Top 5 Pioneer Mutual Funds - Best of Fund Family

Founded in 1928, Pioneer Investments has been one of the key proponents of the US mutual fund industry. The company's flagship offering, the Pioneer fund is the third oldest mutual fund in the country. With over $185 billion of assets under management, the company has a global presence across 29 countries. Apart from mutual funds, it offers a wide range of investment solutions, to both individual and institutional investors. Quantitative and fundamental research is the bedrock of Pioneer's portfolio construction process which is overseen by a team of around 370 investment professionals.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated Pioneer 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 Pioneer funds, then click here.

Pioneer Value A (PIOTX) seeks both current income and capital appreciation. The fund purchases a wide range of attractively priced securities, focusing on equity instruments. Not more than 25% of its assets may be invested in foreign securities. The fund has returned 10% over the last one year period.

John Rodman Peckham is the fund manager and has managed this Pioneer mutual fund since 2010.

Pioneer Bond A (PIOBX) invests the majority of its assets in government debt; corporate securities rated investment grade and cash equivalents. The fund may invest heavily in asset-backed and mortgage related securities. The fund has a three year annualized return of 7.2%.

The Pioneer mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 0.85% compared to a category average of 0.94%.

Pioneer Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth A (ORIGX) seeks long-term capital growth. It invests at least 80% of its assets in small-cap companies. It primarily invests in equity securities such as common stocks and convertible securities. Up to 20% of its assets may be used to purchase foreign securities. The fund returned 28.92% in the last one year period.

David M. Klaskin is the fund manager has managed this Pioneer mutual fund since 1994.

Pioneer Classic Balanced A (AOBLX) invests 35% to 60% of its assets in equity and debt securities. Not more than 25% of its assets are used to purchase foreign securities. Up to 5% of its assets may be invested in securities issued from emerging markets. The fund has a five year annualized return of 4.54%.

As of December 2010, this Pioneer mutual fund held 401 issues, with 2.41% of its total assets invested in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. ADR.

Pioneer Strategic Income A (PSRAX) seeks current income. The fund invests a large portion of its assets in debt securities. It focuses on acquiring debt securities issued by the U.S. government and related agencies, domestic and foreign corporate debt and asset backed securities. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 8.13%.

The Pioneer mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.10% compared to a category average of 1.13%.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Pioneer 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.