Top 5 Real Estate Funds

Even though real estate has been through tough times recently, securities from this sector should continue to be an integral part of portfolios with a long term horizon. Over the years, mutual funds from this category have continued to perform favorably. They offer a convenient method to invest in real estate because of low initial investment requirements and the advantage of professional management. Investors willing to hold long term positions would do well to consider these funds as they add stability and bring steady returns to a portfolio.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated real estate 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 real estate funds, then click here.

Natixis AEW Real Estate A ( NRFAX - MF report ) seeks capital appreciation and above average income. It invests heavily in shares of real estate investment trusts whose primary income is derived from rent of properties. The real-estate fund returned 56.25% over the last one year period.

Matthew A. Troxell is the Fund Manager and he has been managing this real estate fund since 2000.

JPMorgan US Real Estate A ( SUSIX - MF report ) invests the majority of its assets in domestic real estate companies whose securities are traded publicly. At least 25% of its assets are invested in companies with interests in the real estate sector. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 10.07%.

The real estate fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.18% compared to a category average of 1.50%.

CGM Realty ( CGMRX - MF report ) seeks capital growth over the long term and current income. It primarily invests in companies in the real estate sector. Up to 20% of its assets may be used to purchase equity or debt securities issued by firms not belonging to the real estate sector. The fund has a five year annualized return of 10.41%.

G. Kenneth Heebner is the Fund Manager and he has been managing this real estate fund since 1994.

Forward Strategic Realty A ( KSRAX - MF report ) invests the majority of its assets in real estate securities. These may be issued by real estate investment trusts or companies operating in the sector. The fund may invest in both domestic and foreign securities. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 6.44%.

As of May 2010, this real estate fund held 53 issues, with 7.28% of its total assets invested in Simon Property Group, Inc.

ING Real Estate A ( CLARX - MF report ) seeks long term capital growth and current income. At least 80% of its assets are invested in common and preferred stocks of real estate companies and real estate investment trusts. It is non-diversified and may also invest in convertible securities and IPOs. The real-estate fund returned 61.89% over the last one year period.

The real estate fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.34% compared to a category average of 1.50%.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all real estate 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/