Top 5 Global Mutual Funds - Best of Funds

The key benefit that global mutual funds provide is diversification since they invest in overseas markets while also holding domestic equities. Thus, they make good additions to a portfolio weighted in favor of domestic investments. The tepid economic climate in mature markets such as Europe and the US has led global fund managers to look for better opportunities in emerging markets which may also imply dealing with greater volatility However, it has been observed over the years that a judicious combination of foreign and domestic investments generate better returns at lower levels of risk.

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

American Century Global Growth (TWGGX) invests the majority of its assets in companies from across the globe, including domestic firms. The fund holds a wide range of securities issued by companies which are continuously growing their earnings and revenues at a rapid pace. The global mutual fund returned 18.6% in the last one year period.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.16% compared to a category average of 1.46%.

Fidelity Advisor Global Capital Appreciation A (FGEAX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund utilizes a large share of its assets to purchaser equity securities, focusing on acquiring common stocks. These securities may be issued by companies across nations and geographic regions. The global mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 2.59%.

The fund manager is Tom Allen and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2010.

Artisan Global Value Investor (ARTGX) invests the majority of its assets in domestic and foreign equity securities. The fund seeks to acquire securities which are attractively priced compared to their underlying value. The global mutual fund returned 17.04% in the last one year period.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.50% compared to a category average of 1.46%.

Oppenheimer Global Opportunities A (OPGIX) seeks capital growth as well as current income. The fund invests in a wide range of equity securities worldwide. The fund focuses on acquiring stocks, but may also purchase debt securities. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 8.9%.

As of July 2011, this global mutual fund held 101 issues, with 5.15% of its total assets invested in Nektar Therapeutics, Inc.

Ivy Cundill Global Value A (ICDAX) purchases both domestic and foreign equity securities, including those issued from emerging markets. Not more than 20% of its assets are invested in debt securities issued by companies which have filed for bankruptcy or are likely to do so shortly. The global mutual fund returned 7.85% over the last one year period.

The fund manager is James Thompson and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2009.

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