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 mutual funds has emerged. Emerging market mutual 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 international 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 international funds, then click here.

Sextant International (SSIFX) invests a large share of its assets in several countries, with an emphasis on developed markets. It invests across sectors and uses a value based approach to select its investments. The international fund has a five year annualized return of 6.87%.

Nicholas Kaiser is the fund manager and has managed this international fund since 1995.

Nuveen Tradewinds International Value A (NAIGX) seeks long term capital growth. The fund primarily invests in foreign securities denominated in dollars or local currencies. Up to 25% of its assets may be used to purchase securities issued from emerging markets. The international fund returned 18.54% in the last one year period and has a ten year annualized return of 7.86%.

The international fund has a minimum initial investment of $3,000 and an expense ratio of 1.54% compared to a category average of 1.42%.

Dreyfus International Equity A (DIEAX) invests a large proportion of its assets in equity securities of companies located outside the U.S. These stocks must be part of the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East (EAFE) Index and Canada. The international mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 6.13%.

As of June 2011, this international mutual fund held 89 issues, with 3.44% of its total assets invested in Royal Dutch Shell PLC B.

AllianceBernstein International Growth A (AWPAX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund primarily invests in equity securities issued by foreign companies from various market sectors. It usually invests in 90-130 companies located in three different countries at any given time. The international fund returned 38.03% in the last one year period.

The Fund Manager is Christopher Toub and he has managed this international fund since 2005.

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 4.04%.

The international fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.62% compared to a category average of 1.50%.

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