Precious metals have always been a solid investment choice, especially in times of economic uncertainty. They also offer superior protection against inflation, which cannot be said of almost all other reasonably liquid assets. Consequently, they outperform other sectors during a market downturn, as they have demonstrated in the recent past. Since they hold well diversified portfolios and are professionally managed, precious metals funds offer the most stable option for investments in this sector.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated precious metals mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect the fund to outperform its peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all precious metals funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

U.S. Global Investors Gold and Precious Metals ( USERX - MF report ) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund invests a large proportion of its assets in companies whose primary operations are related to gold and other precious metals. The precious metals fund is non-diversified and has a ten year annualized return of 14.96%.

The precious metals mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $5,000 and an expense ratio of 1.56% compared to a category average of 1.41%.

Gabelli Gold AAA ( GOLDX - MF report ) invests the majority of its net assets in equity instruments of both domestic and foreign companies which engage in gold-related activities. It invests both mature markets and emerging economies. The precious metals fund has a ten year annualized return of 11.89%.

The fund manager is Caesar M.P. Bryan and he has managed this precious metals mutual fund since 1994.

American Century Global Gold ( BGEIX - MF report ) seeks current income and capital growth. The majority of the fund’s assets are invested in companies dealing in gold. This includes firms whose primary operations include mining, processing and exploration activities. The precious metals mutual fund is non-diversified and has a ten year annualized return of 9.97%.

The precious metals mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.69% compared to a category average of 1.41%.

OCM Gold Investor ( OCMGX - MF report ) invests in domestic and foreign companies regardless of their market capitalization in the gold mining industry. It focuses on purchasing common stocks and may also invest in precious metals producers. The precious metals fund is non-diversified and has a ten year annualized return of 11.43%.

As of January 2013, this precious metals fund held 45 issues with 14.07% of its total assets invested in Goldcorp, Inc.

Fidelity Select Gold ( FSAGX - MF report ) seeks capital growth. The fund invests the majority of its assets in companies whose principal operations are related to gold, and in gold bullion and coins. A maximum of 25% of the fund’s assets may be invested in gold and other precious metals through a wholly-owned subsidiary. The precious metals fund is non-diversified and has a ten year annualized return of 10.17%.

The fund manager is Joe Wickwire and he has managed this precious metals mutual fund since 2007.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all precious metals 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