Top 5 Vanguard Mutual Funds

Founded by John C. Bogle in 1975, Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment management companies. With over $1.4 trillion of assets under management, the company offers nearly 160 domestic funds and 50 funds for foreign markets. It offers asset management and financial planning services to clients from over 80 countries. Vanguard stands apart from other mutual fund companies because it is owned by the funds themselves. The company believes that this structure helps management focus better on shareholder interests.

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

Vanguard Capital Value (VCVLX - MF report) invests in companies of all sizes whose securities are attractively priced compared to their intrinsic value. Not more than 30% of its assets may be utilized to purchase foreign securities. Up to 15% of its assets may be invested in restricted securities or other illiquid securities. The fund returned 8.4% over the last one year period.

Peter I. Higgins is the fund manager and he has managed this Vanguard mutual fund since 2008.

Vanguard Energy (VGENX - MF report) seeks long term capital appreciation. The fund invests the majority of its assets in companies from the energy sector. This includes companies involved in production and transmission activities as well as those making spares or engaged in research related to the sector. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 11.94%.

As of June 2010, this Vanguard mutual fund held 112 issues, with 7.16% of its total assets invested in ExxonMobil Corporation.

Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth (VASGX - MF report) invests 80% of its assets in stocks and the balance in fixed-income securities. It utilizes several underlying Vanguard funds for this purpose such as Asset Allocation, Total Stock Market Index, and Total International Stock Index. The fund returned 6.41% over the last one year period.

The Vanguard mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $3,000 and an expense ratio of 0.23% compared to a category average of 1.11%.

Vanguard Wellesley Income (VWINX - MF report) seeks current income and capital growth over the long term. Between 60 to 65% of the fund’s assets are used to purchase corporate and government bonds. The rest of its assets are invested in common stocks of companies with a track record of returning superior dividends. The fund has a five year annualized return of 5.46%.

The Vanguard mutual fund has an expense ratio of 0.31% compared to a category average of 0.88%.

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade (VFICX - MF report) invests the majority of its assets in fixed-income securities of high quality A large proportion of the securities held are short and intermediate grade securities rated investment grade. The average maturity period of the fund ranges from five to ten years. The fund has a three year annualized return of 8.18%.

Robert F. Auwaerter is the fund manager and he has managed this Vanguard mutual fund since 1993.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Vanguard 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/