Top 5 Zacks #1 Ranked Global Mutual Funds

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

Henderson Global Leaders A (HFPAX - MF report) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund focuses on investing in equity securities issues by domestic and foreign companies. It may also purchase fixed income securities, primarily those rated investment grade including convertible bonds. It may consider investing in emerging markets. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 21.79% .

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.87% 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 20.5%.

As of February 2012, this global mutual fund held 77 issues, with 6.14% of its total assets invested in Dreyfus Cash Management, Inc. Institutional Shares.

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 29.42%.

The fund manager is Brian J. McMahon and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2005.

Wells Fargo Advantage Intrinsic World Equity A (EWEAX - MF report) 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 28.02%.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.40% compared to a category average of 1.45%.

Oppenheimer Global Opportunities A (OPGIX - MF report) seeks capital growth as well as current income. The fund invests in a wide range of equity securities worldwide. The fund focuses on acquiring stocks, but may also purchase debt securities. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 33%.

The fund manager is Frank V. Jennings and he has managed this global mutual fund since 1995.

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.