’s written consent to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee (if nominated) and to serve as a trustee (if elected), and all information relating to such individual that is required to be disclosed in the solicitation of proxies for election of trustees, or is otherwise required, in each case under applicable federal securities laws, rules and regulations.

The secretary shall submit all nominations received in a timely manner to the Nominating Committee. To be timely, any such submission must be delivered to the Fund’s Secretary not earlier than the 90th day prior to such meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to such meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the meeting is first made, by either disclosure in a press release or in a document publicly filed by the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a)   Based on our evaluation conducted within 90 days of the filing date, hereof, the design and operation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to the certifying officers by others within the appropriate entities, particularly during the period in which Forms N-CSR are being prepared, and the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures allow timely preparation and review of the information for the registrant’s Form N-CSR and the officer certifications of such Form N-CSR.
 
(b)   There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal controls that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1)  The Code of Ethics is not required for the semi-annual filing.
 
(a)(2)  A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2) is attached hereto as EX-99.CERT.
 
(a)(3)  Not required for semi-annual filing.
 
(b) The officer certifications required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as EX-99.906CERT.


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant): ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund

         
By
  /s/ Shaun P. Mathews
 
Shaun P. Mathews
   
 
  President and Chief Executive Officer    
Date: November 4, 2010

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

         
By
  /s/ Shaun P. Mathews
 
Shaun P. Mathews
   
 
  President and Chief Executive Officer    
Date: November 4, 2010
         
By
  /s/ Todd Modic
 
Todd Modic
   
 
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 4, 2010