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Top 5 Healthcare Mutual Funds
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ShareThe healthcare sector is one of the most desirable avenues for parking investments when markets are headed south. The demand for such services usually remains unchanged even during an economic downturn and investments in the sector provide sufficient protection to the capital invested. Several pharmaceutical companies also provide regular dividends, which can help mitigate losses from falling share prices. Healthcare mutual funds provide the perfect avenue for investors looking to invest in this sector.
Below we will share with you 5 top rated health 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 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, but may also invest in smaller firms. The health mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 2.85%.
As of December 2010, this health mutual fund held 66 issues, with 7.87% of its total assets invested in Pfizer Inc.
Vanguard Health Care Index (VHCIX) invests primarily in healthcare stocks and seeks to match the performance of the MSCI U.S. Investable Market Health Care 25/50 index. This index consists of stocks of companies of all sizes from this sector. This includes firms which produce healthcare equipment and supply related services. The health mutual fund returned 6.19% in the last one year period.
Ryan E. Ludt is the fund manager and has managed this health mutual fund since 2004.
Fidelity Select Medical Delivery (FSHCX) seeks capital growth. The fund invests heavily in firms involved in health care delivery. This includes companies which own or manage hospitals, nursing homes and health maintenance organizations. The health mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 10.53%.
The health mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.96% compared to a category average of 1.79%.
Rydex Biotechnology (RYOIX) invests substantially in equity securities and derivatives issued by domestic biotechnology companies. It is non-diversified and seeks long-term capital growth. The health mutual fund returned 5.01% in the last one year and has a five year annualized return of 2.99%.
Michael P. Byrum is the fund manager and has managed this health mutual fund since 1998.
Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences A (ETHSX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund invests at least 80% of its assets in health science companies and related firms. The fund invests in both domestic and foreign securities, investing in instruments from at least three different countries at any given time. It invests in companies regardless of their market capitalization. The health mutual fund has a five year annualized return of 4.01%.
The health mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 2.07% compared to a category average of 1.79%.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all health 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.
Read the full analyst report on PHSTX
Read the full analyst report on VHCIX
Read the full analyst report on FSHCX
Read the full analyst report on RYOIX
Read the full analyst report on ETHSX
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| Market Summary | May 26, 2012 16:05 pm ET |
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