Top 5 International Mutual Funds - Best of Funds

Financial markets abroad have gradually acquired greater prominence and today they account for more than half of the world's equity market cap. Investors are now aware of this fact and over time a clear preference for international funds has emerged. Emerging market funds are of particular interest because of the untapped potential of these countries as well as their growth performance. International mutual funds are the best way to explore these markets since they have the advantages of expert management, diversification and a disciplined approach.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated foreign mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect these mutual funds to outperform their peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all foreign funds, then click here.

Ivy International Growth A (IVINX) invests a large share of its assets in common stocks of companies located outside the U.S. It selects firms for investment on the basis of their potential for long term growth and focuses on companies from developed countries. The international mutual fund has a five year annualized return of 4.32%.

The international mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.61% compared to a category average of 1.55%.

Sentinel International Equity A (SWRLX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund invests the majority of its assets in equity securities from foreign countries. Under normal circumstances it invests on at least 10 countries at any given point in time. The international mutual fund returned 7.35% in the last one year period.

Katherine Schapiro is the fund manager and has managed this foreign mutual fund since 2005.

Wasatch International Growth (WAIGX) invests a large share of its assets in securities issued by companies located in emerging markets. It invests in a minimum of five countries included in the MSCI AC World Ex-U.S.A. Small Cap index. The foreign mutual fund returned 31.84% in the last one year and has a five year annualized return of 7.38%.

As of September 2010, this foreign mutual fund held 111 issues, with 4.47% of its total assets invested in State Street/Ficc Repo.

Laudus International MarketMasters (SWOIX) seeks capital growth over the long term. It invests a large proportion of its assets in equity securities of companies located outside the US. The fund invests in companies regardless of their market capitalization. The foreign mutual fund returned 15.49% in the last one year period.

The foreign mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $100 and an expense ratio of 1.62% compared to a category average of 1.55%.

Bernstein Emerging Markets (SNEMX) invests at least 80% of its assets in companies located in emerging markets. It invests in emerging markets value stocks and growth stocks with equal emphasis. The foreign mutual fund returned 13.77% in the last one year and has a ten year annualized return of 17.55%.

Seth J. Masters is the fund manager and has managed this foreign mutual fund since 1995.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all foreign mutual funds, then click here.

About Zacks Mutual Fund Rank

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward. Learn more about the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank at http://www.zacks.com/funds/mutualfund/