Top 5 Diversified Bond Mutual Funds - Best of Funds

Diversified bond funds offer investors a convenient and affordable method of creating a well-diversified portfolio of bonds from different categories. The cost of putting together a portfolio of bonds through individual purchases would be significantly than using the fund-route. Subsequently, the associated risk also undergoes a decline since volatility in a specific sector has only a partial effect on the fund's fortunes. The opportunity to reinvest the income generated and a relatively higher level of liquidity also make them secure and attractive investments.

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

MainStay Diversified Income A (MASAX) seeks current income and substantial overall return. At least 65% of its assets are invested in domestic and foreign debt or related securities. It may also utilize up to 30% of its assets to purchase common and preferred stock, rights and warrants. The diversified bond mutual fund returned 11.85% in the last one year period.

The diversified bond mutual fund has an expense ratio of 1.18% compared to a category average of 1.14%.

Fidelity Strategic Income (FSICX) invests heavily in debt securities, including those rated relatively lower. High yield debt, U.S government securities and corporate securities constitute the fund's major investments. The diversified bond mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 9.19%.

As of December 2010, this diversified bond mutual fund held 1223 issues, with 2.80% of its total assets invested in Fidelity Revere Str Tr.

Putnam Diversified Income A (PDINX) seeks current income and preservation of capital. The fund invests 15% to 65% of its assets in government securities and domestic and foreign corporate bonds. The fund primarily purchases corporate bonds rated investment grade. The diversified bond fund has a ten year annualized return of 6.78%.

D. William Kohli is the fund manager and has managed this diversified bond mutual fund since 1994.

Pioneer Strategic Income A (PSRAX) 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 diversified bond mutual fund returned 11.91% in the last one year period.

The diversified bond mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.10% compared to a category average of 1.14%.

Federated Strategic Income A (STIAX) seeks high current income. The fund invests in three major categories of fixed-income securities. These include domestic securities rated below investment grade as well as those rated higher and foreign securities. Not more than 50% of its assets may be invested in any single category. The diversified bond mutual fund has a five year annualized return of 7.62%.

Joseph M. Balestrino is the fund manager and has managed this diversified bond mutual fund since 1996.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all diversified bond 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.

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