Top 5 Best Performing Real Estate Mutual Funds - Best Performing Funds Year To Date

Even though real estate has been through tough times recently, securities from this sector should continue to be an integral part of portfolios with a long term horizon. Over the years, mutual funds from this category have continued to perform favorably. They offer a convenient method to invest in real estate because of low initial investment requirements and the advantage of professional management. Investors willing to hold long term positions would do well to consider these funds as they add stability and bring steady returns to a portfolio.

Below we will share with you the 5 best performing real estate mutual funds year to date. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all real estate funds, then click here.

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 34.81% over the last one year period.

John F. Robertson is the Fund Manager and he has been managing this real estate mutual fund since 2005.

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 5.36%.

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 1.45%.

American Century Real Estate (REACX) seeks current income and capital growth. The fund invests a large proportion of its assets in real estate investment trusts and companies from the sector. The fund focuses on acquiring common and preferred stock and related convertible securities. The real-estate mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 10.2%.

Steven R. Brown is the Fund Manager and he has been managing this real estate mutual fund since 2008.

Managers Real Estate Securities (MRESX) invests at least 80% of its assets in companies whose principal operations pertain to the real estate industry. Under normal circumstances the company invests in around 40 to 55 stocks. The real-estate mutual fund has a five year annualized return of 4.69%.

As of June 2011, this real estate mutual fund held 49 issues, with 7.54% of its total assets invested in Simon Property Group, Inc.

Oppenheimer Real Estate A (OREAX) seeks total return. The fund invests heavily in common stocks and other equity securities of real estate firms. The fund focuses on investing in real estate investment trusts, but may also invest in operating companies and other related securities. The real estate mutual fund returned 34.47% over the last one year period.

The real estate mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.49% compared to a category average of 1.45%.

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.