June 30, 2012

American Funds EuroPacific Growth Fund (AEPGX) Class A

American Funds EuroPacific Growth fund (AEPGX) is one of best international stock mutual funds. This foreign large blend fund focusses its assets in Europe stocks and Pacific stocks.

American Funds EuroPacific Growth A (Ticker: AEPGX)

The American Funds EuroPacific Growth fund is seeking to provide long-term capital appreciation. This equity fund invests mainly in common stocks of issuers in Europe and the Pacific Basin which have growth potential. It may invest a portion of its assets in common stocks and other securities of companies in countries with developing or emerging markets economies.

Fund Details

  • Fund Inception Date: April 16, 1984
  • Ticker Symbol: AEPGX
  • CUSIP: 298706102
  • Beta (3yr): 0.97
  • Rank in category (YTD): 36%
  • Category: Foreign Large Blend
  • Distribution/ Yiels: 1.1%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.83%
  • Net Assets: $ 137.8 billion

June 28, 2012

Fidelity Diversified International Fund (FDIVX)

Another popular fidelity mutual fund is Fidelity Diversified International fund. This mutual fund is categorized as international stock fund. It invests in foreign companies around the world.

Fidelity Diversified International (FDIVX)

The investment aim of Fidelity Diversified International fund is to seek capital growth. This equity fund utilizes its assets to purchase non-U.S. companies’ securities. It diversifies investments across different countries and regions.

Fund Profile
  • Fund Inception Date: December 27, 1991
  • Ticker Symbol: FDIVX
  • CUSIP: 315910802
  • Beta (3yr): 1.00
  • Rank in category (YTD): 29%
  • Category: Foreign Large Blend
  • Yield: 1.70%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.87%
  • Net Assets: $ 23.78 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 14 years
  • Number of Years Down: 6 years
  • Annual Portfolio Turnover: 45%

June 26, 2012

Best No Load Municipal Bond Mutual Funds 2012

The best no load municipal bond mutual funds of 2012 are Wells Fargo Advantage Municipal Bond fund, Fidelity Tax-Free Bond, Wells Fargo Advantage Municipal Bond, BMO Intermediate Tax Free, etc.  You can find the fund review.

Best Municipal Bond Mutual Funds 2012 logoIntro

As part of bond mutual fund, municipal bond fund provides an attractive opportunity for investors who seek tax free income or yield. This muni bond mutual fund invests mainly in investment grade fixed income obligation issued by various states, cities, towns, transportation authorities and public utilities.

Top 6 municipal bond mutual funds

These top diversified municipal funds are selected based on its long term performance. These mutual funds don’t have a sales load or a transaction fee. You can find the fund review and other fund information below such as the yield, expense ratio, fund manager, top holdings, top sectors, etc.

The 6 best no load municipal bond mutual funds of 2012 are:
  1. Wells Fargo Advantage Municipal Bond Inv (SXFIX)
  2. Fidelity Tax-Free Bond (FTABX)
  3. T. Rowe Price Summit Municipal Income (PRINX)
  4. BMO Intermediate Tax-Free Y (MITFX)
  5. Commerce National Tax Free Intermediate Bond (CFNLX)
  6. DWS Managed Municipal Bonds S (SCMBX)

June 25, 2012

YTD Worst Performer Bond Mutual Funds in 2012

This post is about worst performer bond mutual funds including taxable and municipal bond funds. The worst performers are YieldQuest Total Return Bond, Federated Municipal Ultrashort, etc. You can find the fund review below.

These worst performer bond funds are sorted based on its year to date performance up to June 24, 2012. You can find the worst performer for taxable bond fund and municipal bond fund. You will also get the fund details such as top holdings, fund manager, sales load, yield, expense ratio, etc.
Worst Performer Bond Mutual Funds 2012 logo
Taxable Bond Mutual Funds

These taxable bond mutual funds can invest in corporate bond, U.S. treasury, emerging market bond, international bond, and government bond. They can be categorized as intermediate term bond, high yield bond, world bond, emerging market bond, government bond, etc.

The YTD worst performer taxable bond mutual funds of 2012 are:
  1. YieldQuest Total Return Bond Inv (YTRIX)
  2. Capstone Church Capital (XCBFX)
  3. Guggenheim Long Short Interest Rate Strategy A (RYBSX)
  4. American Independence Absolute Return Bull/Bear Bond A (AABBX)
  5. Federated Prudent DollarBear A (PSAFX)
  6. Steel Path MLP and Infrastructure Debt A (MLPUX)
  7. American Independence Active Interest Rate Management A (AATMX)
  8. Brown Advisory Tactical Bond Advisor (BATBX)
  9. Northern Global Fixed Income (NOIFX)
  10. BlackRock International Bond Inv A (BIIAX)

June 24, 2012

YTD Worst Performer Stock Mutual Funds of 2012

This article provides the YTD worst performer stock mutual funds including domestic stock fund and international stock fund. The worst performers are Westcore Select, The USX China A, etc. The following is the fund review details.
year-to-date Worst Performer Stock Mutual Funds of 2012 logo
These worst performer funds are sorted based on its year to date performance up to June 24, 2012. You can find the worst performer for U.S. domestic stock fund and international stock fund. You will also get the fund details such as fund performance, fund manager, yield, expense ratio, etc.

Domestic Stock Mutual Funds

Domestic stock mutual funds invest mainly in U.S. companies’ stocks. There are various domestic stock funds. They are large blend, large growth, large value, mid cap value, mid cap blend, mid cap growth, small blend, small value, small growth, technology, sector funds, etc.

The YTD worst performer domestic stock mutual funds of 2012 are:
  1. Integrity Williston Basin/Mid-North America Stock A (ICPAX)
  2. Nysa (NYSAX)
  3. Westcore Select (WTSLX)
  4. ING Value Choice A (PAVAX)
  5. Pacific Advisors Mid Cap Value A (PAMVX)
  6. Nuveen Tradewinds Value Opportunities A (NVOAX)
  7. Cambiar Aggressive Value Investor (CAMAX)
  8. Huntington Technical Opportunities A (HTOAX)
  9. WesMark Small Company Growth (WMKSX)
  10. Allianz AGIC Focused Opportunity A (AFOAX)
1. Integrity Williston Basin/Mid-North America Stock A (ICPAX)

The Integrity Williston Basin/Mid-North America Stock is rated with 2 star rating. The fund objective is to provide long term capital growth. It invests in foreign and domestic companies stocks. It has an expense ratio of 1.42%. The total assets are $451 million. The sales load is 5%.

This fund has a year to date return of -16.79%. The annualized 5 year return is 3.02%. You can buy this mid-cap growth stock fund with $1,000 initial investment. The top 2 holdings are National Oilwell Varco Inc, and Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp.

June 22, 2012

Best No Load Moderate Allocation Balanced Mutual Funds 2012

The best moderate allocation balanced mutual funds of 2012 are RiverNorth Core Opportunity, Intrepid Capital, FBR Balanced fund, etc. You can find these top funds review in this post.

Top 6 Moderate Allocation Mutual FundsIntroduction

As we know, there are 4 main balanced mutual funds. They are aggressive allocation, moderate allocation, conservative allocation, and world allocation. The moderate allocation fund typically has higher assets in stocks or equities (about 50%-70%). The rest of assets are invested in bonds or fixed income & cash.

Top moderate allocation funds

These top moderate allocation balanced funds are selected based on its long term performance. All of these mutual funds don’t have a sales load. You can find the fund review and other fund information below such as the track record, expense ratio, fund manager, top holdings, etc.

The 6 best no load moderate allocation balanced mutual funds of 2012 are:
  1. RiverNorth Core Opportunity (RNCOX)
  2. Intrepid Capital (ICMBX)
  3. Villere Balanced Inv (VILLX)
  4. ASTON/Montag & Caldwell Balanced N (MOBAX)
  5. FBR Balanced Investor (AFSAX)
  6. Buffalo Flexible Income (BUFBX)

June 21, 2012

Legg Mason Western Assets Managed Municipals SHMMX Fund

One of top muni bond mutual funds is Legg Mason Western Assets Managed Municipals fund. This fixed income fund is classified as muni national long bond fund. It also has a tax free yield of 4.28%.

Legg Mason Western Assets Managed Municipals A (SHMMX)

The investment objective of Legg Mason Western Assets Managed Municipals fund is to maximize current interest income that is exempted from gross income for regular federal income tax purposes with consistent prudent investment management and to achieve capital preservation. This bond mutual fund invests >80% of assets in intermediate-term and long-term municipal securities with maturities from 1 to >30 years at the time of purchase.

Fund Details
SHMMX fund
  • Fund Inception Date: March 4, 1981
  • Ticker Symbol: SHMMX
  • CUSIP: 52469J202
  • Beta (3yr): 1.28
  • Rank in category (YTD): 21%
  • Category: Muni National Long
  • Distribution Rate: 4.28%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.64%

June 19, 2012

Best No Load Retirement Income Balanced Mutual Funds 2013

The best no load retirement income balanced mutual funds for 2013 are American Beacon Retire Income & Appreciation, Vanguard Target Retirement Income fund, T. Rowe Price Retirement Income, etc.

Top Retirement Income Funds

Retirement income mutual funds are part of target date balanced funds. Retirement income funds offer a combination of equities, fixed income securities, and cash equivalent for investors already in or entering retirement age. The funds are managed based on a conservative asset allocation strategy. This means this fund may hold higher portion of assets in bonds and short term cash.

Best No Load Retirement Income Balanced Mutual Funds 2013The following top retirement income funds are chosen based on its long term track record. It also doesn’t have a sales load or transaction fee. You can buy this fund through your brokerage such as Scottrade, Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, JPMorgan, etc. I also provide the fund review below. Most of these funds are affordable among many investors due to low initial investment requirement.

The 6 Best No Load Retirement Income Balanced Mutual Funds for 2013 are:
  1. American Beacon Retire Income & Appreciation Inv (AANPX)
  2. Vanguard Target Retirement Income Inv (VTINX)
  3. American Century LIVESTRONG Inc Inv (ARTOX)
  4. T. Rowe Price Retirement Income (TRRIX)
  5. Fidelity Freedom Income (FFFAX)
  6. Vantagepoint Milestone Retirement Income (VPRRX)

American Beacon Retirement Income & Appreciation (AANPX)

This American Beacon Retirement Income and Appreciation fund objective is to provide income and capital appreciation. It uses its assets to purchase investment grade bonds, convertible and non-convertible securities, and stocks. The sub-advisors are Aerican Beacon Advisors, Inc and Calamos Advisors LLC. Its dividend yield is 2.32%. The annual expense ratio is 1.1%.

The fund’s assets are allocated as follow: fixed income (78.1%), convertible obligations (12.2%), equity (6.1%), and cash equivalent (3.6%). For the fixed income portion, it has weighted average maturity of 6.8 years. Morningstar ranks this balanced fund with 3 stars. It has a 5 years annualized return of 5.38%.

Vanguard Target Retirement Income (Ticker: VTINX)

The Vanguard Target Retirement Income fund invests majority of its assets in other Vanguard mutual funds based on an asset allocation strategy designed for retiree. Duane F. Kelly is the fund manager since 2003. This no load target date mutual fund has a yield of 2.53%. The total net assets are $8.5 billion. Its expense ratio is only 0.17% per year.

You can buy this gold rated retirement income fund with $1,000 initial investment. The fund has an investment style of large blend. As of June 2012, the top 5 holdings are Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index, Vanguard Total Stock Market Index, Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities, Vanguard Total International Stock Index, and Vanguard Prime Money Market.

American Century LIVESTRONG Income (ARTOX)

The investment aim of American Century LIVESTRONG Income fund is to seek income and capital growth through investment in other American Century mutual funds. It has $372 million of total assets. It also has an above average expense ratio fee of 0.75%. It opens to new investors.

This best retirement income mutual fund has returned 4.18% over the past 1 year, 9.65% over the past 3 year, and 3.43% over the past 5 year. The year-to-date return is 3.78%.

T. Rowe Price Retirement Income (MUTF: TRRIX)

This T. Rowe Price Retirement Income fund is ranked with gold rating by Morningstar. It has $2.6 billion of total assets. It utilizes its assets to buy other T. Rowe Price stock and bond funds depending upon its asset allocation. The expense ratio is 0.56%. Its annual holding turnover rate is 12.5%.

This retirement income fund has an average 3 year return of 8.89%. As of June 2012, the top 5 sectors are technology, financial services, industrials, consumer cyclical, and energy. The top 3 funds in its portfolio are T Rowe Price Inflation Focused Bond (29.68%), T Rowe Price Equity Index 500 (24.33%), and T Rowe Price New Income (17.91%).

Fidelity Freedom Income (FFFAX)

Fidelity Freedom Income FundThis Fidelity Freedom Income fund objective is to achieve high income and capital growth. It utilizes its assets to purchase a mix of Fidelity domestic equity funds, international equity funds, bond funds, and short-term funds. The fund managers are Chris Sharpe and Andrew Dierdorf. The distribution yield is 1.59%. Its investment style is large growth. The fund’s CUSIP number is 31617R308.

This 3 star rated retirement income balanced fund has its 1 year best total return in 2009 with 16.12%. The fund has returned 7.16% over the past 3 year, and 4.04% over the past decade.

Vantagepoint Milestone Retirement Income (VPRRX)

The Vantagepoint Milestone Retirement Income fund has an expense ratio of 0.85%. The holding turnover rate is 19%. Its yield is 1.85%. This best balanced fund is managed by Lee Trenum, Wayne Wicker, and David J. Braverman.

As of June 2012, the 3 year beta risk is 0.50. The top 3 sectors are financial services, industrials, and technology.

Disclosure: No Position

Fund Performance
NoFund DescriptionTickerExpensesYTD Return %1 Year Return %3 Year Return %5 Year Return %10 Year Return %
1American Beacon Retire Income & Appreciation AANPXLow2.25%3.03%6.86%5.38%-
2Vanguard Target Retirement Income VTINXAverage3.15%5.30%9.17%4.93%-
3American Century LIVESTRONG Inc ARTOXAbove Average3.78%4.18%9.65%3.43%-
4T. Rowe Price Retirement Income TRRIXAbove Average3.16%1.56%8.89%3.13%-
5Fidelity Freedom IncomeFFFAXLow2.43%2.04%7.16%3.11%4.04%
6Vantagepoint Milestone Retirement Income VPRRXBelow Average2.36%2.22%6.98%2.99%-

June 18, 2012

American Funds AMCAP A (AMCPX) Fund

As one of the largest mutual funds family, American Funds provide wide selection of mutual funds. One of the top rated and popular mutual funds is American Funds AMCAP A fund. This fund is part of large growth US stock mutual fund. It invests in US companies with great growth potential. More fund review can be found below.

American Funds AMCAP A (AMCPX)

The investment objective of this American Funds AMCAP fund is to achieve long-term capital growth. This fund utilizes its assets to purchase U.S. companies common stocks with solid long-term growth records and the potential for good future growth. This fund uses a team of fund advisors to manage its assets.

Fund Profile
  • Fund Inception Date: May 1, 1967
  • Ticker Symbol: AMCPX
  • CUSIP: 023375108
  • Beta (3yr): 1.06
  • Rank in category (YTD): 79%
  • Category: Large Growth
  • Distribution Rate: 0.35%

June 17, 2012

YTD Best Performing Closed End Funds June 2012

The Year-To-Date best performing closed end funds up until June 15, 2012 are Firsthand Technology Value, Thai Capital Fund, Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term, PIMCO Municipal Income, etc.

year-to-date top performer closed-end fund 2012 logoIntro

One of the investment funds is closed end fund or CEF. A closed-end fund is traded like stock in a stock exchange such as NYSE or the NASDAQ. It consists of a variety of securities such as stocks, bonds, and combination between the two.

The following article is about the top performer for domestic stock CEF, international stock CEF, taxable bond fund, and municipal bond fund. They may include sector equity, preferred stock, option strategy, growth fund, emerging markets stock, global stock, high yield, mortgage bond, bank loan, tax free municipal.

Top Stock CEF’s

YTD Best performer general equity closed end funds of June 2012 are:
  1. Firsthand Technology Value (SVVC) - 26.80%
  2. Nuveen Tax-Advantage Float Rate (JFP) - 26.59%
  3. H&Q Life Sciences Investors (HQL) - 26.25%
  4. Diamond Hill Financial Trends (DHFT) - 20.92%
  5. First Trust Specialty Finance & Financial Opportunities (FGB) - 20.36%
  6. Alpine Global Premier Property (AWP) - 20.18%
  7. H&Q Healthcare Investors (HQH) - 18.8%
  8. Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty (RQI) - 18.61%
  9. Cohen & Steers Select Preferred & Income (PSF) - 17.83%
  10. Cornerstone Strategy Value (CLM) - 17.82%

June 16, 2012

Top 10 Natural Resources Mutual Funds 2012

Find top 10 natural resources mutual funds 2012, best materials stock mutual funds for investment. The top natural resources stock funds are Fidelity Select Materials, Van Eck Global Hard Assets, Franklin Natural Resources, etc.

Intro

If you are interested in sector stock mutual funds, you can pick variety of sectors. These sector equities include communications, health care, natural resources, real estate, technology, etc. The natural resources mutual funds invest in companies that are engaged in the extractive industries or services of natural resources. Extraction is commonly defined as mining, logging, and drilling for oil and gas.

Natural resources include precious metals (gold, silver, and diamond), ferrous and nonferrous metals, strategic metals, hydrocarbons, chemicals, paper and forest products, real estate, food, textile and tobacco products, and other basic commodities.

Best Natural Resources Funds

These top natural resources sector funds are chosen based on its long term performance. You may find other fund information such as dividend yield, top stocks, fund manager, fund objective, etc.

Top 10 Natural Resources Mutual Funds of 2012 are:
  1. Fidelity Select Materials (FSDPX)
  2. Van Eck Global Hard Assets A (GHAAX)
  3. Franklin Natural Resources A (FRNRX)
  4. Prudential Jennison Natural Resources A (PGNAX)
  5. BlackRock Natural Resources Investor A (MDGRX)
  6. Fidelity Select Natural Resources (FNARX)
  7. Nuveen Tradewinds Global Resources A (NTGAX)

June 15, 2012

Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund (VTWNX)

The Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 fund (VTWNX) is a target date balanced mutual fund. This fund is popular among investors with retirement account (IRA) or 401(k) account.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Investor (VTWNX)

The investment aim of Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 fund is to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its asset allocation. This investment fund utilizes its assets to purchase other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy. It is suitable for investors about to retire and leave the work force in or within the target year of 2020.

Note: Its asset allocation will become more conservative over time.

Fund Details
Vanguard VTWNX fund
  • Fund Inception Date: June 7, 2006
  • Ticker Symbol: VTWNX
  • CUSIP: 92202E805
  • Beta (3yr): 1.09
  • Rank in category (YTD): 42%
  • Category: Target Date 2016-2020
  • Yield: 2.18%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.00%
  • Net Assets: $ 14.18 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 4 years
  • Number of Years Down: 1 year
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 23.00%
Updated on 6/14/2012

June 13, 2012

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund (LWEAX) Class A

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund (LWEAX) is a taxable bond mutual fund. This emerging markets bond fund invests in debts issued by emerging markets governments or corporations.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt A (Ticker: LWEAX)

The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt fund objective is to maximize total return. This fund uses its majority of assets to purchase fixed-income securities issued by governments and corporations located in emerging markets. It may invest in non-U.S. dollar denominated bonds.

Fund Profile
    Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund information
  • Fund Inception Date: January 13, 2010
  • Ticker Symbol: LWEAX (Class A)
  • CUSIP: 52469L694
  • Beta (3yr): 0.82
  • Rank in category (YTD): 72%
  • Category: Emerging Markets Bond
  • Yield: 4.37%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 1.25%
  • Net Assets: $ 138.23 million
  • Number of Up Years: 1 year
  • Number of Down Years: 0 year
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 16.00%
Updated on 6/13/2012

June 11, 2012

Best T. Rowe Price Mutual Funds 2012

The top 10 T. Rowe Price mutual funds of 2012 are T. Rowe Price Equity Index 500, T. Rowe Price New Income, T Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock, etc. You may find the best stock and bond funds from this list.

Best T. Rowe Price Mutual Funds of 2012
Introduction

T. Rowe Price provides a wide selection of over 90 no load mutual funds to investors. It provides either actively managed funds or index funds. Investors can choose these funds for asset diversification. It also offers low cost option for long term investment.

There are 8 main categories in its fund family. The categories are retirement funds, domestic stock funds, domestic bond funds, tax free bond funds or municipal bond funds, international stock funds, international bond funds, money market funds, and asset allocation funds. Depending on your investment objective, you can invest for short term, getting income, long term investment for retirement, tax efficient investing, and tax-exempt.

Best T. Rowe Price Mutual Funds

The Top 10 T. Rowe Price Mutual Funds of 2012 are:
  1. T. Rowe Price Equity Index 500 (PREIX)
  2. T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock (OTCFX)
  3. T. Rowe Price International Equity Index (PIEQX)
  4. T. Rowe Price International Discovery (PRIDX)
  5. T. Rowe Price Real Estate (TRREX)
  6. T. Rowe Price New Income (PRCIX)
  7. T. Rowe Price Inflation Protected Bond Fund (PRIPX)
  8. T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Income Inv (PRTAX)
  9. T. Rowe Price Balanced (RPBAX)
  10. T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Income (PRSIX)

Calamos International Growth Fund (CIGRX) Class A

Calamos International Growth fund is part of international stock mutual fund. This foreign large growth equity fund is ranked among the best mutual funds. More fund review can be found below.

Calamos International Growth A (MUTF: CIGRX)

The Calamos International Growth fund objective is to achieve long-term capital growth. This equity fund invests >40% of its assets in securities of foreign companies. It may invest in emerging markets companies. The fund may invest in all market capitalization companies such as well-established large companies and small companies.

Fund Profile
  • Fund Inception Date: March 16, 2005
  • Ticker Symbol: CIGRX
  • CUSIP: 128119575
  • Beta (3yr): 0.89
  • Rank in category (YTD): 64%
  • Category: Foreign Large Growth
  • Distribution: 0.00%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 1.49%
  • Net Assets: $ 729.18 million
  • Number of Years Up: 4 years
  • Number of Years Down: 2 years
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 59.60%
Updated on 6/6/2012

June 10, 2012

YTD Top Performer No Load Conservative Allocation Funds 2012

The year-to-date top performer no load conservative allocation mutual funds of 2012 are IMS Strategic Income, USAA Growth and Tax Strategy, Teberg, etc. You can find each fund review in this post.

There are 6 main balanced mutual funds. They are conservative allocation, moderate allocation, aggressive allocation, world allocation, convertibles, and target date portfolio. The conservative allocation fund objective is to provide income and capital growth through investment in equities, fixed incomes, and cash. This balanced fund has higher assets in bond portion than in stock portion.
Top performer no load conservative allocation mutual funds of 2012
Best Performing Funds

These top performer conservative allocation funds are sorted based on its performance in 2012. The last update on this list was done on 6/8/2012. These best performers do not have a sales load. You can find the fund review below as well.

The YTD top performer No Load Conservative Allocation Mutual Funds of 2012 are:
  1. IMS Strategic Income (IMSIX)
  2. USAA Growth and Tax Strategy (USBLX)
  3. Teberg (TEBRX)
  4. VALIC Company II Cnsrv Gr Lifestyle (VCGLX)
  5. Toews Hedged Growth Allocation (THGWX)
  6. TCW Global Conservative Allocation N (TGPNX)
  7. Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Adm (VTMFX)
  8. Sector Rotation Fund (NAVFX)
1. IMS Strategic Income (Ticker: IMSIX)

This IMS Strategic Income fund objective is to seek income and capital growth. It uses its assets to purchase corporate bonds, government bonds, dividend paying common stocks, preferred, convertible, income trusts, money market and cash equivalent. Carl W. Marker is the fund manager. It has an expense ratio of 1.95% per year. The last 12 month yield is 10.1%.

This balanced fund has a year to date return of 5.92%. The 5 year average return is -2.89%. Morningstar has rated it with 3 stars rating. You can buy this fund with $5,000 initial investment for brokerage or IRA account.

June 9, 2012

10 Best Utilities Sector Stock Mutual Funds 2012

This post is about the 10 best utilities sector stock mutual funds of 2012. The top funds are FBR Gas Utility Index, MFS Utilities, Franklin Utilities, etc. You may find each fund review.

Introduction

One of the income producing mutual funds is utilities sector mutual funds. These utilities funds consist of utilities companies. These companies engage in the production and service of electric power, water, natural gas, and other utility services. These funds have higher dividend yield than typical U.S. domestic stock mutual funds.

The utilities funds are typically less sensitive to economic cycles. They are also less volatile than other stock funds. Please check the fund prospectus for additional information about the fund objective.

Top Utilities Sector Mutual Funds

These top utilities sector funds are chosen based on its long term performance. You may find other fund information such as fund manager, dividend yield, top holdings, fund objective, etc.

The 10 Best Utilities Sector Stock Mutual Funds of 2012 are:
  1. FBR Gas Utility Index Investor (GASFX)
  2. MFS Utilities A (MMUFX)
  3. Franklin Utilities A (FKUTX)
  4. Gabelli Utilities A (GAUAX)
  5. Flex Funds Utilities and Infrastructure (FLRUX)
  6. Wells Fargo Advantage Utility & Telecom A (EVUAX)
  7. Rydex Utilities Inv (RYUIX)
  8. Reaves Select Research Inv (RSRAX)
  9. American Century Utilities Inv (BULIX)
  10. ICON Utilities A (ICTUX)

June 7, 2012

T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Fund (TRBCX)

T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth fund (TRBCX) is a popular U.S. domestic stock mutual fund. This investment fund provides capital growth. This large growth equity fund focuses its investment in stocks of large and mid-cap growth companies.

T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth (MUTF: TRBCX)

The investment objective of T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth fund is to provide long-term growth of capital. Its secondary objective is to provide income. This equity fund invests majority of assets in the common stocks of large and medium-sized blue chip growth companies. It may also purchase other securities including foreign stocks, futures, and options.

Fund Details
T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth
  • Fund Inception Date: June 30, 1993
  • Ticker Symbol: TRBCX
  • CUSIP: 77954Q106
  • Beta (3yr): 1.10
  • Rank in category (YTD): 7%
  • Category: Large Growth
  • Yield: 0.06%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.72%
  • Net Assets: $ 36.0 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 14 years
  • Number of Years Down: 4 years
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 44.20%
Updated on May 2017

John Hancock Lifestyle Balanced Portfolio Fund (JALBX)

One of the popular moderate allocation balanced mutual funds is John Hancock Lifestyle Balanced Portfolio. In general, this balanced fund has 4 categories such as conservative allocation, moderate allocation, aggressive allocation and world allocation.

John Hancock Lifestyle Balanced Portfolio (JALBX)

The investment objective of John Hancock Lifestyle Balanced Portfolio fund is to provide a high level of current income and growth of capital. This moderate allocation mutual fund utilizes most of its assets to buy other funds which invest primarily in equity securities (<60%) and in fixed-income securities (40%). You can also check my top balanced mutual fund article.

Fund Profile
  • Fund Inception Date: 10/15/2005
  • Ticker Symbol: JALBX
  • CUSIP: 47803V481
  • Beta (3yr): 1.14
  • Rank in category (YTD): 29%
  • Category: Moderate Allocation
  • Distribution: 2.96%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.54%  
  • Net Assets: $ 22.35 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 4 years
  • Number of Years Down: 2 years
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 19.00%
updated on 6/6/2012

June 5, 2012

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund CXHYX

The Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond fund (CXHYX) is a top rated muni bond mutual fund. This fixed income fund provides tax free high yield income from lower-grade municipal debts.

Delaware National High-Yield Muni Bond A (CXHYX)

The investment aim of Delaware National High-Yield Muni Bond fund is to achieve a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax. The fund utilizes majority of net assets to purchase the medium- and lower-grade municipal securities. It will invest its assets in securities with maturities of various lengths with effective maturity between 5 and 30 years.

Fund Profile
Delaware National Hi-Yld Muni Bd
  • Fund Inception Date: 09/22/1986
  • Ticker Symbol: CXHYX
  • CUSIP: 928928241
  • Beta (3yr): 1.41
  • Rank in category (YTD): 30 %
  • Category: High Yield Muni
  • Yield: 4.74%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.85%
  • Net Assets: $ 310.62 million
  • Number of Years Up: 21 years
  • Number of Years Down: 4 years
  • Average Duration: 7.00 years
  • Average Maturity: 11.44 years
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 57.00%
Updated on 6/5/2012

June 4, 2012

Best Vanguard Mutual Funds 2012

The Top 10 Best Vanguard Mutual Funds of 2012 are Vanguard Total Stock Market Index, Vanguard Total Bond Market Index, Vanguard Wellesley Income, etc. You will find each fund review.

Best Vanguard Mutual Funds 2012 | Top 10 Stock & Bond FundIntroduction

The three top mutual fund families are Vanguard, American Funds and Fidelity. The Vanguard mutual funds are popular among cost conscious investors. The funds provide low expense ratio and no sales load.

The funds also provide diversification hence mutual fund holds more bonds or stocks than anyone could ever buy. Investors can buy and sell these funds easily on any business day for easy access to their money.

Vanguard provides actively managed mutual funds and passively managed index mutual funds. These funds can be classified into variety categories. These categories are U.S. domestic stock, international stock, emerging markets stock, diversified bond, tax free municipal bond, and balanced fund.

New: Best Vanguard Mutual Funds for 2013

Best Vanguard Mutual Funds

These best Vanguard mutual funds are selected based on the following criteria:
  • It has no transaction fees or sales load
  • It has great long track record
  • It has low minimum initial investment requirement of $3,000
  • It provides diversification into variety of asset allocation
You will find other fund information and review such as fund manager, sales load, expense ratio fee, Morningstar rating, fund performance, top holdings, etc.

Top 10 Best Vanguard Mutual Funds of 2012 are:
  1. Vanguard Total Stock Market Index (VTSMX)
  2. Vanguard Small-Cap Index (NAESX)
  3. Vanguard Total International Stock Index (VGTSX)
  4. Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index (VEIEX)
  5. Vanguard REIT Index Fund Investor Shares (VGSIX)
  6. Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX)
  7. Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities (VIPSX)

June 3, 2012

DWS Strategic High Yield Tax Free A (NOTAX) Fund

One of the top rated high yield muni bond mutual funds is DWS Strategic High Yield Tax Free fund. This mutual fund invest in non investment grade municipal debt obligations. More review can be found below.

DWS Strategic High Yield Tax Free A (Ticker: NOTAX)

The investment objective of DWS Strategic High Yield Tax Free fund is to provide a high level of income exempt from regular federal income tax. This DWS fund invests most of net assets in municipalities bonds across the U.S. whose income is free from regular federal income tax. It invests some part of net assets (<20%) in bond whose income is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). It invests about ½ of total assets in investment grade municipal securities and another half of assets in high yield debt securities.

Fund Profile
  • Fund Inception Date: May 1, 2000
  • Ticker Symbol: NOTAX
  • CUSIP: 23337W105
  • Beta (3yr): 1.54
  • Rank in category (YTD): 34%
  • Category: High Yield Muni
  • Distribution Rate: 4.80%

June 1, 2012

Intrepid Small Cap Fund (ICMAX)

Intrepid Small Cap fund is classified as small value mutual fund. This small cap stock mutual fund has no sales load and rated among the best in its category. It also has a good long term performance. More review can be found as follows.

Intrepid Small Cap (MUTF: ICMAX)

The investment objective of Intrepid Small Cap fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. This domestic stock fund uses its assets to purchase equity securities of undervalued small capitalization companies. It invests in small capitalization companies that comparable to companies in the Russell 2000 Index, the S&P Small Cap Index or the Dow Jones Wilshire US Small Cap Index.

Fund Profile
  • Fund Inception Date: October 3, 2005
  • Ticker Symbol: ICMAX
  • CUSIP: 461195109
  • Beta (3yr): 0.84
  • Rank in category (YTD): 99%
  • Category: Small Value
  • Distribution: 0.00%
  • Capital Gains: 0%

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