Ariel Investments, an investment management company, released its “Ariel Focus Fund” third-quarter investor letter.  A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. US equities increased significantly in the third quarter, driven by the Federal Reserve’s first rate cut, strong corporate earnings growth, and broadening market participation. In this environment, the fund increased by 20.76%, outperforming the 5.33% gain for the Russell 1000 Value Index and the 8.12% return for the S&P 500 Index. In addition, ple ...