Top 10 Best Canadian Mutual Funds

Investing in Canada can be done through mutual funds. The following is Top 10 Popular Canadian Mutual Funds. These funds include: Fidelity Canadian Asset Allocation Ser B, Investors Dividend Cm RBC Canadian Dividend, TD Canadian Bond I, CI Harbour Growth & Income, RBC Monthly Income, and more. Please check back for more popular and best investment funds on my website.

Introduction

Mutual Funds have become popular in Canada for investment vehicle. In general mutual funds can be divided into three main categories: Money Market Funds, Fixed Income Funds or Bond Funds, and Equity Funds or Stock Funds. From these main categories, some of these funds may be classified into individual branches such as:

• Aggressive Growth funds: Asia Pacific Equity, Canadian Focused Small/Mid Cap Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, Global Small/Mid Cap Equity, Greater China Equity, Japanese Equity, Commodity Equity, Real Estate Equity, US Small or Mid Cap Equity, Precious Metals Equity, etc
• Capital Preservation funds: Canadian Money Market, Canadian Synthetic Money Market, U.S. Money Market
• Growth funds: Canadian Equity, Canadian Focused Equity
• Growth and Income funds: Target Date Portfolio, Canadian Dividend and Income Equity, Canadian Equity Balanced, Global Equity Balanced, Tactical Balanced, etc
• Income funds: Canadian Fixed Income, Canadian Inflation Protected Fixed Income, Global Fixed Income, High Yield Fixed Income, etc
• International Growth: Global Equity, European Equity, International Equity, US Equity, etc

As investors, you need to be proactive in your investing style either for asset diversification or capital appreciation. Choosing the right fund or funds may be one of the reasons. Several reasons to invest in these popular Canadian investment funds are:

1. They provide consistent performance return such as providing regular income, capital appreciation, or total return. These funds can withstand any market conditions better than other funds such as economic crisis, bear market, bull market, etc.
2. They are typically managed by well-known managers. The fund managers usually have managed these funds for a while.
3. These funds have large assets. Large assets mean investors are confident in investing in these funds.
4. They are recognized by financial magazines or websites such as Morningstar, The Globe and Mail, Lipper, etc.

Best Mutual Funds Top Canadian Mutual Funds are:

1. RBC Premium Money Market Fund
2. TD Canadian Bond Fund
3. RBC Balanced Fund
4. TD Premium Money Market Fund
5. RBC Canadian Dividend Fund
6. CI Harbour Growth & Income Fund
7. CIBC Monthly Income fund
8. BMO Dividend fund
9. King & Victoria RSP
10. Mawer Global Small Cap fund

updated on 3/31/2015

Top 10 Popular Canadian Mutual Funds 2011 & 2012 are:

1. Fidelity Canadian Asset Allocation Series B
2. Investors Dividend C
3. RBC Canadian Dividend
4. TD Canadian Bond - I
5. CI Harbour Growth & Income
6. RBC Monthly Income
7. RBC Balanced
8. RBC Select Conservative Portfolio
9. RBC Bond
10. CIBC Monthly Income

No	Name	Ticker	Rating	Yield	Expense Ratio	Load	Net Assets (mil)	Min to Invest
1	Fidelity Canadian Asset Alloc Sr B	F0CAN05TEZ	4	1.09%	2.24%	Front	$13,400	500 $
2	Investors Dividend C	F0CAN05M38	3	3.65%	2.89%	Multiple	$13,400	0 $
3	RBC Canadian Dividend	F0CAN05O7X	4	1.27%	1.74%	None	$13,000	500 $
4	TD Canadian Bond - I	F0CAN05MPD	4	3.41%	1.08%	None	$9,800	0 $
5	CI Harbour Growth & Income	F0CAN05LZ9	3	0.00%	2.40%	Multiple	$8,900	500 $
6	RBC Monthly Income	F0CAN05M90	5	3.98%	1.17%	None	$7,900	500 $
7	RBC Balanced	F0CAN05LU5	2	0.00%	2.30%	None	$7,700	500 $
8	RBC Select Conservative Portfolio	F0CAN05LUB	4	1.26%	0.00%	None	$7,600	500 $
9	RBC Bond	F0CAN05LU9	3	3.06%	1.18%	None	$7,200	500 $
10	CIBC Monthly Income	F0CAN05LVX	3	5.45%	1.45%	None	$7,000	500 $

1. Fidelity Canadian Asset Allocation Fund Series B (F0CAN05TEZ.TO)

As the most popular investment fund, this Fidelity Canadian Asset Allocation fund's objective is to achieve high total investment return. This balanced fund uses an asset allocation approach. It invests mainly in a mix of Canadian equity securities or stocks, fixed income securities or bonds, and money market instruments. It may also invest in foreign securities to take advantage of market opportunities.

Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: December 30, 1994
• Beta (3yr): 1.08
• Rank in category (YTD): 56
• Category: Canadian Equity Balanced
• Distribution Rate: 1.09%
• Net Assets: $ 14.08 billion
• Sales Load: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 2.24%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 13 years
• Number of Years Down: 3 years

This Fidelity Canadian Asset Allocation Series Fund manager is Robert Swanson since April 2006. This fund has 2.24% of annual expense ratio. There is no 12b1 fee or front-end sales load fee for this fund. The total net asset of this fund is $13.4 billion. It currently has 1.09% dividend yield.

Morningstar has rated this Canadian investment fund with 4-stars rating. This top fund has -3.93% YTD return. Since its inception, this fund has recorded 13 years of positive return. The best achievement occurred in year 2009 with 24.81%. It also has 3 years of negative return and the worst performance occurred in year 2008 with -19.26%. The performance of this mutual fund based on the load adjusted returns is 11.87% over the past year and 5.99% over the past ten years.

Should you are interested to invest in this Canadian fund; you will need 500 CAD for either regular brokerage or IRA account. Investor will need 50 CAD minimum for subsequent investment. The other series of this Fidelity Canadian Asset Allocation Series Fund are Series A, Series T5, Series T8, Series S5, Series S8, Series F and Series O. Please take note that there is other quite similar fund in Fidelity, which is Fidelity Canadian Asset Allocation Class.

The top ten investments of this fund as of May 2011 are Cash & Cash Equivalents, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Suncor Energy, Potash Corp of Saskatchewan, Canada Housing Trust No.1, Cenovus Energy, Bank of Nova Scotia, Goldcorp, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Enbridge. There are total 701 investments and these top ten investments make up 29.8% of the total fund.

Principal Risks of this fidelity fund include Credit risk, Equity risk, Interest rate risk, etc. More details can be found from the fund's prospectus and website.

2. Investors Dividend C (F0CAN05M38.TO)

The Investors Dividend fund seeks to provide above-average income yield on its investments, protect the value of its investments, and achieve long-term capital appreciation consistent with the fulfillment of the first two objectives.

This Investors Group mutual fund has been introduced to public since March 1962. The current lead fund manager is Dom Grestoni. He has been managing this fund since April 2003. This fund is categorized in Canadian Equity Balanced category. It also has a yield of 3.65% per year and the annual expense ratio is 2.89%. This fund has 21.29% annual holdings turnover rate. The current total net assets are $13.40 billion.
Dividend Funds

Since its inception, this equity fund has recorded 37 years of positive return and 11 years of negative return. The best 1-year total return was achieved in year 2009 with 25.76% and the worst performance was occurred in year 2008 with -22.50%. This fund has returned 13.23% over the past year and 5.27% over the past ten years. The Morningstar has given this Investors Dividend fund with 3-stars rating. The YTD return of this fund is -2.18%. The other classes of this fund are Class A and Class B. The Dividend-A class has 2.69% of expense ratio.

The top holdings of this fund as of May 2011 are Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Nova Scotia, Trans Canada Corp, Bank of Montreal, CI Financial, Manulife Financial, Husky Energy, Power Financial Corp, TELUS Corp and Grest-West Lifeco. The top sector weightings as of May 2011 are Financials (51.50%), Energy (18.78%), Other (11.99%), Telecommunication Services (9.30%), Utilities (4.93%), Consumer Discretionary (2.21%) and Consumer Staples (1.29%).

3. RBC Canadian Dividend (F0CAN05O7X.TO)

As one of the big mutual fund firm, RBC offers several popular mutual funds. RBC Canadian Dividend fund is one of this investment fund. RBC Canadian Dividend fund seeks to achieve long-term total returns consisting of regular dividend income, which benefits from the preferential tax treatment given to dividend income, and modest long-term capital growth. This RBC fund invests mostly in common and preferred shares of major Canadian companies with above average dividend yields.

This RBC Canadian Dividend fund is categorized in the Canadian Dividend and Income Equity category. As mentioned, this fund is managed under the management of RBC Global Asset Management Inc. The inception date of this fund is January 1993. Stuart Kedwell has managed this fund since April 2007. Currently, the fund's dividend yield is 1.27% per year. The expense ratio rate of this fund is 1.74%.

This fund has 4-stars Morningstar rating. It has returned 18.02% over the past year, 2.75% over the past three years and 8.32% over the past ten years. This fund has recorded 14 years of positive return and 3 years of negative return. The best achievement was achieved in year 1997 with 35.38%.  It currently has -2.90% YTD return. The three years beta of this fund is 0.78. The benchmark of this fund is S&P/ TSX Composite.

To start investing in this RBC fund, you will need a minimum of 500 CAD for either regular brokerage or IRA account. The minimum subsequent investment for both accounts is 25 CAD. There are many other classes or series available for this fund, such as:

• Series Advisor with Front End Load (Code: RBF759)
• Series Advisor with Low Load (Code: RBF107)
• Series F with No Load (Code: RBF607)
• Series I with No Load (Code: RBF150)
• Series T with No Load (Code: RBF598)

The asset mix of this fund as of June 2011 is 92.0% in Canadian Equity, 4.0% in Cash, 2.4% in Fixed Income, 1.1% in US Equity and 0.5% in Other. The top ten holdings are The Toronto-Dominion Bank (6.9%), Royal Bank of Canada (6.9%), Bank of Nova Scotia (5.2%), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (3.7%), Bank of Montreal (3.6%), Suncor Energy Inc (3.3%), Enbridge Inc (3.1%), Power Corporation of Canada Sub Vtg (2.9%), Brookfield Asset Management Inc A (2.9%) and Manulife Financial Corporation (2.7%). This total holdings of this fund are 104, consists of 77 stock holdings, 11 in bond holdings and 16 in other holdings.

4. TD Canadian Bond - Investor Series (F0CAN05MPD.TO)

Listed as the forth popular fund, this TD Canadian Bond fund invests primarily in high quality bonds and other debt issued by Canadian governments and companies. Up to 30% of the fund may be invested in foreign securities.

Top Bond Fund

This TD Canadian bond fund was created and introduced to public in June 29, 1988. This fixed income fund is managed by TD Asset Management Inc. This fund provides dividend yield of 3.41%. This dividend is distributed quarterly. There is 1.08% Management Expense ratio if you are investing in this Toronto Dominion fund. This fund is classified as Canadian Fixed Income investment fund. As of July 2011, this fund has total assets of C$ 9.84 billion.

The minimum amount to invest in this fund either in non-RSP investment or RSP investment is $100. The minimum subsequent investment applies for both investments ($100).

Morningstar has ranked this fund with 4-stars return rating. It has 5.82% YTD return. This best fund has returned 6.79% over the past year and 6.22% over the past ten years. For YTD, this fund is on the 9% rank in the Canadian Fixed Income Category. The benchmark of this fund is BofA Canada Board Market TR CAD.

The top investments of this fund as of June 2011 are Province of Ontario Residual, Government of Canada, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Government of Canada, Cash & Other Net Assets, Manulife Financial Capital Trust and Alberta Capital Finance Authority. The top ten investments out of total 212 investments represent 19.3% of total fund value. The investment assets as of June 2011 are allocated as follow Corporate Bonds (59.7%), Federal Bonds & Guarantees (15.4%), Provincial Bonds & Guarantees (13.4%), Mortgage-Backed Securities (5.5%), Supranationals (3.2%), Cash & Other Net Asses (1.7%), and Municipal Bonds (1.1%).

5. CI Harbour Growth & Income (F0CAN05LZ9.TO)

This CI Harbour Growth & Income fund's objective is to obtain long-term total return through a prudent balance of income and capital appreciation. It invests primarily in equity and equity-related securities of mid- to large-capitalization Canadian companies and fixed income securities issued by Canadian governments and companies. The proportion of the fund's assets invested in equity and fixed income securities may vary according to market conditions. Any change to the investment objective must be approved by a majority of votes cast at a meeting of unit holders held for that reason.

As part of CI Financial Group advisor, Gerald Coleman has been managing this CI fund since its inception in June 1997. This fund is in the category of Tactical Balanced fund. This fund doesn't share any dividend yield and the annual expense ratio is 2.40%. The total net asset of this fund is $8.9 billion.

This equity fund has performed in the past 13 years with 11 years of positive return & 2 years of negative return. This fund's best 1-year total return was achieved in year 2009 with 21.20%. Based on the load adjusted return, this fund has returned 13.9% over the past year and 3.0% over the past five years. Besides Class A, this fund is also available in Class F and Class I.

As of July 2011, the top ten holdings of this fund represent 35.36% of the total portfolio. They are Suncor Energy, Tim Hortons, BHP Billiton Limited, Canadian National Railway, Intact Financial, Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, TD Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Manulife Financial, and JP Morgan Chase & Co. The asset allocation of this fund is Canadian Equity (49.3%), Cash (18.7%), United States Equity (16.6%), International Equity (10.3%) and Bond (5.1%).

6. RBC Monthly Income (F0CAN05M90.TO)

As the second RBC mutual fund in this popular fund list, the RBC Monthly Income fund seeks to provide relatively tax efficient monthly distributions consisting of dividend income, interest income and capital gains, and the potential for modest capital growth. The fund will try to provide a high regular monthly income.

Money Market Fund This RBC fund has been managed by Jennifer McClelland since April 2007. She is the Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of Canadian Equities. The fund's inception date was on August 18, 1997. This fund shares 3.98% dividend yield per year. The income distribution is on monthly basis. The capital gain is distributed annually. The annual expense ratio rate is 1.17%. This fund has annual holdings turnover rate of 38.8%. The total net asset is $7.9 billion.

Morningstar gave this RBC Monthly Income fund with 5 stars rating. Since its inception, this RBC investment fund has 11 years of positive return and only 2 years of negative return. The best achievement of 1-year total return was achieved in 2000 with 19.77%. Based on the load adjusted return, this fund has returned 7.68% over the past ten years, and 4.22% over the past three years.

This fund is Series A with no Load. Investor may choose from the other series of this fund, such as Series Advisor with Front End load (Code: RBF763), Series Advisor with Low Load (Code: RBF115) and Series F with No Load (Code: RBF602).

The top 5 sectors of this fund as of June 2011 are Financials (41.8%), Energy (22.0%), Materials (12.5%), Consumer Discretionary (5.1%) and Industrials (5.0%). The top 25 holdings of this fund represent 37.0% of the total portfolio. This RBC fund has a total of 315 holdings as of June 2011 that consists of 101 stock holdings, 204 bond holdings and 10 other holdings.

7. RBC Balanced (F0CAN05LU5.TO)

The RBC Balanced fund objective is to provide a combination of capital growth and modest income. This RBC fund invest majority of assets in a balance of Canadian equities or stocks, bonds (fixed incomes), and short-term debt securities.

This RBC fund was introduced to public in September 1987. The annual expense ratio of this fund is 2.30%. To start investing in this fund, you will need a minimum investment of $500 with the subsequent investment of $25.

This popular mutual fund has returned 5.84% over the past year and 3.86% over the past ten years. It has -3.45% YTD return. While popular, it only receives 2-stars rating from Morningstar. The other series of this fund are Advisor Series (with choice of Differed Sales Load or Front End Load or Low Load), F Series with No Load and T Series with No Load.

As of June 2011, the asset mix of this RBC Balanced fund is Canadian Equity (37.2%), Fixed Income (34.5%), US Equity (12.5%), International Equity (10.9%) and Cash (5.0%). The top holdings of this fund are RBC Emerging Market, Canada Government, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Suncor Energy Inc, Bank of Nova Scotia, Quebec Prov and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

8. RBC Select Conservative Portfolio (Ticker: F0CAN05LUB.TO)

The RBC Select Conservative Portfolio fund is seeking to offer income and the potential for moderate capital growth. This RBC Select Conservative Portfolio fund invests mostly in other RBC Funds, emphasizing mutual funds that invest in Canadian fixed income securities. These RBC fund typically have the potential to generate income. As part of fund of funds, the fund's portfolio maintains a balance of investments across several asset classes for diversification.

As part of RBC Global Asset Management, this RBC Select Conservative Portfolio fund was established on December 1986. The current lead manager is Sarah Riopelle. She has been with this fund since June 2009. This fund is in the category of Global Neutral Balanced fund. It shares 1.26% of dividend yield that is distributed quarterly. If any capital gains exist, it is distributed annually.

This balanced fund is currently open to new investors with the minimum investment of $500 for either regular brokerage account or retirement (IRA) account. There is a compulsory of $25 subsequent investment. Investor may choose the other series of this fund. For the no load fund, there is Series F (Code: RBF657) available. For the Advisor Series, there are three options: Advisor Series with Deferred Sales Load, Advisor Series with Front End Load and Advisor Series with Low Load.

Morningstar has given 4 stars rating to this fund. It also has achieved 21 years of positive return and 3 years of negative return. The best achievement was in year 1996 with 13.60%. This fund has returned 3.89% over the past decade and 2.30% over the past five years. Currently it has -0.83% YTD return.

This RBC Select Conservative Portfolio fund has a total of 1,590 underlying holdings (729 bond holdings, 692 stock holdings, 169 other holdings, and 12 portfolio holdings). The asset mix of this fund as of June 2011 is Fixed Income (50.9%), Canadian Equity (16.3%), US Equity (12.2%), International Equity (11.2%) and Cash (9.3%). The top 5 sectors are Financials, Energy, Materials, Industrials and Consumer Discretionary.

9. RBC Bond Fund (F0CAN05LU9.TO)

As the fifth popular RBC fund in this list, RBC Bond fund seeks to achieve above average, long-term total returns consisting of interest income and moderate capital growth. This RBC fund invests primarily in high-quality bonds or fixed incomes issued by Canadian governments and corporations.

Canadian Bond Fund

This RBC Bond Fund is categorized as one of the investment fund in Canadian Fixed Income Fund. This bond fund was introduced to public in July 1966. This fund has an annual expense ratio rate of 1.18% and it also has an annual holdings turnover rate of 45%. This fund has 3.06% dividend yield and this dividend is paid quarterly. The total net assets of this fund are $7.2 billion. The fund uses DEX Universe Bond Index as its benchmark.

Morningstar has rated this fund with 3-stars return rating. It has 5.03% YTD return, which is the highest among all the other funds mentioned in this article. The performance of this fund is as below:

• 1-year: 6.40%
• 3-year: 6.49%
• 5-year: 5.41%
• 10-year: 5.04%

The average maturity of this RBC fund is 8.8 years and the average duration is 6.4 years. The total complete series of this fund are:

• Series A with no Load (Code: RBF270)
• Series Advisor with Deferred Sales Load (Code: RBF850)
• Series Advisor with Front End Load (Code: RBF750)
• Series Advisor with Low Load (Code: RBF114)
• Series F with no Load (Code: RBF601) and
• Series I with no Load (Code: RBF154)

The asset mix of this fund as of June 2011 is Fixed Income (97.1%) and Cash (2.9%). The fixed income breakdown is Corporate Bonds (51.7%), Government Bond (43.7%), ST Investments (2.9%), Other Bonds (1.4%), Asset Backed Securities (0.2%) and Mortgage Backed Securities (0.1%). The top 25 holdings out of 448 total holdings of this fund represent 29.5% of the total portfolio.

10. CIBC Monthly Income (F0CAN05LVX)

CIBC Monthly Income fund's objective is to provide a reasonably consistent level of monthly income while attempting to preserve capital. This CIBC fund invests most of the fund assets  in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity instruments.

Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: September 22, 1998
• Rank in category (YTD): 56
• Category: Canadian Neutral Balanced
• Distribution Rate: 5.45%
• Net Assets: $ 7.0 billion
• Sales Load: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.45%
• Capital Gains:  N/A

David Graham has been managing this fund since December 2007. This CIBC Monthly Income fund was introduced to public in September 1998. It shares 5.45% dividend yield per year. This yield figure is the highest among the other funds in this article. The expense ratio rate is 1.45% per year. As of July 2011, the fund has total net assets of $7.0 billion.

Morningstar has given 3-stars return rating to this fund. It has -2.64% YTD return. The fund has returned 6.88% over the past ten years, 2.07% over the past five years, 1.85% over the past three years and 6.48% over the past year. If you are interested to invest in this fund, you will need a minimum initial investment of $500 with $25 minimum subsequent investment. The code of this fund is CIB512.

The top ten holdings of this fund as of July 2011 are Cash & Cash Equivalents, Canada Housing Trust No.1, 2.75%, 2016/06/15, Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion Bank (The), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Suncor Energy Inc., BCE Inc., Barrick Gold Corp., Manulife Financial Corp. and Agrium Inc.

Disclosure: No Position

Additional Information: Fund Performance: Long Term and Short Term

DFA Emerging Markets Fund | DFEMX

For the past 3 years, emerging markets economic has seen a significant gain compare to developed countries (USA and Europe). Investing in this market can be done through Emerging Markets stock mutual fund. One of the best rated diversified emerging markets equity funds is DFA Emerging Markets I fund. Details about the fund's review is described below.

DFA Emerging Markets I (MUTF: DFEMX)

As part of international stock fund, the DFA Emerging Markets fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation. This EM Equity fund usually invests most of its assets (>80%) in the Emerging Markets Stocks. It buys broad market coverage of larger companies associated with emerging markets, including frontier markets (emerging market countries in an earlier stage of development).

DFEMX Fund Details

DFA Emerging Markets I fund

• Fund Inception Date: April 25, 1994
• Ticker Symbol: DFEMX
• CUSIP: 233-203-785
• Beta (3yr): 1.09
• Rank in category (YTD): 32
• Category: Diversified Emerging Markets
• Distribution Rate: 1.46%
• Net Assets: $ 2.5 billion
• Sales Load: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.60%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 10 years
• Number of Years Down: 6 years

Updated on 9/13/2011

Frost Total Return Bond A (FATRX) Fund

To diversify your investment portfolio, investor should consider to have several bond mutual funds. One of the best rated taxable bond funds is Frost Total Return Bond fund. This fund is rather new but is has provided consistent return. The following article will provide the fund's review.

Frost Total Return Bond A (MUTF: FATRX)

The Frost Total Return Bond fund seeks to maximize total return (i.e. provide income and capital appreciation), consistent with the preservation of principal. The fund usually invests majority of net assets (>80%) in investment grade fixed income securities. The fund typically has the average weighted duration of plus or minus 3 years of the fund benchmark's duration. This Frost fund may invest in below investment grade bonds.

FATRX Fund Details

Frost Total Return Bond fund

• Fund Inception Date: July 1, 2008
• Ticker Symbol: FATRX
• CUSIP: 00766Y679
• Beta (3yr): 0.58
• Rank in category (YTD): 20%
• Category: Intermediate-Term Bond
• Yield: 4.57%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Sales Load: 3.75%
• Number of Years Up: 2 years
• Number of Years Down: 0 years
• Total Net Assets: $544.26 million
• Effective Duration: 3.24 years
• Average Maturity: 5.13 years

Updated on 8/23/2011

Fidelity Select IT Services Fund | FBSOX

Fidelity is one the most well known mutual fund and brokerage. It also has one of the largest sector equity funds. One of the best rated technology sector equity funds is Fidelity Select IT Services. The fund's review can be found below.

Fidelity Select IT Services (MUTF: FBSOX)

The Fidelity Select IT Services fun is seeking to provide capital appreciation. This Fidelity sector equity fund invests mainly in information technology services companies’ common stocks (>80% assets). The fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers. It uses fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer's financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions to select investments. The top rated fund is non-diversified equity mutual fund.

FBSOX Fund Details

Fidelity Select IT Services fund details

• Fund Inception Date: February 4, 1998
• Ticker Symbol: FBSOX
• CUSIP: 316390483
• Beta (3yr): 1.02
• Rank in category (YTD): 17
• Category: Miscellaneous Sector
• Distribution: 0.0%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 9 years
• Number of Years Down: 3 years
• Total Net Assets: $166.1 million

updated on 8/23/2011

MFS International Value Fund | MGIAX

International stock mutual funds should be part of your investment portfolio. They are useful for asset diversification. One of the best foreign large international stock funds is MFS International Value fund. This fund review is described below. I have included various information such as dividend yield, fund's CUSIP, expense ratio and more.

MFS International Value A (MUTF: MGIAX)

The MFS International Value investment seeks capital appreciation. This MFS fund typically invests assets primarily in foreign equity securities, including emerging-market companies’ stocks. It may invest a relatively high percentage of the fund's assets in a single country or a small number of countries. The fund focuses on investing assets in the undervalue stocks of companies.

MGIAX Fund Details

MFS International Value

• Fund Inception Date: October 24, 1995
• Ticker Symbol: MGIAX
• CUSIP: 55273E301
• Beta (3yr): 0.86
• Rank in category (YTD): 3
• Category: Foreign Large Value
• Distribution rate: 1.05%
• Net Assets: $ 3.49 billion
• Sales Load: 5.75%
• Expense Ratio: 1.28%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 11 years
• Number of Years Down: 4 years

Updated 8/23/2011

PIMCO Income Fund (PONAX)

PIMCO Income fund (PONAX) is one of the best rated taxable bond mutual funds. PIMCO has been well known with its bond fund investment. The fund's review can be found below.

PIMCO Income Fund (MUTF: PONAX)

The PIMCO Income Fund investment seeks to maximize current income. It also tries to provide long-term capital appreciation as its secondary objective. The fund invests >65% of total assets in a multi-sector portfolio of fixed-income instruments of varying maturities. It may invest <50% of total assets in high-yield securities rated below investment-grade but rated at least Caa by Moody’s, or equivalently rated by S&P or Fitch, or, if unrated, determined by PIMCO to be of comparable quality. This PIMCO bond fund may invest <20% of total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

PONAX Fund Details

PIMCO Income Fund

• Fund Inception Date: March 30, 2007
• Ticker Symbol: PONAX (Class A)
• CUSIP: 72201F474
• Beta (3yr): 0.94
• Rank in category (YTD): 11
• Category: Multisector Bond
• Distribution Rate / Yield: 5.04%
• Net Assets: $ 79.1 billion
• Sales Load: 3.75%
• Expense Ratio: 0.85%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 2 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Average Maturity: 6.57 years
• Average Duration: 4.29 years

updated on May 2017

T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Fund (PRHSX)

Sector equity fund can provide an alternative for investor to invest in certain attractive stock or equity market.  The following health sector can provide growth and value for you. One of these best sector equity funds is described below.


T. Rowe Price Health Sciences (MUTF: PRHSX)

The T. Rowe Price Health Sciences fund objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation. The fund generally invests most of assets (>80%) in the common stocks of companies engaged in the research, development, production, or distribution of products or services related to health care, medicine, or the life sciences. While it can invest in companies of any size (i.e. large cap, mid cap, small cap), this TRP fund invests the majority of assets in large- and mid-capitalization companies.

T. Rowe Price Health Sciences fund

PRHSX Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: December 29, 1995
• Ticker Symbol: PRHSX
• CUSIP: 741480107
• Beta (3yr): 0.85
• Rank in category (YTD): 4
• Category: Health
• Distribution: 0.0%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 12 years
• Number of Years Down: 3 years
• Total Net Assets: $3.28 billion
• Turnover Rate: 25.2%

Updated on 8/18/2011

HighMark NYSE ArcaTech 100 Index A (PPTIX) Fund

Technology sector has been one of the market leader for the past 3 years. Investing in best technology sector funds should be part of investor portfolio. One of the best rated funds is HighMark NYSE ArcaTech 100 index fund. I have provided the fund's review below.

HighMark NYSE ArcaTech 100 Index A (MUTF: PPTIX)

HighMark NYSE ArcaTech 100 Index

The HighMark NYSE ArcaTech 100 Index fund objective is to seek to track the total return of the NYSE Arca Tech 100 Index, before deducting for fund expenses. This HighMark fund invests majority all of its assets in substantially all of the component securities included in the NYSE Arca Tech 100 Index. The NYSE Arca Tech 100 Index, which consists of at least 100 individual technology-related securities, is a price-weighted index of stocks of companies from different industries that produce or deploy innovative technologies to conduct their business. It may also invest 5% of assets in cash.

PPTIX Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: June 10, 1996
• Ticker Symbol: PPTIX
• CUSIP: 431113836 
• Beta (3yr): 0.98
• Rank in category (YTD): 8
• Category: Technology
• Distribution: 0.0%
• Sales Load: 5.50%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 10 years
• Number of Years Down: 4 years
• Total Net Assets: $217.62 million 

updated 8/16/2011

Delaware Pooled Global Fixed-Income Fund (DPGIX)

As part of taxable bond fund, world bond is another popular option for investor to buy fixed income mutual fund. One of the best rated world bond funds is Delaware Pooled Global Fixed Income fund. The following is the fund's review.

Delaware Pooled Global Fixed-Income (MUTF: DPGIX)

The Delaware Pooled Global Fixed-Income fund objective is to provide current income consistent with preservation of capital. This Delaware Investments fund invests >80% of net assets in fixed-income securities. As a global fund, this DPGIX fund invests in bonds located throughout the world. The fund invests >40% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. It invests in a broad range of fixed income securities, including debt obligations of foreign and U.S. companies that are generally rated A or better by rating agencies (S&P or Moody'), and foreign and U.S. government securities. This taxable bond fund is non-diversified.

DPGIX Fund Details

Delaware Pooled Global Fixed-Income

• Fund Inception Date: November 30, 1992
• Ticker Symbol: DPGIX
• CUSIP: 246248603
• Beta (3yr): 1.42
• Rank in category (YTD): 35
• Category: World Bond
• Distribution Rate: 4.23%
• Net Assets: $ 94.46 million
• Sales Load: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.60%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 15 years
• Number of Years Down: 3 years

updated on August 22th, 2011

Fidelity Select Chemicals Portfolio Fund (FSCHX)

One of the best sector equity funds is Fidelity Select Chemical Portfolio. This fund primarily invests in chemical companies. Details about the fund's review can be found below.

Fidelity Select Chemicals Portfolio (MUTF: FSCHX)

The Fidelity Select Chemicals Portfolio fund seeks capital appreciation. This Fidelity fund invests mainly in chemical process industries common stocks. This chemical process industries companies mostly engage in the research, development, manufacture, or marketing of products or service. This fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers. It is non-diversified.

FSCHX Fund Details

Fidelity Select Chemical Portfolio fund

• Fund Inception Date: July 29, 1985
• Ticker Symbol: FSCHX
• CUSIP: 316390889
• Beta (3yr): 1.29
• Rank in category (YTD): 1
• Category: Miscellaneous Sectors
• Distribution: 0.50%                        
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 21 years     
• Number of Years Down: 4 years
• Total Net Assets: $802.11 million

Updated on August 9^th, 2011

Firsthand Technology Opportunities Fund (TEFQX)

Firsthand Technology Opportunities (MUTF: TEFQX)

The Firsthand Technology Opportunities fund seeks long-term growth of capital. The fund generally invests >80% of assets in growth high-technology companies in the industries and markets. It may purchase stocks of small-, mid-, and large-cap companies. This Firsthand fund's investment portfolio includes new companies with market capitalization in the small- or mid-cap categories. It is a non-diversified mutual fund.

TEFQX Fund Details

Firsthand Technology Opportunities

• Fund Inception Date: September 30, 1999
• Ticker Symbol: TEFQX
• CUSIP: 337941504 Beta (3yr): 1.02
• Rank in category (YTD): 41
• Category: Technology
• Distribution: 0.0%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 7 years
• Number of Years Down: 4 years
• Total Net Assets: $59.1 million

Updated August 5th, 2011

TCW Core Fixed-Income N (TGFNX) Fund

One of the best rated taxable bond mutual funds is TCW Core Fixed-Income N. This fixed income fund has a consistent long term performance. More details about the fund review can be found below.

TCW Core Fixed-Income N (MUF: TGFNX)

The TCW Core Fixed Income fund seeks to maximize current income and achieve above average total return consistent with prudent investment management over a full market cycle. This TCW fund invests most of net assets (>80%) in debt securities or bonds. These debt securities include but are not limited to securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored corporations; corporate obligations (including convertible securities); mortgage-backed securities; asset backed securities; foreign securities (corporate and government); and other securities bearing fixed or variable interest rates of any maturity. It may also invest in junk bonds or high yield bonds.

TGFNX Fund Details

TCW Core Fixed-Income fund

• Fund Inception Date: March 1, 1999
• Ticker Symbol: TGFNX
• CUSIP: 87234N724
• Beta (3yr): 0.86
• Rank in category (YTD): 29
• Category: Intermediate-Term Bond
• Distribution Rate: 4.23%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Sales Load: 0% (No load)
• Number of Years Up: 11 years
• Number of Years Down: 0 years
• Total Net Assets: $350.27 million
• Effective Duration: 4.3 years
• Average Maturity: 6.4 years

Updated on 8/9/2011

Fidelity Select Pharmaceuticals Fund (FPHAX)

Investing in sector equity fund is not for everyone. However, if you find a good and best rated sector equity fund, you can invest with ease. One of the best health sector equity funds is Fidelity Select Pharmacueticals. Details about this Fidelity fund is below.

Fidelity Select Pharmaceuticals (MUTF: FPHAX)

The Fidelity Select Pharmaceuticals fund is seeking capital appreciation. This Fidelity investments fund usually invests majority of assets (>80%) in securities of companies principally engaged in the research, development, manufacture, sale, or distribution of pharmaceuticals and drugs of all types. It may invest in securities of foreign issuers. The fund is non-diversified mutual fund.

FPHAX Fund Details

Fidelity Select Pharmaceuticals fund

• Fund Inception Date: June 18, 2001
• Ticker Symbol: FPHAX
• CUSIP: 316390442
• Beta (3yr): 0.68
• Rank in category (YTD): 18%
• Category: Health
• Distribution: 1.02%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 7 years          
• Number of Years Down: 2 years
• Total Net Assets: $583.25 million

Updated on August 18^th, 2011

FBR Gas Utility Index Investor Fund (GASFX)

Utilities sector equity fund can be one of the defensive sector stock fund to invest during the economic crisis or bear market. These utilities sector funds provide regular dividend and additional growth of capital. One of this top rated utilities sector funds is described below.

FBR Gas Utility Index Investor (MUTF: GASFX)

FBR Gas Utility Index fund

The FBR Gas Utility Index fund objective is to provide income and capital appreciation. This FBR fund intends to provide investment results that replicate the performance of the American Gas Association Stock Index. This index maintained by the American Gas Association, a national trade association of natural gas companies. It invests under regular circumstances >85% of net assets in the common stock of companies that have natural gas distribution and transmission operations.

GASFX Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: May 10, 1989
• Ticker Symbol: GASFX
• CUSIP: 30246J604
• Beta (3yr): 0.76
• Rank in category (YTD): 1
• Category: Utilities
• Distribution: 2.45%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 15 years
• Number of Years Down: 6 years
• Total Net Assets: $322.95 million

updated on 8/4/2011

Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)

Government bond mutual funds are popular among income seeker investors. As part of fixed income fund, government bond fund can reduce risks associated with market volatility. One of the top rated intermediate government bond mutual funds is Vanguard GNMA fund. More about this Vanguard fund review can be found below.

Vanguard GNMA Investor (MUTF: VFIIX)

As one of the actively managed fund, this Vanguard GNMA fund is seeking to provide a moderate level of current income. This Vanguard fund typically invests majority of its assets (>80%) in GNMA pass-through certificates, which are fixed income securities representing part ownership in a pool of mortgage loans supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. It may invest in other types of securities such as U.S. Treasury or other U.S. government agency securities. The fund’s dollar-weighted average maturity depends on homeowner prepayments of the underlying mortgages which normally fall within an intermediate-term range (3 to 10 years).

Note: GNMA is also known as Government National Mortgage Association or Ginnie Mae.

VFIIX Fund Details

Vanguard GNMA fund details

• Fund Inception Date: June 27, 1980
• Ticker Symbol: VFIIX
• CUSIP: 922031307
• Beta (3yr): 0.66
• Rank in category (YTD): 20
• Category: Intermediate Government
• Distribution rate: 3.22%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 29 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Total Net Assets: $35.65 billion
• Average Maturity: 5.3 years
• Average Duration: 3.6 years
• Average Coupon: 4.9%

Updated on 8/15/2011

REMS Real Estate Value Opportunity Institutional (HLRRX) Fund

The easiest way to invest in real estate is investing in real estate mutual funds. As part of portfolio diversification, real estate fund can provide additional dividend income to investor. One of the top real estate mutual funds is REMS Real Estate Value Opportunity. The fund review is below.

REMS Real Estate Value Opportunity Institutional (MUTF: HLRRX)

The REMS Real Estate Value Opportunity fund objective is to seek long-term capital growth and current income. The fund typically invests > 80% of net assets, including leverage, in real estate industry companies. This REMS fund does not invest in real estate directly. The portfolio of securities will normally be diversified as to geographic region, property type and tenant. The fund may hold as few as twenty long positions and the Adviser may also take short positions in REITs, real estate operating companies and other real estate securities. It is considered as non-diversified fund.

HLRRX Fund Details

REMS Real Estate Value Opportunity

• Fund Inception Date: December 16, 2002
• Ticker Symbol: HLRRX (Institutional Class)
• CUSIP: 432787307
• Beta (3yr): 1.53
• Rank in category (YTD): 90
• Category: Real Estate
• Distribution: 2.09%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 6 years
• Number of Years Down: 2 years
• Total Net Assets: $192.21 million

updated on August 14th, 2011

Fidelity Select Multimedia Portfolio Fund (FBMPX)

Fidelity Select Multimedia Portfolio (MUTF: FBMPX)

The Fidelity Select Multimedia Portfolio fund objective is to provide capital appreciation. The fund usually invests most of assets (>80%) in securities of companies principally engaged in the development, production, sale, and distribution of goods or services used in the broadcast and media industries. This Fidelity stock fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers. The fund uses fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer's financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions to select investments. It is considered as non-diversified mutual fund.

FBMPX Fund Details

Fidelity Select Multimedia Portfolio

• Fund Inception Date: June 30, 1986
• Ticker Symbol: FBMPX
• CUSIP: 316390681
• Beta (3yr): 1.25
• Rank in category (YTD): 1
• Category: Communications
• Distribution: 0.25%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 18 years
• Number of Years Down: 6 years
• Total Net Assets: $219.94 million

Updated on August 13th, 2011

Fidelity Real Estate Income Fund (FRIFX)

One of the highest paying dividend sector mutual funds is Real Estate sector funds. This Real Estate fund is also known as REIT mutual fund. Fidelity Real Estate Income is one of the best sector equity fund. You can use this fund to diversify your asset allocation. Details about the fund's review is below.

Fidelity Real Estate Income Fund (MUTF: FRIFX)

The Fidelity Real Estate Income fund objective is to provide higher than average income. This Fidelity fund generally invests its assets primarily in REIT preferred and common stocks; real estate entities debt obligations or bonds; and commercial and other mortgage-backed securities, with an emphasis on lower-quality debt securities. It invests >80% of assets in securities of companies principally engaged in the real estate industry and other real estate related investments. The fund may invest in foreign issuers and domestic issuers.

FRIFX Fund Details

Fidelity Real Estate Income Fund

• Fund Inception Date: February 4, 2003
• Ticker Symbol: FRIFX
• CUSIP: 316389865
• Beta (3yr): 0.59
• Rank in category (YTD): 95
• Category: Real Estate
• Distribution: 4.72%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 5 years
• Number of Years Down: 2 years
• Total Net Assets: $1.77 billion

Updated on August 12, 2011

Baird Core Plus Bond Investor (BCOSX) Fund

Bond fund or fixed income fund is essential for short- and long-term investor. Bond fund provides a regular income for investor to withstand volatile market. One of the best bond funds is Baird Core Plus Bond. You can use this bond fund to diversify your portfolio. The fund's review is described below.

Baird Core Plus Bond Investor (MUTF: BCOSX)

The Baird Core Plus Bond fund objective is to seek an annual rate of total return greater than the annual rate of total return of the Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Bond Index. The fund typically invests >80% of assets in the following types of U.S. dollar-denominated debt securities such as: U.S. government, U.S. government agencies, asset-backed & mortgage-backed obligations of U.S. issuers, and corporate debt of U.S. & foreign issuers. It invests mainly in investment-grade debt securities, but can invest <20% of net assets in non-investment grade securities. Average quality for the fund is generally at least the third highest category of S&P or Moody's.

BCOSX Fund Details

Baird Core Plus Bond Investor

• Fund Inception Date: September 29, 2000
• Ticker Symbol: BCOSX
• CUSIP: 057071888 
• Beta (3yr): 0.96
• Rank in category (YTD): 17
• Category: Intermediate-Term Bond
• Distribution: 4.62%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 9 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Net Assets: $578.01 million
• Average Duration: 5.14 years
• Average Maturity: 7.29 years

Updated on August 12th, 2011

Fidelity Select Natural Resources Fund (FNARX)

Fidelity Investment provides variety of sector equity mutual fund. One of the best sector funds is Fidelity Select Natural Resources. The following article will provide fund's review of this Fidelity sector fund including yield, rank in category, fund's manager, etc.

Fidelity Select Natural Resources (MUTF: FNARX)

The Fidelity Select Natural Resources fund objective is to seek capital appreciation. The fund generally invests >80% of assets in securities of companies principally engaged in owning or developing natural resources, or supplying goods and services to such companies, and in precious metals. Natural resources include precious metals, ferrous and nonferrous metals, strategic metals, hydrocarbons, chemicals, paper and forest products, real estate, food, textile and tobacco products, and other basic commodities. It may invest in securities of foreign issuers. The fund is a non-diversified fund.

FNARX Fund Details

Fidelity Select Natural Resources

• Fund Inception Date: March 3, 1997
• Ticker Symbol: FNARX
• CUSIP: 316390491
• Beta (3yr): 1.32
• Rank in category (YTD): 1
• Category: Natural Resources
• Distribution: 0.33%                        
• Capital Gains: N/A  
• Number of Years Up: 9 years       
• Number of Years Down: 4 years
• Total Net Assets: $1.82 billion

updated on 8/11/2011

Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap A (NWGAX) Fund

As part of international stock fund, Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap A has performed better than its peers. It is considered as one of the best world stock funds. Details about the fund's review can be found below. Investor may use this equity fund as part of portfolio diversification.

Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap A (MUTF: NWGAX)

    

The Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap fund objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation. The fund usually invests majority of net assets (>80%) in equity securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies. It invests between 40% and 75% of net assets in non-U.S. equity securities. This Nuveen fund also invests some of net assets (<25%) in equity securities of companies located in emerging markets. It invests in companies’ stocks located in at least 3 countries, including the United States. The fund invests <35% of net assets in equity securities of companies located in a single non-U.S. country. This fund doesn’t track any specific index benchmark.

NWGAX Fund Details

Nuveen Tradewinds Global All Cap

• Fund Inception Date: March 28, 2006
• Ticker Symbol: NWGAX
• CUSIP: 67065W795                        
• Beta (3yr): 0.85                
• Rank in category (YTD): 89
• Category: World Stock                  
• Distribution: 1.72%                        
• Capital Gains: N/A    
• Number of Years Up: 3 years       
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Net Assets: $2.26 billion

updated on 8/9/2011

YTD Top Performer Closed End Funds CEF August 2011

Closed end funds, or CEFs in short, can be one of the attractive fund for investor to invest. The following is the top performers are sorted based on its year-to-date performance of the fund market price. These top performing funds can be any of the following categories: bond funds (fixed income funds), stock funds (equity funds), commodity funds, multi sector funds, and alternative funds. Check the funds details below for the fund category.

Note: some of these fund may be traded either premium or discount from their net asset value (NAV).

The Top Performer Closed End Funds August 2011 (up to august 5th, 2011) are:

Top Performer CEFs

1. Cornerstone Total Return Fund
2. Cornerstone Strategic Value
3. PIMCO Corporate Opportunity
4. Central Gold-Trust
5. Pacholder High Yield
6. PIMCO Corporate Income
7. BlackRock PA Strategic Municipal
8. Aberdeen Global Income Fund
9. First Trust Strategic High Income
10. Central Fund of Canada

Top Performer Foreign Large Blend Stock Mutual Funds 2011

Introduction

Mutual funds can be divided into two main classes: bond funds and stock funds. The stock funds can be classified into variety of categories such as US domestic equity fund, International stock fund, and emerging market stock fund. One of the divisions in international stock fund or global stock fund is foreign large blend funds. These funds are suitable for investment portfolio diversification. This article will focus on this category.

Foreign large-blend funds invest in a variation of large international stocks. Most of these mutual funds divide their assets in more than 10 developed markets, including Japan, Britain (United Kingdom), France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Netherland. They also may invest the rest in emerging markets such as Hong Kong, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Korea, Indonesia and Thailand. These funds typically will have only a little assets invested in U.S. stocks (less than 20%).

Top Performers

The following top performers are sorted based on their Year to Date performance (up till July 27th, 2011). The 10 Top Performer Foreign Large Blend Stock funds July 2011 are:

Top Performer Foreign Large Blend Funds

1. Artisan International Inv (ARTIX)
2. Virtus International Equity A (VIEAX)
3. American Century Intl Core Equity Inv (ACIMX)
4. GMO International Growth Equity III (GMIGX)
5. Vantagepoint International (VPINX)
6. Lazard International Equity Open (LZIOX)
7. JHancock3 International Growth A (GOIGX)
8. Lazard International Equity Sel Open (LZESX)
9. MainStay 130/30 International Inv (MYINX)
10. Cambiar International Equity Inv (CAMIX)

Updated on July 27th, 2011

Rydex Series Trust Consumer Products Fund (RYPDX)

One of the best defensive sector equity funds is Rydex Series Trust Consumer Products Fund. As part of Consumer Staples sector equity mutual fund, this Rydex series fund invest in industry which produce or manufacture food / beverages, prescription drugs, tobacco, and other household products. The fund's review is described below.

Rydex Series Trust Consumer Products Fund (RYPDX)

The Rydex Series Trust Consumer Products Fund objective is to achieve capital appreciation. The fund invests majority of its net assets (>80%) in equity securities of Consumer Products Companies that are traded in the United States and derivatives. Consumer Products Companies include companies that manufacture, wholesale or retail food, staple retail products and non-durable goods such as beverages, household, tobacco, and personal care products. It invests to a significant extent in the small to mid-sized capitalizations Consumer Products Companies stocks. The fund is non-diversified.

RYPDX Fund Details

Rydex Series Trust Consumer Products Fund

• Fund Inception Date: September 1, 2004
• Ticker Symbol: RYPDX (Class A)
• CUSIP: 78355E346
• Beta (3yr): 0.66
• Rank in category (YTD): 4
• Category: Consumer Staples
• Distribution: 17.54%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 4 years
• Number of Years Down: 2 years
• Total Net Assets: $101.75 million
• Annual Turnover Rate: 400%

updated on August 7th, 2011

Fidelity Select Industrials Fund (FCYIX)

With global economic growth expansion, industrials sector equity can become one of the outperform sector mutual fund. One of the best industrial sector is Fidelity Select Industrials. For the fund's review, please check the following article.

Fidelity Select Industrials (MUTF: FCYIX)

The Fidelity Select Industrials investment is seeking capital appreciation. This Fidelity fund invests mainly in common stocks. It usually invests >80% of assets in securities of companies principally engaged in the research, development, manufacture, distribution, supply, or sale of industrial products, services, or equipment. The fund invests in domestic and foreign issuers. It is considered as non-diversified mutual fund.

FCYIX Fund Details

Fidelity Select Industrials fund

• Fund Inception Date: March 3, 1997
• Ticker Symbol: FCYIX
• CUSIP: 316390517
• Beta (3yr): 1.38
• Rank in category (YTD): 41
• Category: Industrials
• Distribution: 0.45%
• Capital Gains: N/A
• Number of Years Up: 11 years
• Number of Years Down: 2 years
• Total Net Assets: $562.56 million

updated on August 6th, 2011

Top Performer Retirement Income Mutual Funds July 2011

Target Date Mutual Funds are popular among long term investors. One of the target date mutual funds classes is Retirement Income fund. This article will look into the top performer retirement income mutual funds. Some of the best performing funds are: Vanguard Managed Payout Growth Focus fund, PIMCO Real Income 2029 fund, Legg Mason Target Retirement fund, etc. Top Retirement Income Funds

Intro

Retirement income mutual funds are popular among retiree and near retirement age investor. These funds can provide regular income for investors. The funds’ portfolios usually consist of a mix of stocks, bonds and cash for those investors already in or entering retirement. These funds tend to have a conservative asset allocation strategy. These fund portfolios objective is to provide investors with steady income throughout retirement. The following are the Top Performer Retirement Income Funds. The top performer funds are sorted based on its Year to Date performance.

The 15 best retirement income mutual funds 2013 are:

1. Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund (VTINX)
2. T. Rowe Price Retirement Income Fund (TRRIX)
3. Harbor Target Retirement Income Fund (HARAX)
4. USAA Target Retirement Income Fund (URINX)
5. TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Retirement Income Fund (TLRIX)
6. American Beacon Retirement Income and Appreciation Fund (AANPX)
7. TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index Retirement Income Fund (TRILX)
8. Russell LifePoints In Retirement Fund (RZLRX)
9. Legg Mason Target Retirement Fund (LMPAX)
10. MFS Lifetime Retirement Income Fund (MLLAX)
11. American Century Asset Allocation Portfolios LIVESTRONG Income Portfolio (ARTAX)
12. JPMorgan SmartRetirement Income Fund (JSRAX)
13. Vantagepoint Milestone Retirement Income Fund (VPRRX)
14. Manning & Napier Target Income Series Fund (MTDCX)
15. BlackRock LifePath Retirement Portfolio (LPRAX)

Last update: 5/5/2013

The 10 Top Performer Retirement Income Mutual Funds July 2011 are:

1. Vanguard Managed Payout Growth Focus Inv
2. PIMCO Real Income 2029 A
3. Vanguard Managed Payout Growth & Distribution Inv
4. Vanguard Managed Payout Distribution Focus Inv
5. Legg Mason Target Retirement A
6. PIMCO Real Income 2019 A
7. American Century LIVESTRONG Income Inv
8. Fidelity Income Replacement 2042
9. TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Retire Income Retail
10. Schwab Monthly Income Mod Payout

New: Top Performer Target Date Mutual Funds of 2011.

Vanguard Managed Payout Gr Focus Inv (VPGFX)

The Vanguard Managed Payout Growth Focus fund objective is to provide monthly distributions of cash while providing inflation protection and capital appreciation over the long term. This Vanguard fund invests in Vanguard mutual funds and other investments according to an asset allocation strategy designed to provide shareholders with regular cash flow from their investments in the fund.

This mutual fund may allocate assets across a broadly diversified selection of opportunities--such as stocks (including stocks issued by REITs), bonds, cash, inflation-linked investments, and selected other investments--in proportions that reflect the advisor's evaluation of their expected returns and risks as an integrated whole.

This retirement income fund is managed by Michael H. Buek since its inception on May 2008. Since this fund is new, it has gotten 1-star rating from Morningstar for its 2 years positive performance since inception. Currently this VPGFX fund is on the 1st rank in the category. The performance of this top performer fund is 25.90% in year 2009 and 14.43% in year 2010. The YTD return is 7.69%. This fund shares a yield of 3.06%. This Vanguard fund is a no load fund.

This fund is available for purchase from a limited brokerages list only.

The asset allocation of this fund as of June 2011 is Stocks (84.56%), Bonds (5.04%) and Others (10.40%). The top 10 portfolio composition is 45.3% in Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares (VTSMX), 19.6% in Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares (VGTSX), 9.9% in Vanguard Market Neutral Fund Investor Shares (VMNFX), 9.8% in Vanguard REIT Index Fund (VGSIX), 5.0% in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund Investor Shares (VFICX) and 10.4% in Others.

PIMCO Real Income 2029 A (MUTF: POIAX)

The PIMCO Real Income 2029 fund seeks to provide consistent real (inflation-adjusted) distributions through its maturity date in 2029. This PIMCO fund invests majority of net assets (>90%) in inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury. It may invest in other securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, futures contracts on U.S. Treasury securities, and money market instruments. Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities that are structured to provide protection against inflation.

The fund invests in short-, intermediate- and long-term securities in a laddered investment strategy to facilitate regular distributions through its maturity date in 2029.

Since this fund is new, it hasn’t gotten any rank from Morningstar yet. But this fund has 7.62% YTD return. This fund has returned 10.78% over the past one year. The performance of this fund in 2010 was 6.99%. The new fund's manager is Rahul M. Seksaria. He is the Senior Vice President of PIMCO and has managed this fund since May 2011. The annual expense ratio of this POIAX fund is 0.79%.

Should you are interested to invest in this fund, it can be purchased from a limited selection of 17 brokerages only. The minimum initial investment for brokerage account is $1,000 with $50 minimum subsequent investment. This fund has 0.25% of 12b1 fee and 3.75% of front-end sales load. The last dividend distributed was in June 2011 (0.05%). This fund is available in any other classes, such as Class C (PORCX), Class D (PORDX), Class Institutional (PRIIX) and Class P (PRQCX). As of June 2011, the sector breakdown of this fund is 90% in Government – Treasury and 10% in Money Market and Net Cash Equivalents. This fund has the average maturity of 10.06 years and average duration of 6.55%.

Legg Mason Target Retirement A (LMPAX)

The Legg Mason Target Retirement fund is seeking to achieve the highest total return over time consistent with its asset mix. The fund invests in a combination of underlying funds representing a variety of asset classes (equity, fixed income and real estate) and investment styles. This Legg Mason fund typically allocates the assets as follows 30% in equity funds, 65% in fixed-income funds, and 5% in real estate related funds.

Steven D. Bleiberg has managed this Legg Mason fund since its inception in August 2008. This retirement income fund shares a dividend yield of 3.10%. The annual expense ratio is 0.45%. The last dividend was distributed in June 2011 (0.03%). As this fund is still new, it hasn’t gotten any Morningstar rating yet. But this fund has a 5.99% YTD return and has returned 14.39% over the past year. Rated number five in this list, the LMPAX fund has 0.25% 12b1 fee and 5.75% front-end sales load fee. The minimum amount needed to invest in the brokerage account of this fund is $1,000 and $250 for IRA account.

This top performer fund is currently available for purchase from 28 brokerages like JP Morgan, Scottrade Load, etc. Investor may choose from the other classes of this Legg Mason fund such as Class C (LMRCX), Class FI (LMRPX), Class I (LMIMX), Class IS (LMRSX), Class R1 (LMRFX) or Class R (LMERX).

As of June 2011, the top holdings of this LMPAX fund represent 88.4% of total portfolio. They are WA Core Bond Portfolio (38.6%), LM BW Global Opportunities Bond Fund (13.6%), WA High Yield Portfolio (6.7%), iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (5.4%), Vanguard REIT Index Fund (5.1%), LM Strategic Real Return Fund (5.0%), LM BFM International Equity Trust (4.2%), LM GC International All Cap Opportunity Fund (4.1%), Royce Value Fund (3.2%) and iShares Russell 1000 Value Index Fund (2.4%).

American Century LIVESTRONG Income Investor (ARTOX)

The American Century LIVESTRONG Income fund seeks current income. The fund’s secondary objective is to achieve capital appreciation. As fund of funds, this American Century fund invests in other American Century mutual funds that represent a variety of asset classes and investment styles. The target asset mix for LIVESTRONG Income Portfolio is expected to remain fixed over time with a 45% allocation to equities (stocks), 45% allocation to fixed income securities (bonds), and 10% allocation to cash.

This American Century fund has 4-stars rating from Morningstar for its 5 years achieving positive performance since 2004. This best rated fund has 5.30% YTD return. It distributes a dividend yield of 2.21%. This ARTOX fund has expense ratio of 0.21% every year. This figure is lower compared to the average in the Retirement Income category (0.60%). The fund managers of this fund are Enrique Chang, Scott Wittman, Richard Weiss, Irina Torelli and Scott Wilson.

If you are interested to invest in this fund, the minimum amount needed to open a brokerage account is $2,500 with $50 minimum subsequent investment. This fund is not available in IRA account yet. This is a no load fund, meaning there is no 12b1 fee and no sales load fee. The annual holdings turnover rate of this fund is relatively low as well (4.0%). The other classes of this fund are Institutional Class (ATTIX), Class A (ARTAX), Class C (ATTCX) and Class R (ARSRX). Please check with your brokerage account about how to buy this mutual fund.

This Livestrong Income fund is a ‘fund of funds’ as it seeks to achieve its goal by investing in other American Century Investments mutual funds. The portfolio of this fund as of December 2010 is 45.0% in Stocks Funds, 45% in Bonds Funds and 10% in Money Market Funds.

Fidelity Income Replacement 2042 (FIXRX)

The Fidelity Income Replacement 2042 fund is seeking total return through a combination of current income and capital growth. The fund typically invests in a combination of underlying Fidelity equity, fixed-income, and short-term funds using an asset allocation strategy designed to achieve a level of total return consistent with a payment strategy to be administered through the fund's horizon date, December 31, 2042.

This Fidelity fund is considered as fund of funds. Since its inception in 2007, this fund has performed in 2 years with positive return and one year in negative return. The performances are as follow:

• Year 2008: -30.02%
• Year 2009: 28.91%
• Year 2010: 13.75%

Andrew Dierdorf has managed this fund since June 2009. The yield of this fund is $1.82%. The fund is a no load fund, therefore it applies no management fee and no front end sales load fee as well. To invest in this fund, investor may need $25,000 for the minimum initial investment in brokerage account. This fund can be purchased from 23 brokerages.

The CUSIP of this fund is 31617L863. The asset allocation of this fund as of June 2011 are 64.22% in Equity Funds, 32.25% in Bond Funds and 3.53% in MM/Short-Term Fds & Net Other Assets. The top sectors of this fund as of May 2011 are Financial Services (16.15%), Technology (14.25%), Consumer Cyclical (12.26%), Industrials (12.22%) and Energy (11.36%).

TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Retire Income Retail (TLRRX)

The TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Retire Income fund objective is to seek high total return over time mainly through income, with a secondary emphasis on capital appreciation. The fund invests primarily in underlying funds according to a fixed, more conservative asset allocation strategy designed for investors who are already in or entering retirement.

Currently, This TIAA CREF fund invests in a diversified portfolio consisting of about 40% stocks or equities and 60% bonds or fixed incomes.

This retirement income fund has been managed by Pablo L. Mitchell since its inception in November 2007. The fund’s net asset is $113.73 million. It has 0.16% annual expense ratio and 5.0% annual turnover rate. This fund has YTD return of 5.19%. Morningstar has rated this fund with 4-star rating.

To invest in this top performer and best fund, investor will need a minimum of $2,500 for brokerage account and $2,000 for IRA account. There is a 0.13% of management fee, but no front-end sales load fee. Currently this fund is only available for purchase from a limited of 4 brokerages only. They are Vanguard, Pershing Fund Center, Pershing FundVest NTF and MSSB Mass Mutual.

As of March 2011, the target allocation of TLRRX fund is 60.0% in equities and 40.0% in non-equities. And the top 10 holdings of this fund are TIAA-CREF Bond Fund (38.9%), TIAA-CREF Inflation-Linked Bond Fund (10.0%), TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Fund (9.9%), TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Fund (5.6%), TIAA-CREF Enhanced Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (5.5%), TIAA-CREF Enhanced Large-Cap Value Index Fund (5.5%), TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Value Fund (5.5%), TIAA-CREF Growth & Income Fund (4.7%), IAA-CREF International Equity Fund (4.0%) and TIAA-CREF Enhanced International Equity Index Fund (4.0%).

Schwab Monthly Income Mod Payout (SWJRX)

The Schwab Monthly Income Mod Payout fund objective is to provide current income; capital appreciation is a secondary consideration. The fund invests predominantly in a combination of Schwab funds and Laudus funds (the underlying funds) in accordance with its target asset allocation. It may invest <100% of assets directly in cash, money market, repurchase agreements and other short-term obligations.

This SWJRX fund has total net asset of $22.45 million. It shares 2.59% dividend yield. The last dividend distributed in July 2011 was 0.02%. This fund is managed by Daniel Kern since October 2008. The expense ratio of this fund is 0.0%. This Schwab fund is also a no load fund, means no management fee and no front-end sales load or deferred sales load. The minimum initial investment needed to open a regular brokerage account is $100.

For these past two years after its inception, the annual total return of this Schwab fund was 10.35% in year 2010 and 15.76% in year 2009. Currently it has 5.14% YTD return. This SWJRX fund has gotten 5-stars rating from Morningstar.

As of January 2011, the top sectors of this best fund are Financials (33.84%), Information Technology (13.53%), Consumer Discretionary (11.45%), Industrials (9.81%) and Energy (8.14%). The asset breakdown is 45.8% in domestic bonds, 26.24% in domestic stocks, 12.51% in foreign stocks, 8.13% in cash, 7.04% in foreign bonds, 0.21% in preferred and 0.07% in miscellaneous.

Disclosure: No Position

Note: Some of these funds may be new and don’t have long term performance history.

Top Performers Performance

No	Name	Ticker	Rating	Yield	Expense Ratio	Load	Net Assets (mil)	Min to Invest
1	Vanguard Managed Payout Gr Focus Inv	VPGFX	1	3.13%	0.24%	0.00%	$70	$25,000
2	PIMCO Real Income 2029 A	POIAX	N/A	5.34%	0.79%	3.75%	$8	$1,000
3	Vanguard Managed Payout Gr & Dis Inv	VPGDX	2	4.32%	0.24%	0.00%	$308	$25,000
4	Vanguard Managed Payout Dis Focus Inv	VPDFX	2	6.37%	0.25%	0.00%	$443	$25,000
5	Legg Mason Target Retirement A	LMPAX	N/A	3.10%	1.15%	5.75%	$3	$1,000
6	PIMCO Real Income 2019 A	PCIAX	N/A	11.16%	0.79%	3.75%	$20	$1,000
7	American Century LIVESTRONG Inc Inv	ARTOX	4	2.21%	0.76%	0.00%	$303	$2,500
8	Fidelity Income Replacement 2042	FIXRX	3	1.82%	0.68%	0.00%	$6	$25,000
9	TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Retire Inc Retail	TLRRX	4	0.04%	0.63%	0.00%	$16	$2,500
10	Schwab Monthly Income Mod Payout	SWJRX	4	2.59%	0.75%	0.00%	$22	$100
11	Fidelity Income Replacement 2036	FIRUX	3	1.75%	0.65%	0.00%	$3	$25,000
12	BlackRock LifePath Retirement Investor A	LPRAX	3	2.08%	1.10%	5.25%	$668	$1,000

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