Top 5 Zacks#1 Ranked Global Mutual Funds

The fortunes of U.S. equity markets continue to be a key determinant of the health of the global economy. However, their dominance has receded significantly over the years and a world of exciting opportunities has emerged in global markets. Moreover, research has shown that a portfolio with a combination of domestic and foreign securities produces greater returns over the long term. Global funds allow investors to hold an optimum combination of international and domestic investments without incurring the costs of holding such securities individually.

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, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

Thornburg Global Opportunities A ( THOAX - MF report ) seeks capital growth over the long term. The fund invests in a wide range of equity securities worldwide. This includes common and preferred stocks, real estate investment trusts and other equity trusts. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 23.29%.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $5,000 and an expense ratio of 1.48% compared to a category average of 1.45%.

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 13.89%.

As of December 2011, this global mutual fund held 83 issues, with 4.13% of its total assets invested in Lonza Group AG.

Ivy Cundill Global Value A ( ICDAX - MF report ) seeks capital growth. The fund purchases both domestic and foreign equity securities. Not more than 20% of its assets are invested in debt securities issued by companies which have filed for bankruptcy or are likely to do so shortly. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 10.88%.

The fund manager is James Thompson and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2009.

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 14.67%.

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%.

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 20.66%.

The fund manager is Jean-Baptiste Nadal and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2011.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all global mutual funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

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.