Top 5 Zacks #1 Ranked Global Mutual Funds - Best of Funds

The fortunes of U.S. equity markets continue to be a key determinant of the health of the global economy. However, their dominance has receded significantly over the years and a world of exciting opportunities has emerged in global markets. Moreover, research has shown that a portfolio with a combination of domestic and foreign securities produces greater returns over the long term. Global funds allow investors to hold an optimum combination of international and domestic investments without incurring the costs of holding such securities individually.

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, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

Henderson Global Leaders A (HFPAX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund focuses on investing in equity securities issues by domestic and foreign companies. It may also purchase fixed income securities, primarily those rated investment grade including convertible bonds. It may consider investing in emerging markets. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 19.47% .

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.87% compared to a category average of 1.44%.

ING Global Equity Dividend A (IAGEX) invests in a wide range of equity securities issued by companies which pay regular dividends. A minimum of 65% of its assets are utilized to purchase securities issued from different countries, one of which may be the U.S. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 18.72%.

As of December 2011, this global mutual fund held 118 issues, with 1.59% of its total assets invested in Exxon Mobil Corporation.

MFS Global Growth A (MWOFX) seeks capital growth. The fund invests in both domestic and foreign securities, as well as emerging market securities. The fund may invest a substantial part of its assets in a relatively small number of countries. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 21.94%.

David A. Antonelli is the fund manager and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2010.

Aberdeen Global Small Cap A (WVCCX) utilizes a large share of its assets to purchase equity securities of small companies worldwide. These companies must have market capitalizations comparable to those firms which make up the Russell 2000 Index at the time of purchase. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 29.5%.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.56% compared to a category average of 1.44%.

Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap A (NWGAX) seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests 40% to 75% of its assets in foreign equity securities. Not more than 35% of its assets are invested in a single foreign nation. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 20.51%.

Andrew J Thelen is the fund manager and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2012.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all global mutual funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

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.