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Top 5 Healthcare Funds
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ShareDuring difficult market conditions, investors often depend on the healthcare sector to safeguard their investments. Since the demand for healthcare and related services does not vary with market conditions, they are a safe haven during tough times. Many pharmaceutical companies also generate regular dividends, which aid in combating losses from falling share prices. Mutual funds are the perfect choice for investors looking to enter this sector since they posses the analytical insight needed to keep abreast of the latest advancements in this domain.
Below we will share with you 5 top rated health funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect the fund to outperform its peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all health funds, then click here.
Putnam Global Health Care A (PHSTX) seeks long-term capital growth. The fund invests primarily in companies from the health care sector across the globe. It focuses on acquiring common stocks of large and mid-cap companies. The health fund returned 10.11% over the last one year period.
The Fund Manager is Kelsey Chen and she has managed this health fund since 2005.
BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities A (SHSAX) invests at least 80% of its assets in health science companies and related firms. The fund purchases common and preferred stock, convertible securities and also invests in derivatives. Up to 20% of its assets may be invested in instruments form other sectors. The health fund returned 21.92% in the last one year period and has a five year annualized return of 8.49%.
The health fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.37% compared to a category average of 1.97%.
Schwab Health Care (SWHFX) seeks capital appreciation by investing heavily in the healthcare sector. The fund primarily purchase equity securities but may also invest in future contracts. It focuses on investing in domestic firms, but may invest up to 25% of its assets in other countries. The health fund returned 15.5% over the last one year period.
Larry Mano is the fund manager and has managed this health fund since 2000.
Invesco Health Sciences A (HCRAX) invests the majority of its assets in health sciences companies worldwide. It focuses on purchasing common stocks but may also invest in derivatives. Up to 50% of its assets may be invested in foreign securities, including those issued from emerging markets. The health fund has a ten year annualized return of 3.99%.
As of March 2010, this health fund held 60 issues, with 15.05% of its total assets invested in Johnson & Johnson.
Vanguard Health Care Index (VHCIX) seeks to match the performance of the MSCI U.S. Investable Market Health Care Index. This index consists of healthcare stocks of companies of all sizes. This includes firms which manufacture medical equipment and provide related services. The health fund returned 16.99% in the last one year period.
The health fund has an expense ratio of 0.28% compared to a category average of 1.97%.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all health 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/mutualfund/
Read the full analyst report on PHSTX
Read the full analyst report on SHSAX
Read the full analyst report on SWHFX
Read the full analyst report on HCRAX
Read the full analyst report on VHCIX
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| Market Summary | May 26, 2012 05:56 am ET |
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