Top 5 Balanced Mutual Funds

By creating a diversified portfolio of both stocks and bonds, balanced funds ensure that they harness the inherent strengths of both classes of instruments. Most of the compently managed funds in this category keep the proportion of assets invested in different asset classes flexible and make adjustments in keeping with prevailing market conditions. This ensures that fixed-income securities protect the portfolio from losses during a downturn while equity securities harness maximum gains from a rising market.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated balanced mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect these mutual funds to outperform its peers in the future. To view theZacks Rank and past performance of all balanced funds, then click here.

Cavanal Hill Balanced (APBAX - MF report) seeks capital appreciation and current income. Equity securities constitute between 50-75% of its assets. At least 25% of its assets are used to purchase equity securities which are rated highly by a renowned ratings firm. This balanced mutual fund returned 8.7% in the last one year period.

The balanced mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 0.97% compared to a category average of 1.01%.

Fidelity Global Balanced (FGBLX - MF report) invests in both equity and debt securities issued from any country. The relative size of the region as compared to the global market is considered while selecting investments from the area. The balanced mutual fund has a five year annualized return of 4.51%.

As of July 2010, this balanced mutual fund held 823 issues, with 4.03% of its total assets invested in Fidelity Revere Str Tr.

JHancock2 Lifestyle Balanced 5 (JHLAX - MF report) seeks both current income and capital growth, but priorities the latter. The fund invests in underlying funds to meet its investment objectives. Up to 60% of its assets are invested in equity and up to 40% in fixed-income funds. The balanced mutual fund is non-diversified and returned 9.55% in the last one year period.

The Fund Manager is Bob Boyda and he has managed this balanced mutual fund since 2010.

Ivy International Balanced A (IVBAX - MF report) invests in equity and debt securities which are issued from mature economies in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The fund invests in companies of all sizes and in government securities rated investment grade. It may also consider investing in emerging economies. The balanced mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 5.48%.

The balanced mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.51% compared to a category average of 1. 19%.

Principal Strategic Asset Management Conservative Balanced A (SAIPX - MF report) seeks total return. The fund utilizes 20 to 60% of its assets to invest in equity funds. The fund invests 40 to 80% of its assets in a mix of fixed-income funds and cash equivalents. This balanced mutual fund returned 9.18% in the last one year period.

Dirk R. Laschanzky is the fund manager and has managed this balanced mutual fund since 2009.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all balanced mutual 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/