Top 5 Zacks #1 Ranked Federated Mutual Funds

Federated Investors has used a disciplined approach to deliver superior value to investors since its inception in 1955. The company is now one of the largest investment managers in the U.S. managing more than $363 billion worth of assets. Federated offers a wide range of products, including domestic and international equity, fixed-income and money market funds. These products are distributed through a large network of more than 5,200 financial intermediaries and institutions.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated Federated 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 Federated funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

Federated Market Opportunity A (FMAAX - MF report) seeks absolute returns with low correlation to the domestic equity market. The fund invests heavily in domestic and foreign securities which are attractively priced relative to their underlying value. It may also invest in derivatives, ETFs and hybrid instruments. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 1.83%.

Dana Meissner is the fund manager and has managed this Federated mutual fund since 2009.

Federated Emerging Market Debt A (IHIAX - MF report) invests the majority of its assets in debt securities issued from emerging markets. The fund may invest in securities denominated in dollars or foreign currencies, without regard to their maturity periods. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 10.81%.

The Federated mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,500 and an expense ratio of 1.25% compared to a category average of 1.27%.

Federated Strategic Income A (STIAX - MF report) seeks high current income. The fund invests in three different kinds of fixed-income securities. These include domestic securities rated investment grade, junk bonds and foreign debt. It may invest a maximum of 50% of its assets in any one of these categories. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 8.25%.

The Fund Manager is Joseph M. Balestrino and he has managed this Federated mutual fund since 1996.

Federated Municipal High Yield Advantage A (FMOAX - MF report) invests a large share of its assets in long term securities exempt from tax, as well as in medium or non-investment grade quality tax exempt securities. It is non-diversified and utilizes derivatives to manage risk or enhance returns. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 4.8%.

As of March 2012, this Federated mutual fund held 329 issues, with 1.33% of its total assets invested in Wisconsin St Gen Fd Annual App Gen 5.75%.

Federated Bond A (FDBAX - MF report) seeks high current income. The fund purchases a wide range of fixed income securities rated investment grade. Not more than 35% of its assets may be invested in junk bonds. It may also invest in derivatives or hybrid contracts as well as in securities guaranteed by the U.S. government. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 7.15%.

The Federated mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,500 and an expense ratio of 0.98% compared to a category average of 0.92%.

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