By Zacks investment Research | Zacks – Wed, Nov 23, 2011 9:54 AM EST
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Financial markets abroad have gradually acquired greater prominence and today they account for more than half of the world’s equity market cap. 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.
AllianceBernstein International Growth A (NASDAQ:AWPAX - News) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund primarily invests in equity securities issued by foreign companies from various market sectors. It usually invests in 90-130 companies located in three different countries at any given time. The international mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 13.36%.
The international mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.30% compared to a category average of 1.49%.
MainStay International Equity A (NASDAQ:MSEAX - News) 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 6.15%.
As of September 2011, this international mutual fund held 50 issues, with 4.48% of its total assets invested in Fresenius Medical Care Corporation.
Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities (NASDAQ:FSCOX - News) seeks capital appreciation. The fund primarily invests in foreign securities, including those issued from developing nations. It focuses on investing in companies whose market capitalizations do not exceed $5 billion. The international mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 17.72%.
Jed Weiss is the fund manager and he has managed this international mutual fund since 2008.
Invesco International Small Company A (NASDAQ:IEGAX - News) invests the majority of its assets in small foreign companies whose market capitalization is within the range of the Russell 2000 Index. Not more than 20% of its assets are utilized to purchase emerging market securities. The international mutual fund returned 4.31% over the last one year period.
The international mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.57% compared to a category average of 1.62%.
Oppenheimer International Growth A (NASDAQ:OIGAX - News) seeks capital growth over the long term. The fund primarily invests in foreign growth oriented companies or those firms with substantial operations abroad. A minimum of 65% of its assets are utilized to purchase common and proffered foreign stocks. The international mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 7.79%.
George Evans is the fund manager and he has managed this international mutual fund since 1996.
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.
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