Investors can no longer ignore the attractions of global equity markets and limit themselves to domestic investments. Though U.S equity markets retain their global significance, they no longer command the importance which they did in the past. Research has also shown that a prudent combination of foreign and domestic investments provide better results and aid in reducing risk. With the advantage of professional management, global mutual funds provide investors with a unique opportunity to harness the strengths of both local and international financial markets.

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

Artisan Global Value Investor ( ARTGX - MF report ) invests a large share of its assets in domestic and foreign equity securities. The fund seeks to acquire securities which are attractively priced compared to their underlying value, focusing on common stocks. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 16.3%.

The fund manager is Daniel J. O'Keefe and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2007.

Wells Fargo Advantage Intrinsic World Equity A ( EWEAX - MF report ) seeks capital growth over the long term. The fund invests the majority of its assets in not less than three countries at the same time, including the U.S., investing a maximum of 25% in a single country. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 14.13%.

As of November 2011, this global mutual fund held 51 issues, with 5.08% of its total assets invested in Wfa Cash Inv Mm Fund Par 3800.

Virtus Global Infrastructure A ( PGUAX - MF report ) invests a major portion of its assets in equity securities of infrastructure companies. Investments are spread over three countries, one of which is the US. The fund may also invest some portion of its assets in non-infrastructure companies and derivative instruments. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 11.51%.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.34% compared to a category average of 1.45%.

Henderson Global Equity Income A (HFQAX) seeks to generate high current income. The fund may spread its portfolio across several countries and normally invests in at least three countries. Not more than 15% of its assets are invested in illiquid securities. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 9.68%.

The fund manager is Alex Crooke and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2006.

Manning & Napier World Opportunities A ( EXWAX - MF report ) invests in companies worldwide, including companies from the U.S. It primarily purchases common stocks but may also invest in ADRs and dollar-denominated foreign securities. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 8.43%.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,000 and an expense ratio of 1.11% compared to a category average of 1.32%.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all global 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.