Top 5 Precious Metals Mutual Funds - Best of Funds

Diversification is one of the major benefits precious metals provide to a portfolio. This is because their value tends to appreciate when the dollar is in the doldrums and also when stocks are facing choppy weather. Mutual funds focusing on precious metals are a cost effective method of investing in these commodities. They also save investors the inconvenience of having to individually study companies from the sector. This is why mutual funds are the easiest and safest way to invest in precious metals.

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

Van Eck International Investors Gold A (INIVX) invests the majority of its assets in companies whose primary operations consist of activities related to gold. The fund also invests in financial instruments backed by gold. The precious metals mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 21.8%.

The precious metals mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.25% compared to a category average of 1.41%.

OCM Gold (OCMGX) seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests in domestic and foreign companies in the gold mining industry. It focuses on purchasing common stocks of gold producers. The precious metals fund has a five year annualized return of 13.67%.

Joseph M. Foster is the fund manager and he has managed this precious metals mutual fund since 1988.

Midas (MIDSX) invests at least 65% of its assets are invested in companies involved in the mining, processing and distribution of precious metals. Up to 35% of its assets may be invested in companies deriving a share of its revenues from the precious metals sector. This precious metals fund returned 28.09% in the last one year period.

As of April 2011, this precious metals mutual fund held 34 issues, with 6.92% of its total assets invested in Avocet Mining PLC.

US Global Investors World Precious Minerals (UNWPX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund invests the majority of its assets in companies primarily involved with exploration, mining or processing of gold and other precious metals. It looks to invest in companies with economic linkages with at least three foreign countries. The precious metals fund has a ten year annualized return of 28.1%.

The precious metals mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $5,000 and an expense ratio of 1.81% compared to a category average of 1.41%.

Fidelity Select Gold (FSAGX) invests the majority of its assets in companies whose principal operations are related to gold, and in gold bullion and coins. Up to 25% of the fund's assets may be invested in gold and other precious metals through a wholly-owned subsidiary. It is non-diversified and a no load fund.

This precious metals mutual fund returned 27.52% in the last one year period.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all precious metals 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/