Top 5 International Mutual Funds - Best of Funds

Adding a small amount of international flavor to a portfolio could go a long way towards increase returns without significantly raising the associated risk. Mutual funds focusing on foreign markets diversify their portfolios by investing in both mature and developing markets. Emerging markets are of special interest since they provide appreciably higher growth than developed countries. Mutual funds are the optimal route for investors to chart international waters since they provide access to a diversified, professionally managed portfolio at a low cost.

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.

American Century International Discovery (TWEGX) invests a large share of its assets in equity securities of small and mid-cap firms located in foreign nations. It invests in companies from mature economies as well as emerging markets. The international mutual fund has a five year annualized return of 3.86%.

Brian Brady is the fund manager and has managed this international mutual fund since 1994.

Oppenheimer International Small Company A (OSMAX) seeks long term capital growth. The fund primarily in companies located outside the U.S. or having primary operations in other countries. At least 80% of its assets are invested in small-cap companies. The international mutual fund returned 26.74% in the last one year and has a three year annualized return of 10.19%.

The international mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.28% compared to a category average of 1.62%.

Wasatch International Growth (WAIGX) invests the majority of its assets in securities issued by companies located in emerging markets. It invests in a minimum of five countries included in the MSCI AC World Ex-U.S.A. Small Cap index. The international mutual fund returned 28.79% in the last one year period.

As of June 2011, this international mutual fund held 87 issues, with 2.57% of its total assets invested in Rotork PLC.

MainStay International Equity A (MSEAX) seeks long-term capital appreciation. The fund invests a large proportion of its assets in equity securities of companies with international operations. The fund invests in a minimum of five countries, including emerging markets and mature economies. The international mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 6.63%.

The Fund Manager is Edward Ramos and he has managed this international mutual fund since 2011.

Waddell & Reed International Growth A (UNCGX) primarily invests in foreign firms that have growing market share, an advantageous competitive position and the ability to deliver long term growth. The fund focuses on investing in mature markets, but may also invest in emerging economies. The international mutual fund returned 25.25% in the last one year period.

The international mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.52% compared to a category average of 1.49%.

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.