Best Performing Mid Cap Growth Mutual Funds December 2012

Best performing mid cap growth mutual funds December 2012 are Aquila Three Peaks Opportunity Growth fund, Kinetics Internet fund, Harbor Mid Cap Growth, etc.

Mid Cap Growth Funds

Mid cap growth mutual funds may invest in equities of all sizes or in equities of midsize companies with high potential growth. They invest mainly in U.S. companies or corporation. These companies have market capitalization between $2 billion - $10 billion. The fund managers may use different matrices such as high growth rate for earnings, sales, book value, and cash flow) and high valuation (high price ratios and low dividend yield).

These top performers are sorted based on its year to date performance in 2012 (up to December 28, 2012). You can find the fund review and other fund information such as expense ratio, Morningstar rating, fund’s market price, managers, fund’s holdings, yield, etc.

Best Performing Mutual Funds

The 10 best performing mid cap growth mutual funds December 2012 are:

1. Aquila Three Peaks Opportunity Growth Fund (ATGAX)
2. Kinetics Internet No Load (WWWFX)
3. Davenport Equity Opportunities (DEOPX)
4. PRIMECAP Odyssey Aggressive Growth (POAGX)
5. Harbor Mid Cap Growth Fund (HIMGX)
6. Touchstone Mid Cap Growth Fund (TEGAX)
7. Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Fund (LBGAX)
8. Hartford Midcap Fund (HFMCX)
9. Goldman Sachs Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (GSMAX)
10. Artisan Mid Cap Fund (ARTMX)

Updated on 12/30/2012

ING Global Real Estate Fund (IGLAX)

ING Global Real Estate fund (Ticker: IGLAX) is an international stock mutual fund. It focuses its investment in real estate companies around the world.

ING Global Real Estate A (MUTF: IGLAX)

The investment objective of ING Global Real Estate fund is to provide high total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current income. The mutual fund utilizes its net assets to purchase a portfolio of equity securities of companies that are principally engaged in the real estate industry. It may invest in companies located in countries with emerging securities markets. The fund may invest in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Fund Profile

• Fund Inception Date: 11/4/2001
• Ticker Symbol: IGLAX
• CUSIP: 44980R326
• Beta (3yr): 0.98
• Rank in category (YTD): %
• Category: Global Real Estate
• Distribution: 2.02%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.31%
• Net Assets: $ 4.48 billion
• Number of Years Up: 7 years
• Number of Years Down: 3 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 37.99%

Updated on 12/29/2012

PIMCO Unconstrained Bond Fund (PUBAX)

PIMCO Unconstrained Bond Fund (Ticker: PUBAX) is part of taxable bond fund. It invests in nontraditional bonds and provides regular income for investors.

PIMCO Unconstrained Bond A (Ticker: PUBAX)

The PIMCO Unconstrained Bond fund aim is to achieve maximum long-term return, consistent with capital preservation and prudent investment management. The mutual fund invests majority of its assets (>80%) in a diversified portfolio of both investment-grade securities and high yield securities (“Junk bonds”). The fund’s NAV is $11.68 (as of 12/2/2012).

Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: 06/29/2008
• Ticker Symbol: PUBAX
• CUSIP: 72201M479
• Beta (3yr): 0.31
• Rank in category (YTD): 29%
• Category: Nontraditional Bond
• Yield: 1.94%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.30%
• Net Assets: $ 15.08 billion
• Number of Years Up: 3 years
• Number of Years Down: 0 years
• Effective duration: 0.24 years
• Effective maturity: -0.37 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 1,001%

Updated on 12/28/2012

Top Performer Small Blend Mutual Funds December 2012

The 10 top performer small blend mutual funds December 2012 are Hennessy Cornerstone Growth fund, Mairs & Power Small Cap, PIMCO Small Cap StocksPLUS TR, etc.

Best Performer Mutual Funds

Small blend mutual fund invests mainly in U.S. companies with small market capitalization. It invests in a mix of value and growth stocks where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. This equity fund provides higher risk and higher reward opportunity for investors. It is higher risk than typically large cap mutual funds.

These top performers are sorted based on its year to date performance in 2012 (up to December 13, 2012). You can find the fund review from this article. Other fund information can be found below such as expense ratio, Morningstar rating, fund’s NAV, managers, fund’s holdings, yield, etc.

The 12 top performer small blend mutual funds December 2012 are:

1. Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Investor (HFCGX)
2. Mairs & Power Small Cap (MSCFX)
3. PIMCO Small Cap StocksPLUS TR A (PCKAX)
4. Cortina Small Cap Value (CRSVX)
5. Vulcan Value Partners Small Cap (VVPSX)
6. Bogle Small Cap Growth Investor (BOGLX)
7. RBC Enterprise A (TETAX)
8. Keeley Small Cap Value A (KSCVX)
9. Touchstone Small Cap Core A (TSFAX)
10. Brown Advisory Small-Cap Fundamental Val Investor (BIAUX)
11. Fidelity Small Cap Discovery (FSCRX)
12. Olstein Strategic Opportunities A (OFSAX)

Updated on 12/27/2012

Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund (VPACX)

Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund (Ticker: VPACX) is a popular international stock mutual fund. The mutual fund focuses its investment in stocks of companies located in Pacific/Asia region.

Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund (MUTF: VPACX)

The Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund objective is to track the performance of the MSCI Pacific Index, a benchmark index.  The index comprises of stocks issued by companies located in the major markets of the Pacific region. The MSCI Pacific Index consists of approximately 470 common stocks of companies located in Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New Zealand.

Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: 06/17/1990
• Ticker Symbol: VPACX
• CUSIP: 922042106
• Beta (3yr): 0.77
• Rank in category (YTD): 83%
• Category: Diversified Pacific/ Asia
• Distribution: 4.42%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.26%
• Net Assets: $ 3.91 billion
• Number of Years Up: 13 years
• Number of Years Down: 8 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 4.00%

Updated on 12/26/2012

Best Performing World Allocation Mutual Funds 2012

The best performing world allocation mutual funds December 2012 are Strategic Latin America fund, PIMCO All Asset All Authority, Templeton Global Balanced, etc.

Top Performer World Allocation Funds

World allocation mutual fund is considered as a balanced mutual fund. This fund invests in 3 major categories: stocks, bonds, and cash. The mutual fund may invest in companies and government around the world. It focuses on the U.S., Canada, Japan, Europe, and other developed countries. It may invest about 10% in emerging markets.

These best performing mutual funds are sorted based on its year-to-date performance up to December 16, 2012. You may find other fund review information: expense ratio, fund’s NAV, management, objective, yield, top holdings, etc.

The 8 best performing world allocation mutual funds December 2012 are:

1. Strategic Latin America A (SLATX)
2. VALIC Company I Global Strategy (VGLSX)
3. PIMCO All Asset All Authority A (PAUAX)
4. Templeton Global Balanced A (TAGBX)
5. Nuveen Real Asset Income A (NRIAX)
6. Ivy Asset Strategy A (WASAX)
7. Waddell & Reed Asset Strategy A (UNASX)
8. Goldman Sachs Satellite Strategies A (GXSAX)

Updated on 12/24/2012

Fidelity Japan Fund (FJPNX)

Fidelity Japan Fund (Ticker: FJPNX) is an international stock mutual fund. This fund invests in equities of Japanese companies. More review can be found inside.

Fidelity Japan Fund (MUTF: FJPNX)

The investment aim of Fidelity Japan Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation. The fund utilizes its assets to purchase securities of Japanese issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Japan. It invests mainly in common stocks. The fund may use fundamental analysis of factors such as financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions to select investments.

Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: 09/14/1992
• Ticker Symbol: FJPNX
• CUSIP: 315910885
• Beta (3yr): 0.60
• Rank in category (YTD): 37%
• Category: Japan Stock
• Distribution: 1.68%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.80%
• Net Assets: $ 400.29 million
• Number of Years Up: 9 years
• Number of Years Down: 10 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 134.00%

Updated on 12/22/2012

Top Performer Municipal Bond ETFs December 2012

The 10 top performer municipal bond ETFs December 2012 are Market Vectors High-Yield Muni ETF, SPDR Nuveen S&P High Yield Municipal Bond, etc.

Best Performing Muni Bond ETFs

Exchange Traded Funds or ETFs have gaining popularity among investors. Unlike mutual fund, they provide opportunity to invest and trade like stocks. You can buy ETFs from your brokerage. One of the popular ETF categories is municipal bond ETF.

The municipal bond ETF invests mainly in municipal bond either investment grade muni or high yield municipal. This fund provide tax free yield for investors. Typically it also has lower risk than other bond or stock ETF.

These top performer muni bond ETFs are sorted based on its YTD return. You may find other information such as expense ratio fee, portfolio turnover rate, management or index approach, performance, etc. You can find the fund review and comparison below.

The 10 top performer municipal bond ETFs up to December 2012 are:

1. Market Vectors High-Yield Muni ETF (HYD)
2. SPDR Nuveen S&P High Yield Municipal Bond (HYMB)
3. Market Vectors CEF Municipal Income ETF (XMPT)
4. Market Vectors Long Municipal Index ETF (MLN)
5. PowerShares Insured National Muni Bond (PZA)
6. SPDR Nuveen Barclays Capital CA Muni Bond (CXA)
7. PowerShares Insured California Muni Bond (PWZ)
8. PowerShares Insured New York Muni Bond (PZT)
9. iShares S&P CA AMT-Free Municipal Bond (CMF)
10. SPDR Nuveen Barclays Capital NY Muni Bond (INY)

Updated on 12/21/2012

Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund (VUSTX) Investor Shares

The Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund (Ticker: VUSTX) is part of taxable bond mutual fund. This investor shares fund invests in long duration government bonds.

Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Investor (VUSTX)

The investment objective of Vanguard Long-Term Treasury fund is to achieve a high and sustainable level of current income. This mutual fund utilizes its assets to purchase U.S. Treasury securities. These securities may include bills, bonds, and notes issued by the U.S. Treasury. It is expected to maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 15 to 30 years. The current fund’s NAV is $13.59 (11/27/2012).

Fund Profile

• Fund Inception Date: May 18, 1986
• Ticker Symbol: VUSTX
• CUSIP: 922031505
• Beta (3yr): 3.16
• Rank in category (YTD): 65%
• Category: Long Government
• Distribution: 2.53%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.20%
• Net Assets: $ 3.93 billion
• Number of Years Up: 20 years
• Number of Years Down: 5 years
• Average Maturity: 23.2 years
• Average duration: 15.6 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 229%

Updated on 12/20/2012

Best Performing Emerging Markets Stock Closed End Funds December 2012

Best performing emerging markets CEFs 2012 include Turkish Investment Fund, Mexico Fund, Morgan Stanley India, etc. These closed end funds invest in equities of companies in emerging markets region.

Top Performer Closed End Funds

Investor can invest in emerging markets sector through several channels. They can invest in ETF (exchange traded fund), mutual fund, stock, bond, and CEF (closed end fund). This article will look into the emerging markets closed end fund investment especially the best performing funds.

The emerging markets CEFs focus its investment in companies located in emerging markets region. These countries are Brazil, India, China, Turkey, South Africa, etc. Typically, the funds have higher growth rate than the developed countries fund such as US or European.

The top performing list is sorted based on its performance in 2012 (up to 12/13/2012). You can find the fund review, performance, expense ratio, dividend yield, fund’s NAV, management, leverage, fund’s sponsor, premium/discount info, etc.

The 10 best performing emerging markets CEFs 2012 are:

1. Turkish Investment Fund (TKF)
2. Mexico Equity & Income (MXE)
3. Mexico Fund (MXF)
4. Morgan Stanley India Investor (IIF)
5. First Trust/Aberdeen Emerging Opportunity (FEO)
6. India Fund (IFN)
7. Morgan Stanley East Europe (RNE)
8. Aberdeen Emerging Markets Telecommunications & Infrastructure (ETF)
9. Aberdeen Latin America (LAQ)
10. Herzfeld Caribbean Basin (CUBA)

Updated on 12/18/2012

Third Avenue International Value Fund (TVIVX)

Third Avenue International Value Fund (TVIVX) is an international stock mutual fund. This equity mutual fund invests in undervalued non-U.S. companies with small- and/or mid-capitalization.

Third Avenue International Value Fund (Ticker: TVIVX)

The investment objective of Third Avenue International Value fund is to seek long-term capital growth. The mutual fund utilizes its assets to purchase a portfolio of common stocks and convertible securities, of well-financed companies (high quality assets and low levels of liabilities) located outside of the United States. It invests primarily in developed countries. It is non-diversified.

Fund Profile

• Fund Inception Date: 12/30/2009
• Ticker Symbol: TVIVX
• CUSIP: 884116864
• Beta (3yr): 0.84
• Rank in category (YTD): 42%
• Category: Foreign Small/ Mid Value
• Distribution: 1.34%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.65%
• Net Assets: $ 1.19 billion
• Number of Years Up: 1 year
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Annual Turnover Rate: 24%

Updated on 12/17/2012

Top Performer Small Value Stock Mutual Funds 2012 (December Edition)

The top performer small value stock mutual funds 2012 (up to December 2012) are Schneider Small Cap Value, Chou Opportunity, Walthausen Small Cap Value, etc.

Best Performing Small Value Funds

Small value mutual fund is part of domestic stock mutual fund or U.S. stock mutual fund. This small value fund focuses its assets in undervalued small U.S. companies. The market capitalization is typically lower than $300 million. This equity fund usually provide higher dividend yield than growth fund. The companies usually have low price ratios and slow growth in term of earning growth, book value, & cash flow.

These top performing funds are sorted based on their performance up until December 10, 2012. You can find the fund review, expense ratio, objective, risk, how to buy, yield, year to date performance, etc.

Top performer small value stock mutual funds 2012 are:

1. Schneider Small Cap Value (SCMVX)
2. Chou Opportunity (CHOEX)
3. Walthausen Small Cap Value (WSCVX)
4. Huber Capital Small Cap Value Investor (HUSIX)
5. CSC Small Cap Value Investor (CSCSX)
6. Hodges Pure Contrarian Retail (HDPCX)
7. Bridgeway Ultra-Small Company (BRUSX)
8. Robeco Small Cap Value II Investor (BPSCX)
9. Hotchkis and Wiley Small Cap Value A (HWSAX)
10. Undiscovered Managers Behavioral Value A (UBVAX)

Updated on 12/12/2012

Columbia Acorn International Fund (LAIAX)

Columbia Acorn International Fund (Ticker: LAIAX) is an international stock mutual fund. The mutual fund invests in non-US companies with small and mid-size market capitalization.

Columbia Acorn International A (Ticker: LAIAX)

The Columbia Acorn International fund aim is to provide long-term capital appreciation. The fund utilizes its total assets to purchase equities of foreign companies in developed markets. It invests in developed countries such as Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom and in emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil. It mostly focuses in the common stock of small- and mid-sized companies with market capitalizations under $5 billion at the time of investment.

Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: 10/12/2000
• Ticker Symbol: LAIAX
• CUSIP: 197199847
• Beta (3yr): 0.88
• Rank in category (YTD): 43%
• Category: Foreign Small/ Mid Growth
• Distribution: 0.15%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.30%
• Net Assets: $ 6.47 billion
• Number of Years Up: 7 years
• Number of Years Down: 4 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 32%

Updated on 12/13/2012

Best Performing Inflation Protected Bond Mutual Funds in December 2012

The 10 best performing inflation protected bond mutual funds are PIMCO Real Return Asset fund, Lord Abbett Inflation Focused, Harbor Real Return fund, etc.

Top Performer Inflation Protected Bond Funds

Another popular taxable bond mutual fund category is inflation protected bond fund. This inflation protected bond mutual fund invests mainly in debt securities that adjust their principal with the rate of inflation. These bonds are issued by U.S. Treasury typically, corporations, and other non-U.S. government entities. The fund also provides regular income for investors.

You will find each individual fund review from this top performer funds. Other fund information such as fund performance, expense ratio, and yield or dividend can be found below. The list is sorted based on its year to date performance in 2012 (up to December 10, 2012).

Best performing inflation protected bond mutual funds 2012 (up to December 10th, 2012) are:

1. PIMCO Real Return Asset P (PRTPX)
2. GMO Inflation Indexed Plus Bond III (GMITX)
3. Lord Abbett Inflation Focused A (LIFAX)
4. PIMCO Real Return A (PRTNX)
5. JHFunds2 Real Return Bond 1 (JIRRX)
6. Harbor Real Return Institutional (HARRX)
7. DFA Inflation-Protected Securities I (DIPSX)
8. VALIC Company I Inflation Protected (VCTPX)
9. Columbia Inflation Protected Securities A (APSAX)
10. Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Investor (VIPSX) 

Updated on 12/13/2012

PIMCO Short-Term Fund (PSHAX) Class A

PIMCO Short-Term Fund (Ticker: PSHAX) is a taxable bond mutual fund. It focuses its assets in high quality bond with short term maturity. It provides higher yield than regular saving account.

PIMCO Short-Term A (Ticker: PSHAX)

The investment objective of PIMCO Short-Term fund is to seek maximum current income, consistent with capital preservation and daily liquidity. The fund utilizes its total assets to purchase a diversified portfolio of Fixed Income Instruments of varying maturities. It may use forwards or derivatives such as options, futures contracts or swap agreements. It invests mainly in investment grade debt securities, but may invest up to 10% of its total assets in high yield securities (“junk bonds”) rated B or higher. The credit rating are rated by Moody’s, or equivalently rated by S&P or Fitch.

Fund Profile

• Fund Inception Date: 01/20/1997
• Ticker Symbol: PSHAX
• CUSIP: 693391211
• Beta (3yr): 0.03
• Rank in category (YTD): 19%
• Category: Ultra short Bond
• Yield: 0.89%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.71%
• Net Assets: $ 11.63 billion
• Number of Years Up: 13 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Effective duration: 0.95 years
• Effective maturity: 1.16 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 307%

Updated on 12/12/2012

Best Performing Diversified Emerging Markets Mutual Funds 2012

Best Performing Diversified Emerging Markets Mutual Funds 2012 are Nile Pan Africa fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery, etc. These funds invest in companies located in emerging markets region.

Top Performer Emerging Markets Funds

Diversified emerging markets funds are part of international stock mutual funds. These funds utilize their assets in the financial markets of developing countries. These countries are located in Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Far East, and Asia. Some of popular emerging market countries are China, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa, Indonesia, etc.

From this best performing funds list, you may find each individual fund review. You can find the fund performance, expense ratio, and yield or dividend from the table below. The list is sorted based on its year to date performance in 2012 (up to December 5, 2012).

The 12 Best Performing Diversified Emerging Markets Mutual Funds 2012 are:

1. Nile Pan Africa A (NAFAX)
2. Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery (FEDDX)
3. William Blair Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund (WESNX)
4. Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets A (CAGAX)
5. Van Eck Emerging Markets A (GBFAX)
6. Rochdale Emerging Markets (RIMIX)
7. Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Gr (DRESX)
8. Mirae Asset Emerging Markets Great Consumer A (MECGX)
9. Forward Select EM Dividend Investor (FSLRX)
10. Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap (WAEMX)
11. Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap A (TEMMX)
12. PIMCO Emerging Markets Fundamental IndexPLUS TR ST P (PEFPX)

Updated on 12/11/2012

Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund (VFISX) Investor Shares

Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund (VFISX) is another popular taxable bond mutual fund. This investor shares fund focuses its assets in short term maturity government bonds.

Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund (Ticker: VFISX)

The Vanguard Short-Term Treasury fund objective is to seek current income while maintaining limited price volatility. The mutual fund invests majority assets (>80%) in U.S. Treasury securities. It may invest in bills, bonds, and notes issued by the U.S. Treasury. It will maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 1 to 4 years.

Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: 10/27/1991
• Ticker Symbol: VFISX
• CUSIP: 922031703
• Beta (3yr): 0.45
• Rank in category (YTD): 68%
• Category: Short Government
• Distribution: 0.54%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.20%
• Net Assets: $ 6.50 billion
• Number of Years Up: 19 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Annual Turnover Rate: 302%

Updated on 12/7/2012

Fidelity Series Investment Grade Bond Fund (FSIGX)

Fidelity Series Investment Grade Bond Fund (Ticker: FSIGX) is a taxable bond mutual fund. This fixed income fund invests in high quality bonds.

Fidelity Series Investment Grade Bond Fund (FSIGX)

The investment aim of Fidelity Series Investment Grade Bond fund is to achieve high current income level. It uses its assets to purchase investment-grade debt securities. It uses overall interest rate risk to the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. This fixed income fund may invest in domestic and foreign issuers. It may invest in lower-quality debt securities or high yield bonds.

Fund Profile

• Fund Inception Date: Oct 8, 2008
• Ticker Symbol: FSIGX
• CUSIP: 316146729
• Beta (3yr): 0.96
• Rank in category (YTD): 65%
• Category: Intermediate-Term Bond
• Distribution: 2.81%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.45%
• Net Assets: $ 24.05 billion
• Number of Years Up: 3 years
• Number of Years Down: 0 years
• Average Duration: 4.9 years
• Average Maturity: 6.9 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 213%

Updated on 12/05/2012

Best Performer High Yield Bond Closed End Funds 2012

The best performer high yield bond closed end funds 2012 are First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund, BlackRock Strategic Bond Fund, Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund, etc. These CEFs provide high yield.

YTD Top Performer CEFs

High yield bond closed end funds invest most of its assets in lower rated corporate bonds. These bond funds provide high yield regular income. These bond funds also provide capital appreciation for investors. The fund’s average duration is about 3 to 6 years.

From this best performing funds list, you may find each individual fund review. You can find the fund performance, expense ratio, and yield or dividend from the table below. The list is sorted based on its year to date performance in 2012 (up to December 2, 2012).

Best performer high yield bond closed end funds 2012 are:

1. First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund (FSD)
2. Invesco Van Kampen High Income II Fund (VLT)
3. Helios Strategic Income Fund (HSA)
4. Helios Advantage Income Fund (HAV)
5. BlackRock Strategic Bond Fund (BHD)
6. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund (DHY)
7. First Trust Strategic High Income 2 Fund (FHY)
8. Western Asset High Yield Defined Opportunity Fund (HYI)
9. Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund (HMH)
10. BlackRock Senior High Income Portfolio Fund (ARK)

Updated on 12/3/2012

Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX) is a target date 2031-2035 mutual fund. This balanced fund invests in stocks, bonds, and cash.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Inv (VTTHX)

The Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 fund objective is to provide capital appreciation and current income according to its current asset allocation. The mutual fund mainly invests in other Vanguard mutual funds. It uses an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2035 (the target year). Its asset allocation will become more conservative over time. This means that the assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase.

Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: Oct 26, 2003
• Ticker Symbol: VTTHX
• CUSIP: 92202E508
• Beta (3yr): 1.48
• Rank in category (YTD): 32%
• Category: Target Date 2031-2035
• Yield: 2.03%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.00%
• Net Assets: $ 13.76 billion
• Number of Years Up: 6 years
• Number of Years Down: 2 years
• Average Duration:  5.11 years (bond portion)
• Average Maturity:  7.10 years (bond portion)
• Annual Turnover Rate: 18%

Updated on 12/5/2012

Top Performer Small Growth Stock Mutual Funds 2012

The top performer small growth stock mutual funds 2012 are Buffalo Micro Cap fund, ASTON Small Cap Growth fund, PNC Small Cap etc.

Best Performer Small Growth Mutual Funds

Small growth mutual fund invests mainly in fast growing small company in United States. The market capitalization is usually lower than $300 million. The fund favors companies in up and coming fields or young corporates on their early growth stages. These small cap stock mutual funds are typically very volatile than large cap stock mutual funds. They do provide higher chances for capital growth as well.

These top performer small growth mutual funds are sorted based on its performance in 2012. You can find the fund review information such as expense ratio, turnover rate, yield, performance, management, etc.

The 10 Top performer small growth mutual funds 2012 are:

1. Buffalo Micro Cap (BUFOX)
2. ASTON Small Cap Growth N (ACWDX)
3. Federated Kaufmann Small Cap A (FKASX)
4. PNC Small Cap A (PPCAX)
5. Wasatch Micro Cap Value (WAMVX)
6. MFS New Discovery A (MNDAX)
7. PNC Multi Factor Small Cap Core A (PLOAX)
8. Invesco Small Cap Growth Investor (GTSIX)
9. Oppenheimer Discovery A (OPOCX)
10. Wanger USA (WUSAX)

Updated on 12/2/2012

MainStay Convertible Fund (MCINX)

MainStay Convertible Fund (Ticker: MCINX) is a balanced mutual fund. This fund focuses on convertible securities including bonds, corporate notes, and preferred stocks.

MainStay Convertible Investor (MCINX)

The investment objective of MainStay Convertible fund is to provide capital appreciation and current income. The fund utilizes its assets to purchase convertible securities such as bonds, debentures, corporate notes, and preferred stocks or other securities. It may also invest in non-convertible debt, dividend equity stocks, U.S. government securities, and cash.

Fund Profile

• Fund Inception Date: February 28, 2008
• Ticker Symbol: MCINX
• CUSIP: 56062X526
• Beta (3yr): 1.32
• Rank in category (YTD): 70%
• Category: Convertibles
• Distribution: 1.85%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.19%
• Net Assets: $ 710.07 million
• Number of Years Up: 2 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Effective Duration: 4.2 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 80%

Updated on 12/2/2012