Top 5 International Mutual Funds - Best of Funds

International equity markets have gradually acquired greater prominence and account for more than half of the world's market capitalization. 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.

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 3.96%.

F. Chace Brundige is the fund manager and has managed this international mutual fund since 2009.

First Investors International A (FIINX) seeks capital growth. The fund focuses on acquiring common stocks and other equity securities issued by foreign companies. It primarily invests in large and mid-cap firms, but may also consider smaller companies. The international mutual fund returned 21.04% in the last one year period.

As of June 2011, this international fund held 55 issues, with 5.75% of its total assets invested in British American Tobacco PLC.

Calamos International Growth A (CIGRX) invests a large portion of its assets in foreign securities. The fund seeks out companies with strong growth potential and usually invests in larger companies. The international mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 5.86%.

The international fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.67% compared to a category average of 1.49%.

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 9.91% in the last one year period.

The Fund Manager is Alberto Jimenez Crespo and he has managed this international mutual fund since 2009.

Columbia International Value A (NIVLX) invests at least 655 of its assets in companies outside the U.S. with a market capitalization of more than $1 billion. Under normal circumstances, it invests in at least three countries other than the U.S. Up to 20% of its assets may be invested in emerging markets. The international fund has a ten year annualized return of 6.28%.

The international fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,000 and an expense ratio of 1.48% compared to a category average of 1.41%.

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.