The Hartford’s Dr. Robert Froehlich Urges Investors to Go Global in 2010

Gain insight into which areas may outperform and the most compelling investment themes for 2010 as the global economic recovery unfolds.

Today, Dr. Bob Froehlich, senior managing director of The Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE: HIG), unveils the top 10 investment themes he believes will drive the markets in 2010. More details on Dr. Bob’s top ten investment themes for 2010 as well as asset allocation recommendations can be found in a special section on HartfordInvestor.com.

"We are at an important point in the global economic recovery,” Froehlich said. "With markets in the U.S. and around the world up substantially, many believe the recovery may have run its course. In fact, the recovery is still unfolding and should create compelling investment opportunities in the coming year for those who know where to look.”

Dr. Bob’s top ten investment themes and opportunities are as follows…

• #10 It’s Y2K, the Sequel – opportunity in the technology sector
• #9 Big, Better, Best…Forget the Rest – investigate large cap stocks
• #8 Pay Me Now, Pay Me Later – opportunities in dividend-paying stocks
• #7 Fill ‘Er Up – opportunity in the energy sector
• #6 Money Makes The World Go Round – opportunities in financial services stocks
• #5 Up, Up & Away – investigate inflation hedges
• #4 Value is Never Out of Style – value should outperform growth
• #3 Health & Wealth – opportunity in the healthcare sector
• #2 Fuel for Global Growth – investigate commodity investments
• #1 Pack Your Bags for the Global Village – the benefits of global diversification

Dr. Bob’s "Top 10” are presented as market observations but, even more important, are translated into specific strategies individuals can follow to put the themes to work in their own portfolio. Froehlich cautions, "These investment themes and asset allocation recommendations may not be right for everyone, and should merely serve as guideposts. The arguments I set forth should be one of the many viewpoints investors consider when working with a qualified financial professional to develop a long-term investment strategy.” Froehlich will revisit his top ten throughout 2010 to gauge how the market is performing relative to his expectations. And he will do a report card at mid-year and year-end to assess how these themes play out in the coming year.

About Dr. Bob

Highly regarded as an investment expert, Dr. Bob Froehlich has delivered speeches on investing in 107 different countries, as well as all 50 United States. His primary areas of expertise include U.S. and global economics, global currency and financial markets, public policy and politics and U.S. and global demographic trends. In his high profile career, he has built a strong following in the mutual fund industry and has been a regular on financial programs such as CNBC, Fox News, Bloomberg TV and CNN. He has been often quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Barron’s. Having started his Wall Street career as an investment analyst, he is also a prolific researcher, writer and best-selling author, having written four books on investing.

About The Hartford Mutual Funds

The Hartford Mutual Funds, established in 1996, is one of the fastest growing mutual fund families. The mutual funds offer a wide array of both broad-mandate and style-focused equity and fixed-income investment options. The Hartford Mutual Funds draw on the investment strength, experience and expertise of Wellington Management, LLP, and Hartford Investment Management Co. These two organizations bring their decades of market experience, in-house investment capabilities, rigorous research and time-tested investment process to bear in managing the funds to help The Hartford Mutual Fund investors meet their long-term financial goals. Total retail mutual fund assets under management were $40.1 billion as of September 30, 2009. For more information on The Hartford Mutual Funds, including current holdings, you can visit www.hartfordmutualfunds.com.

About The Hartford

Celebrating nearly 200 years, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world’s most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

HIG-L

The views expressed here are those of Dr. Bob Froehlich. Dr. Bob Froehlich’s views are not necessarily those of The Hartford and should not be construed as investment advice. They are subject to change. All economic and performance information is historical and does not indicate future results.

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

You should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of The Hartford Mutual Funds before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus which can be obtained by calling 888-843-7824 or by visiting www.hartfordmutualfunds.com. You should read it carefully before you invest or send money.

The Hartford Mutual Funds are underwritten and distributed by Hartford Investment Financial Services, LLC and Hartford Securities Distribution Company, Inc.

"The Hartford” is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the issuing companies of Hartford Life Insurance Company and Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6135525&lang=en