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.

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 global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.44% compared to a category average of 1.46%.

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 17.09% in the last one year period.

As of September 2011, this global mutual fund held 46 issues, with 4.70% of its total assets invested in MasterCard Incorporated A.

Aberdeen Global Small Cap A (WVCCX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund utilizes a large share of its assets to purchase equity securities of small companies worldwide. A minimum of 30% of its assets are invested in foreign companies. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 4.05%.

The fund manager is Stephen Docherty and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2009.

Tweedy, Browne Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value (TBHDX) invests the majority of its assets in domestic and foreign equity securities. A minimum of 40%of the fund's assets are utilized to acquire foreign securities. The global mutual fund returned 15.81% in the last one year period.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.37% compared to a category average of 1.46%.

Virtus Global Opportunities A (NWWOX) invests the majority of its assets in companies from across the globe, including domestic firms and those located in emerging markets. The fund seeks to invest in high quality global firms exhibiting superior financial performance over a considerable time period. The global mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 3.33%.

The fund manager is Matthew Benkendorf 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.