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.

Dreyfus Worldwide Growth A ( PGROX - MF report ) invests a large share of its assets in domestic and foreign common stock. A minimum of 25% of its assets are invested in domestic companies and the same restriction applies to foreign firms. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 16.19%.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.24% compared to a category average of 1.42%.

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 11.04%.

The fund manager is Brian J. McMahon and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2006.

Hart Ford Global Growth A ( HALAX - MF report ) invests a minimum of 65% of its assets in equity shares of growth companies located worldwide, including companies from the U.S. Not more than 25% of its assets may be utilized to purchase emerging market securities. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 9.44%.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,000 and an expense ratio of 1.48% compared to a category average of 1.42%.

Marsico Global Fund ( MGLBX - MF report ) seeks capital growth. The fund invests in common stock of domestic as well foreign companies with a focus on companies having their principal business outside the U.S. The stocks are selected on their growth potential. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 16.13%.

As of May 2012, this global mutual fund held 40 issues, with 7.71% of its total assets invested in Apple, Inc.

ING Global Value Choice A ( NAWGX - MF report ) invests at least 65% of its assets in different countries, including the U.S. The majority of its assets are invested in stocks, depository receipts, derivatives and convertible securities. Not more than 25% of its assets are invested in companies from emerging markets. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 6.93%.

The fund manager is Andrew J Thelen and he has managed this global mutual fund since 2012.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all global mutual funds, investors canclick 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.