Today we are featuring top-performing "Asset Allocation" balanced mutual funds, which primarily seek total return and use an optimization model to choose the best way to distribute assets among various classes.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of theZacks #1 Rank Asset Allocation Balanced Funds.

3 Solid Samples

Hartford Balanced Income A A (HBLAX) seeks current income and long-term growth of capital consistent with reasonable risk. It was incepted in February 2001.

The fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing approximately 60% of its assets in stocks and other equity securities and approximately 40% in bonds and other debt securities rated at least Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P or of comparable quality. While the allocation between equity and debt securities may vary, the fund will always invest at least 25% of its assets in debt securities. The fund ordinarily invests in equity securities of large companies having attractive valuations or the potential for future earnings growth.

The fund has an expense ratio of 1.25. As of July 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 86%.

Lucius T. Hill, III has been lead manager of the fund since July 2006. Hill, III, has been with Wellington Management since 1993 and is a senior vice president with the firm.

Permanent Portfolio Fund (PRPFX) seeks to preserve and increase the purchasing power value of its shares over the long term. It was incepted in December 1982.

The funds invest a fixed target percentage of its net assets in gold, silver, Swiss franc assets, stocks of U.S. and foreign real estate and natural resource companies, aggressive growth stocks and dollar assets such as U.S. Treasury bills and bonds. The fund may invest in shares of companies of small or mid-capitalization companies.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $1,000 to enter this Zacks #1 Rank ("Strong Buy") fund. The fund has an expense ratio of 0.84%.

Michael J. Cuggino has been lead manager of the fund since May 2003. Robertson is a vice president of T. Rowe Price Group and has been with the firm since 2002. Cuggino has been with the fund since its founding in 2002 and has held the positions of President and CEO.

Eaton Vance Emerging Mkts Loc Inc A (EEIAX) seeks total return. The fund is non-diversified and was incepted in August 2007.

The fund invests at least 80% of total net assets in securities denominated in currencies of emerging market countries, fixed income instruments issued by emerging market entities or sovereigns, and derivative instruments, denominated in or based on the currencies, interest rates, or issues of, emerging market countries.

The fund has an expense ratio of 1.25%. As of April 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 38%.

Mark S. Venezia has been lead manager of the fund since June 2007. Venezia has been with Eaton Vance Management since 1984 and is a vice president with the firm.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

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.

Today we are featuring top-performing “Growth" equity mutual funds, which primarily invest in equity securities of companies in search of long-term growth.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Growth Equity Funds.

3 Burgeoning Picks

Barrett Growth Fund A (BGRWX) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and to maximize after tax returns. It was incepted in October 2002.

The fund invests in common stocks of high quality companies that it believes have superior growth potential and stocks that can be purchased at reasonable prices. The fund generally undertakes a 'buy and hold' investment strategy in order to reduce turnover and maximize after-tax returns.

The fund has an expense ratio of 1.25%. It distributes dividends and capital gains, if any, annually.

Robert J. Milnamow has been lead manager of the fund since January 2004. Milnamow has been with Barrett Associates since 2003 and is a managing director with the firm.

Reynolds Blue Chip Growth Fund (RBCGX) was incepted in August 1988. It seeks long-term capital appreciation and, to a lesser extent current income.

The fund invests in common stocks of United States companies. Under normal market conditions, the fund primarily invests in common stocks of 'blue chip' companies. In seeking to achieve its secondary objective of current income, the fund invests in dividend-paying common stocks.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $1,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) fund. As of June 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 516%.

Frederick L. Reynolds has been lead manager of the fund since August 1988. Previously, Reynolds spent 14 years as a general partner with Robertson, Coleman and Siebel/Montgomery Securities.

Jamestown Equity Fund (JAMEX) seeks long term growth of capital. It was incepted in December 1992.

The fund invests primarily in common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks and convertible bonds. Equity investments are made using fundamental analysis, proprietary models and qualitative, judgmental evaluation as selection criteria. The fund seeks financially strong, relatively large companies, which offer above average earnings and relatively modest valuations.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $5,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.10%.

Charles M. Caravati, III has been lead manager of the fund since December 1992. Caravati joined Lowe, Brockenbrough & Company, Inc in 1992 and is a vice president with the firm.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

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.

Today we are featuring top-performing "Corporate High Yield" fixed income mutual funds, which primarily seek high current income through investment in lower-rated corporate bonds.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Corporate High Yield Fixed Income Funds.

3 Solid Samples

Transamerica High Yield Bond A (IHIYX) seeks high level of current income. It was incepted in June 1985.

The fund invests at least 80% of fund assets in a diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities including investment grade bonds and high-yield/high risk bonds. It may invest some or all of its assets in short-term U.S. government, obligations.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $1,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank ("Strong Buy") fund. As of April 2009, its portfolio turnover was 36%.

Bradley J. Beman has been lead manager of the fund since August 1998. Beman has been with AEGON since 1988 and is director of public fixed income.

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture A (LBNDX) was incepted in April 1971. The fund's objective is to provide investors with high current income and the opportunity for capital appreciation to produce a high total return.

The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets plus the amount of any borrowings in fixed income securities of various types, 20% of fund asset is any combination of investments grade securities, U.S. government securities and cash equivalents.

The fund offers dividends monthly and capital gains annually. As of June 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 44.20%.

Christopher J. Towle has been Lead Manager of the fund since 30-Dec-93. Towle is a Chartered Financial Analyst and has been with Lord Abbett since 1987.

Fidelity Capital & Income (FAGIX) seeks to provide income and capital growth. It was incepted in November 1977.

The fund invests mainly in equity and debt securities, including defaulted securities, with an emphasis on lower-quality debt securities. It may invest in companies in troubled or uncertain financial condition and in domestic and foreign issuers.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $2,500 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank ("Strong Buy") fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.74%.

Mark Notkin has been lead manager of the fund since 21-Jul-03. Notkin joined Fidelity in 1994 and is a vice president and co-manager with the firm.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

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.

Today we are featuring top-performing "European" equity mutual funds, which primarily invest in equity securities of companies based in Europe.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of Zacks #1 Rank European Equity Funds.

3 Solid Samples

ING European Real Estate Fund A (IAERX) seeks to provide investors with high total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current income. It was incepted in November 2007.

The fund normally invests at least 80% of net assets in a portfolio of equity securities of real estate companies located in Europe. The fund may invest in convertible securities, initial public offering and depositary receipts.

The fund has an expense ratio of 1.75%. As of July 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 166%.

Steven D. Burton has been lead manager of the fund since November 2007. Burton is a managing director at ING and has 24 years investment experience.

T. Rowe Price European Stock (PRESX) seeks long-term growth of capital through investments primarily in the common stocks of companies in the emerging market countries of Europe and the Mediterranean region. It was incepted in August 2000.

The fund invests in stocks of companies in emerging European and Mediterranean economies, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the former Soviet Union. It may purchase the stocks of companies of any size, but focuses primarily on large and medium-sized companies in these regions.

The fund has an expense ratio of 1.94%. As of April 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 51.8%.

S. Leigh Robertson has been lead manager of the fund since September 2007. Robertson is a vice president of T. Rowe Price Group and has been with the firm since 2002.

DFA Continental Small Company (DFCSX) seeks long-term capital appreciation. It was incepted in April 1988.

The fund pursues its objective by investing in a broad range of readily marketable stocks of small companies that are traded principally in the securities markets of certain European countries. As a non-fundamental policy the fund invests most of its net assets in securities companies located in continental Europe

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $100,000 to enter this Zacks #1 Rank ("Strong Buy") fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.15%.

Karen E. Umland has been Lead Manager of the fund since 31-Dec-98. Umland has been with Dimensional since 1993 and is a vice president with the firm.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

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.

Today we are featuring top-performing “Pacific" equity mutual funds , which primarily invest in equity securities of companies based in the Pacific Basin.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Pacific Equity Funds.

3 Solid Picks

Fidelity Advisor Emerging Asia A (FEAAX) seeks long term capital appreciation by investing the majority of its assets in securities of Asian emerging market issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Asian Emerging Markets. It was incepted in March 1994.

The fund normally invests in common stocks. The fund allocates investments across countries considering the size of the market in each country relative to the size of the markets in Asian countries with emerging markets as a whole.

Samsung Electronics, Fidelity Cash Cent Fund and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing are among the fund’s key holdings. As of April 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 126%.

Kevin Chang has been lead manager of the fund since 21-Sep-04. Chang has been with Fidelity Investments in 1995 and is manager of Advisor Emerging Asia fund.

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund (MAPTX) seeks long-term capital appreciation. It was incepted in September 1994.

The fund invests at least 80% of its assets in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in the Pacific Tiger countries. It has an expense ratio of 1.19%.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $2,500 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) fund. The fund pays dividends and capital gains annually.

Richard H. Gao has been lead manager of the fund since January 2006. Gao is a Portfolio Manager with Matthews and joined the firm in 1997.

DFA Asia Pacific Small Company (DFRSX) was incepted in January 1993. It seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

The fund pursues its objective by investing in a broad range of readily marketable stocks of small companies that are traded principally in the securities markets of the Pacific Rim. The fund invests in companies in Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Rim Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong.

The fund has an expense ratio of 0.21%. It distributes dividends and capital gains every December. Karen E. Umland has been lead manager of the fund since December 1998. She has been with Dimensional since 1993 and is a portfolio manager and vice president at the firm.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

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.

Today we are featuring top-performing “Health" equity mutual funds , which primarily invest in equity securities of healthcare and related companies.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Health Equity Funds.

3 Healthy Picks

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences A (ETHSX) long-term capital growth by investing in a global and diversified portfolio of health sciences companies. It was incepted in July 1985.

The fund pursues its objective by investing in worldwide health sciences portfolio. The fund invests primarily in common stocks of companies engaged in the development, production or distribution of products related to scientific advances in health care and companies with a broad range of market capitalization's, including small companies.

The fund has an expense ratio of 2.06% and a portfolio turnover of 48% as May 2009. The fund offers dividends and capital gains annually.

Samuel D. Isaly has been lead manager of the fund since 26-Jul-85. Before joining OrbiMed Advisors Isaly was president and partner with Mehta and Isaly Asset Management.

Evergreen Health Care Fund A (EHABX) seeks long-term capital growth. The fund was incepted in December 1999.

The fund invests primarily in equity securities of healthcare companies. The fund is suitable for those investors who seek long-term growth of capital and a fund with the potential for higher return while being able to tolerate substantial volatility over time.

The fund offers dividends and capital gains, if any, annually. It has an expense ratio of 1.84%.

Robert C. Junkin has been lead manager of the fund since March2007. Before joining Evergreen in 2007, Junkin served as a vice president and portfolio manager with MFC Global Investment Management.

Rydex Biotechnology Inv (RYOIX) was incepted in April 1998. The fund seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the biotechnology industry, including companies involved in research and development, genetic or other biological engineering, and in the design, manufacture, or sale of related biotechnology products or services.

The fund invests substantially all of its assets in equity securities of biotechnology companies that are traded in the United States. The fund may also engage in futures and options transactions, purchase ADRs and U.S. government securities, and enter into repurchase agreements.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $1,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) fund. As of June 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 370%.

Michael P. Byrum has been Lead Manager of the fund since 01-Apr-98. Byrum is a Charted Financial Analyst and is president and CIO of Rydex Investments.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our new mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

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.

Today we are featuring top-performing “Convertible" fixed income mutual funds, which primarily invest in convertible securities in search of growth and/or income.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Convertible Fixed Income Funds.

3 Solid Picks

Davis Appreciation & Income A (RPFCX) was incepted in May 1992. The investment seeks total return through a combination of growth and income.

The fund primarily invests at least 80% of its net assets in convertible securities mainly bonds and preferred stocks. The fund may use up to 35% of its net assets to buy debt securities with low ratings.

Share holders have to make a minimum initial investment of $1,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) fund. The fund offers dividends quarterly and capital gains annually.

Andrew A. Davis has been lead manager at the fund since February 1993. Davis has over fifteen years of investment management experience and was previously employed at PaineWebber, Inc. as Vice President.

Franklin Convertible Securities A (FISCX) seeks to maximize total return by optimizing capital appreciation and high current income. It was incepted in April 1987 The fund primarily invests in 80% of its assets in convertible securities, which generally are bonds or preferred stocks that may be converted within a specified period of time into a set amount of common stock at a prestated price.

The fund has an expense ratio of 0.99%. The fund offers dividends quarterly and capital gains, if any, annually.

Alan Muschott has been lead manager at the fund since July 2002. Muschott is a Chartered Financial Analyst and has been with the firm since 1998.

PIMCO Convertible Bond Inst (PFCIX) seeks to maximize total return. It was incepted in March 1999.

The fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in convertible securities, which are issued by companies of all sizes and market capitalizations. These include corporate bonds, debentures, notes or preferred stocks and their hybrids that can be converted into (exchanged for) common stock or other securities, such as warrants or options.

The fund has an expense ratio of 0.66%. It declares and distributes dividends, if any, annually.

William H Gross has been lead manager of the fund since May 2009. He has been recognized as an influential authority on the US bond market in a survey by Pensions and Investments Magazine conducted in 1993.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

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.

Today we are featuring top-performing “Non-US" equity mutual funds, which primarily invest in equity securities of companies located outside the United States.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Non-US Equity Funds.

3 Great Examples

Lord Abbett International Opp A (LAIEX) seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in stocks of companies principally based outside the United States. It was incepted in December 1996.

The fund normally intends to invest at least 65% of its net assets in stocks of small companies, those with market capitalizations of less than $2.5 billion. The fund may also invest in stocks of larger companies.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $1,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) fund... The fund offers dividends and capital gains annually.

Todd D. Jacobson has been lead manager of the fund since December 2003. Jacobson is a Chartered Financial Analyst and was head of Japanese Equities and associate portfolio manager at Warburg Pincus Asset Management before joining Lord Abbett.

Oppenheimer International Small Company A (OSMAX) was incepted in November 1997. The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation.

The fund invests mainly in common stock of companies that are domiciled outside the United States or have their primary operations outside the U.S. and have market capitalizations of $2.5 billion or less. The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-cap issuers.

Opera Software SA, Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp, Uranium Participation Corp are among the fund’s key holdings. The fund offers dividends and capital gains, if any, annually in December.

Rohit Sah has been lead manager of the fund since January 2004. The fund has an expense ratio of 1.53%.

Principal International Emerging Mkts A (PRIAX) seeks long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in equity securities of issuers in emerging market countries. It was incepted in August 1997.

The fund normally invests at least 80% of net assets in equity securities of emerging market countries. For this fund, the term 'emerging market country' means any country that is considered to be an emerging country by the international financial community. These countries generally include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most nations located in Western Europe.

The fund has an expense ratio of 2.31%. As of July 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 146%.

Michael L. Reynal has been lead manager of the fund since March 2001. Prior to joining Principal Financial Group, Reynal was with Wafra Investment Advisory Group, Inc.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

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.

Today we are featuring top-performing "Diversified Bond" fixed-income mutual funds , which primarily invest in a variety of bonds that pursue total return as well as income.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Diversified Bond Fixed-Income Funds.

3 Solid Choices

Franklin Strategic Income A (FRSTX) was incepted in May 1994 and seeks a high level of current income with capital appreciation over the long term as a secondary objective.

The fund invests at least 65% of its assets in U.S. and foreign debt securities. The fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets in bonds that are rated below investment grade. The fund generally invests in bonds rated at least Caa by Moody's Investors Service or CCC by Standard & Poor's Ratings, or in unrated bonds that the fund's manager determines are comparable.

The fund has an expense ratio of 0.89%. It offers dividends monthly and capital gains, if any annually.

Christopher J. Molumphy has been lead manager of the fund since May 1994. Molumphy is a Chartered Financial Analyst and executive vice president and director at Franklin Templeton Investments.

MainStay Diversified Income A (MASAX) seeks to provide current income and competitive overall return by investing primarily in domestic and foreign debt securities. It was incepted in February 1997.

The fund primarily focuses on U.S. government and domestic investment grade securities, high-yield corporate bonds and international debt securities. It seeks to combine high quality, higher return potential and broad diversification by country, currency, industry and type of security.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $25,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) fund. The fund offers dividends monthly and capital gains in December.

Dan Roberts has been lead manager of the fund since October 2009. Prior to his current assignment, Roberts was chief investment officer and an equity shareholder at Pareto Partners.

PL Managed Bond A (PPBAX) seeks to maximize total return consistent with prudent investment management. It typically invests in investment-grade bonds of varying maturities.

The fund invests at least 80% of its assets in fixed income securities with varying terms to maturity. The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in lower-rated, high-yield bonds, 20% in foreign investments denominated in foreign currencies and beyond limit in U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers.

The fund distributes dividends quarterly and capital gains annually. As of June 2009, its portfolio turnover was 441%.

William H Gross has been lead manager of the fund since February 29, 2008. Gross is a designated Chartered Financial Analyst. He has also been recognized as an influential authority on the US bond market in a survey by Pensions and Investments Magazine conducted in 1993.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

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.

Today we are featuring top-performing “Precious Metals" equity mutual funds, which primarily invest in equity securities companies that are involved in mining of gold and other precious metals. Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Precious Metals Equity Funds.

3 Precious Picks

Van Eck International Investors Gold A (INIVX) seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in common stocks of gold mining companies. The fund was incepted in January 1956.

The fund normally invests at least 80% of total assets in the gold mining industry, with at least 25% of assets invested in gold mining stocks. The fund may invest up to 100% of its assets, or, for temporary defensive purposes, less than 25% of its assets in gold stocks. Randgold Resources Limited, Goldcorp Incorporated and Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited are among its major holdings.

The fund declares and pays dividends in March, June, September and December. Capital gains, if any, are distributed in annually in December. It has an expense ratio of 1.44%.

Joseph M. Foster has been lead manager of the fund since July 1998. Foster has been with Van Eck Associates Corporation since 1996.

RiverSource Precious Metal & Mining A (INPMX) was incepted in April 1985. The investment seeks long-term growth of capital.

The fund primarily invests in securities of companies engaged in exploration, mining, processing or distribution of gold and other precious metals and related minerals. It invests at least 80% of assets in securities of companies in the precious metal industry. At least 50% of its total assets are invested in foreign securities. The fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in gold, diamonds, silver bullion, other precious metals and minerals.

The fund has an expense ratio of 1.52%. As of June 2009, its portfolio turnover was 340%. The fund distributes dividends and capital gains, if any, annually.

Clay L. Hoes has been lead manager of the fund since June 1999. Prior to joining RiverSource Investments, in1999, Hoes was a vice president and portfolio manager with Scudder Kemper Investments.

Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX) seeks capital appreciation. It was incepted in December 1985.

The fund invests at least 80% of its assets in common stocks of companies principally engaged in gold-related activities, and in gold bullion or coins. The management also invests in other precious metals, instruments whose value is linked to the price of precious metals and securities of companies that manufacture and distribute precious metal and minerals products.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $2,500 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.89%.

S. Joseph Wickwire has been lead manager of the fund since August 2007. Wickwire is a Chartered Financial Analyst and joined Fidelity Investments in 2007.

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Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information. 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.