Top 5 Real Estate Mutual Funds - Best of Funds

Mutual funds are probably the most cost effective route for those looking to invest in the real estate sector. Funds from this category also offer significant protection against inflationary pressures. The real estate sector has seen tough times recently but the presence of these investments generally adds stability to a portfolio. This is because the volatility in property prices is far less compared to the kind experienced by stocks. Adding such funds to a widely diversified portfolio would increase returns while reducing the associated risk significantly.

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

Principal Real Estate Securities R2 (PRENX) invests heavily in equity securities of real estate companies. The fund also invests in real estate investment trusts and companies with significant real estate assets, such as paper, lumber hotel and entertainment firms. The real-estate mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 11.37%.

Kelly D. Rush is the fund manager and he has managed this real estate mutual fund since 2000.

John Hancock Real Estate Securities (JIREX) seeks total return. A large proportion of the fund's assets are used to purchase equity securities issued by real estate investment trusts and companies. Not more than 10% of its assets may be invested in foreign firms. The real estate mutual fund returned 31.73% over the last one year period.

The real estate mutual fund has an expense ratio of 0.80% compared to a category average of 1.46%.

Cohen & Steers Realty Shares (CSRSX) invests the majority of its assets in equity securities of real estate companies. It invests in common and preferred stock, convertible securities and shares of real estate investment trusts. The real-estate mutual fund has a five year annualized return of 4.67%.

As of March 2011, this real estate mutual fund held 58 issues, with 9.40% of its total assets invested in Simon Property Group, Inc.

CGM Realty (CGMRX) seeks capital growth over the long term and current income. It primarily invests in companies in the real estate sector. Up to 20% of its assets may be used to purchase securities issued by firms not belonging to the real estate sector. The real-estate mutual fund returned 35.82% over the last one year period.

G. Kenneth Heebner is the Fund Manager and he has been managing this real estate mutual fund since 1994.

DWS RREEF Real Estate Securities A (RRRAX) invests the majority of its assets in real estate investment trusts and companies. It focuses on acquiring common stock, but may also purchase preferred or convertible stocks. The real-estate mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 2.64%.

The real estate mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.06% compared to a category average of 1.46%.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all real estate 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.