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 their analytical prowess and expert 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.

Columbia Global Equity A (IGLGX - MF report) invests the majority of its assets worldwide in equity securities issued by companies from both mature and developing markets. A minimum of 40% of its assets are invested in companies abroad or those with substantial foreign operations. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 6.35%.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,000 and an expense ratio of 1.36% compared to a category average of 1.42%.

Tweedy,Browne Global Value (TBGVX - MF report) seeks capital growth over the long term. The fund invests heavily in foreign securities priced attractively compared to their underlying value. The fund also purchases domestic equity securities and concentrates on acquiring instruments issued from mature markets. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 9.91%.

The fund manager is William D. Browne and he has managed this global mutual fund since 1993.

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 12.01%.

The global mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.50% compared to a category average of 1.42%.

Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap A (NWGAX - MF report) seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests 40% to 75% of its assets in foreign equity securities. Not more than 35% of its assets are invested in a single foreign nation. The global mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 4.78%.

As of November 2011, this global mutual fund held 90 issues, with 4.27% of its total assets invested in Electricité de France S.A.

ING Global Value Choice A (NAWGX - MF report) invests at least 65% of its assets in different countries, including the U.S. A large share of its assets is 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 4.37%.

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

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.