Best Performing Currency Mutual Funds April 2013

The best performing currency mutual funds April 2013 are Eaton Vance Diversified Currency Income fund, Lord Abbett Emerging Markets Currency, more. It provides alternative opportunity for hedging.

Top Currency Funds

Currency Funds

Currency mutual funds invest in U.S. and non-U.S. currencies around the world. The portfolios use short term money market, derivative, forward currency contracts, index swaps / options, and cash deposits. The mutual fund invest mostly in major currency such as US dollar (USD), European Euro (EUR), Japanese Yen (JPY), British Pound (GBP), Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Swiss Franc (CHF), and more. They may invest in other currencies such as Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), Swedish Koran (SEK), South Korean Won (KRW), and Singapore Dollar (SGD).

From this best performing funds list, you may find each individual fund review. You can find the fund performance, expense ratio, and dividend yield from the table below. The list is sorted based on its 1 year return up to April 21, 2013.

Top Mutual Funds

The best performing currency mutual funds April 2013 are:

1. Eaton Vance Diversified Currency Income fund (EAIIX)
2. Rydex Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy fund (RYSDX)
3. Lord Abbett Emerging Markets Currency fund (LDMAX)
4. ProFunds Rising US Dollar fund (RDPIX)
5. PIMCO Emerging Markets Currency fund (PLMAX)
6. Columbia Absolute Return Currency & Income fund (RARAX)
7. Ashmore Emerging Markets Currency fund (ECYAX)
8. JPMorgan Ex-G4 Currency Strategies fund (EXGAX)
9. JHancock2 Currency Strategies fund (JCUAX)
10. JPMorgan International Currency Income fund (JCIAX)

BlackRock Latin America Fund (MDLTX)

BlackRock Latin America Fund (MDLTX) is a Latin America stock mutual fund. This international stock fund invests mainly in equities of companies located in Latin America.

BlackRock Latin America Fund (Ticker: MDLTX)

The BlackRock Latin America Fund objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The mutual fund uses its assets to purchase Latin American securities. It emphasizes equity securities of companies of any market capitalization located in Latin America. It may invest in selected countries in Latin America only. It can invest in securities denominated in the currencies of Latin American countries or in other currencies. The fund is non-diversified.

Fund Details

BlackRock Latin America Fund

• Fund Inception Date: September 26, 1991
• Ticker Symbol: MDLTX
• CUSIP: 09250X105
• Beta (3yr): 1.07
• Rank in category (YTD): 60%
• Category: Latin America Stock
• Distribution: 1.41%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.53%
• Net Assets: $ 573.1 million
• Number of Years Up: 13 years
• Number of Years Down: 8 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 50%

Updated on 4/28/2013

Top Performing Long Government Mutual Funds April 2013

Top performing long Government mutual funds April 2013 are American Century Zero Coupon 2025 fund, Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index. It has high yield for income.

Top Performer Funds

Best Performing Long Government Mutual Funds 2013

Long government mutual fund invests mainly in long duration U.S. government debts including U.S. treasuries. These bonds are backed by U.S. government; hence they have low credit risk default. The bonds have duration of more than six years. These portfolios are more sensitive to interest rates, and are riskier than bonds with shorter durations.

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 1 year total return up to April 15, 2013.

The top performing long Government mutual funds April 2013 are:

1. Direxion Monthly 10 Year Note Bull 2X fund (DXKLX)
2. American Century Zero Coupon 2025 fund (BTTRX)
3. Rydex Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy fund (RYGBX)
4. Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index fund (VEDTX)
5. PIMCO Extended Duration fund (PEDIX)
6. PIMCO Long-Term US Government fund (PGOVX)
7. American Century Zero Coupon 2020 fund (BTTTX)
8. ProFunds US Government Plus fund (GVPIX)
9. Vanguard Long-Term Government Bond Index fund (VLGIX)
10. Vanguard Long-Term Treasury fund (VUSTX)
11. Fidelity Spartan L/T Treasury Bond Index fund (FLBIX)
12. T. Rowe Price US Treasury Long-Term fund (PRULX)

Updated on 4/26/2013

Eaton Vance Global Macro Absolute Return Fund (EAGMX)

Eaton Vance Global Macro Absolute Return Fund (EAGMX) is a nontraditional bond mutual fund. This Eaton Vance fund invests mainly in bonds, derivatives or other instruments.

Eaton Vance Global Macro Absolute Return Fund (EAGMX)

The investment aim of Eaton Vance Global Macro Absolute Return Fund is to provide total return. The mutual fund utilizes its assets to buy portfolio of securities, derivatives and other instruments to establish long and short investment exposures around the world. It generally invests in multiple countries and may have significant exposure to foreign currencies. The fund’s long and short investments mainly are sovereign exposures, including currencies, interest rates and debt instruments issued or guaranteed by sovereign entities. It is non-diversified.

fund details

Fund Profile

• Fund Inception Date: 10/30/1997
• Ticker Symbol: EAGMX
• CUSIP: 277923736
• Beta (3yr): -0.06
• Rank in category (YTD): 38%
• Category: Nontraditional Bond
• Distribution: 3.61%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.32%
• Net Assets: $ 6.8 billion
• Number of Years Up: 14 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Average Duration: 0.45 year
• Annual Turnover Rate: 39%

updated on 4/23/2013

YTD Top Performing Investment Funds 2013: Mutual Funds, ETFs, CEFs

You may find the YTD top performing investment funds in 2013. You will find mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), and Closed End Funds (CEFs).

Best Performing Funds

Best Performing Investment Funds

There are three types of investment funds. The investment funds are mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), and closed end funds (CEFs). This article provides you with the top performing investment funds. From the list, you may find sector funds are among the top performers. The sector funds include Japan stock fund, health sector fund, real estate sector fund, high yield bond fund, etc.

This top performer bond mutual fund list is sorted based on its total return performance in 2013 up to April 21st, 2013. You can find the fund list review, expense ratio, yield, ranking, share price, management, top holdings, credit rating, etc.

Top Mutual Funds

The 12 best performing mutual funds of 2013 are:

1. Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies fund (FJSCX) – 38.37%
2. Kinetics Medical fund (MEDRX) – 24.64%
3. Fidelity Select Biotechnology fund (FBIOX) – 23.41%
4. GMO Flexible Equities III fund (GFEFX) – 23.18%
5. Franklin Biotechnology Discovery fund (FBDIX) – 21.68%
6. Matthews Japan fund (MJFOX) – 21.03%
7. EP Asia Small Companies fund (EPASX) – 20.98%
8. BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities fund (SHSAX) – 20.27%
9. Eventide Healthcare & Life Sciences fund (ETAHX) – 20.04%
10. Hartford Healthcare fund (HGHAX) – 19.56%
11. Vanguard Health Care Index fund (VHCIX) – 19.41%
12. Delaware Healthcare fund (DLHAX) – 19.18%

American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund (ABSAX)

American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund (ABSAX) is a small value mutual fund. This American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund invests mainly in equities of small companies.

American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund (ABSAX)

The investment objective of American Beacon Small Cap Value fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation and current income. This stock fund utilizes its assets to buy equity securities of small market capitalization U.S. companies. Its investments may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stocks, real estate investment trusts (REITs), American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks trading on U.S. exchanges.

Fund Profile

American Beacon Fund

• Fund Inception Date: May 16, 2010
• Ticker Symbol: ABSAX
• CUSIP: 024524845
• Beta (3yr): 1.32
• Rank in category (YTD): 24%
• Category: Small Value
• Yield: 0.86%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.34%
• Net Assets: $ 4.1 billion
• Number of Years Up: 1 year
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Annual Turnover Rate: 51.00%

Updated on 4/20/2013

Top Performing Commodities Broad Basket Mutual Funds 2013

The top performing commodities broad basket mutual funds 2013 are TCW Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund, Harbor Commodity Real Return Strategy Institutional, etc.

Top Performing Commodities funds

Commodities Broad Basket Funds

Commodities broad basket fund invests in a diversified basket of commodity goods. The commodity goods include oils, minerals, metals, livestock, cotton, sugar, cocoa, grains, and coffee. The fund management invests in physical assets or derivative instruments including swap agreements / futures. This fund can be riskier than other fund types such as bond mutual fund or large cap stock fund. Some may provide high dividend yield for investors.

The list is sorted based on the 1 year performance. You can find fund review and information in this article. Other information such as expense ratio, management, top holdings, top sector, sales load, and shares price can be found as well.

Top Commodity Funds

The top performing commodities broad basket mutual funds 2013 are:

1. TCW Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund (TGABX)
2. Harbor Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund (HACMX)
3. PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund (PCRAX)
4. Direxion Monthly Commodity Bull 2X Fund (DXCLX)
5. PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS Strategy Fund (PCLAX)
6. DFA Commodity Strategy Fund (DCMSX)
7. MFS Commodity Strategy Fund (MCSAX)
8. Eaton Vance Commodity Strategy Fund (EACSX)
9. Kottke Commodity Strategies Fund (KCFIX)
10. Fidelity Series Commodity Strategy Fund (FCSSX)

Eaton Vance Floating Rate Fund (EVBLX)

Eaton Vance Floating Rate Fund (EVBLX) is another popular taxable bond mutual fund. It focuses its assets in floating rate loans. It provides high yield for income.

Eaton Vance Floating Rate Fund (MUTF: EVBLX)

This Eaton Vance Floating Rate Fund objective is to provide a high current income level. The fund typically invests >80% of total assets in income producing floating rate loans and other floating rate debt securities. It invests primarily in senior floating rate loans of domestic and foreign borrowers. The fund may invest up to 25% of total assets in foreign Senior Loans.

Fund Profile

EVBLX fund

• Fund Inception Date: May 4, 2003
• Ticker Symbol: EVBLX
• CUSIP: 277911129
• Beta (3yr): -0.50
• Rank in category (YTD): 85%
• Category: Bank Loan
• Distribution: 4.20%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.02%
• Net Assets: $ 9.4 billion
• Number of Years Up: 8 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Average Duration: 0.14 years
• Average Maturity: 4.75 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 42%

Updated on 4/10/2013

Top Performing Foreign Large Value Mutual Funds April 2013

Find the top performing foreign large value mutual funds of April 2013. Check the fund performance and rating of these best mutual funds.

Best Performing

Top Performing Foreign Large Value Mutual Funds 2013

Foreign large value mutual fund is part of international stock fund. It invests mainly in value stocks of non-U.S. big companies which are located around the world. Value stocks are less expensive or growing more slowly than other large cap stocks. This mutual fund focuses on developed countries such as Great Britain, Germany, Japan, France, Australia, etc.

The list is compiled based on the fund performance for the past 1 year. The top performing fund means it managed to rank in top in this foreign large value category. You can find other fund information such as review, expense ratio, management, risk, top holdings, fund sector, etc.

The best performing foreign large value mutual funds of April 2013 are:

1. Oppenheimer International Value fund (QIVAX)
2. Domini International Social Equity fund (DOMAX)
3. Tweedy, Browne Global Value fund (TBGVX)
4. Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value fund (QFVOX)
5. Mainstay International Opportunities fund (MYINX)
6. FPA International Value fund (FPIVX)
7. Fidelity International Value fund (FIVLX)
8. MFS International Value fund (MGIAX)
9. Dreyfus International Equity fund (DIEAX)
10. Tweedy, Browne Global Value fund II - Currency Unhedged (TBCUX)
11. American Century International Core Equity fund (ACIMX)
12. American Century International Core Equity fund (ACIQX)
13. Hartford International Value fund (HILAX)
14. Prudential International Equity fund (PJRAX)
15. Touchstone International Equity fund (TIEAX)
16. Thomas White International fund (TWWDX)

Updated on 4/13/2013

Cohen & Steers Preferred Securities & Income Fund (CPXAX)

Cohen & Steers Preferred Securities & Income Fund (CPXAX) is a long term bond mutual fund. This taxable bond fund invests in bonds and preferred stocks of U.S. and foreign companies.

Cohen & Steers Preferred Securities & Income Fund (CPXAX)

The investment objective of Cohen & Steers Preferred Securities & Income Fund is to seek total return. The mutual fund utilizes its assets to purchase a portfolio of preferred and debt securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies. It also will invest >25% of its net assets in the financials sector including bank, diversified financials, real estate and real estate investment trusts (REITs), and insurance industries. The fund may invest without limit in securities of non-U.S. companies, which may be non-U.S. dollar denominated, including up to 15% of the fund's net assets in securities issued by companies domiciled in emerging market countries. It is non-diversified.

Fund Details

fund details

• Fund Inception Date: May 2, 2010
• Ticker Symbol: CPXAX
• CUSIP: 19248X109
• Beta (3yr): N/A
• Rank in category (YTD): 15%
• Category: Long-Term Bond
• Yield: 5.98%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.10%
• Net Assets: $ 1.9 billion
• Number of Years Up: 2 years
• Number of Years Down: 0 years
• Average Duration: 7.4 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 39%

Updated on 4/11/2013

Fidelity GNMA Fund (FGMNX)

Fidelity GNMA Fund (FGMNX) is an intermediate government mutual fund offered by Fidelity Investments. It focuses in bonds of Ginnie Maes.

Fidelity GNMA Fund (FGMNX)

The investment aim of Fidelity GNMA Fund is to seek a high level of current income consistent with prudent investment risk. Its secondary objective is capital gains. The fund normally invests >80% of assets in Ginnie Maes and its repurchase agreements. It invests in other U.S. government bond or securities. The fund invests in U.S. government securities issued by entities that are chartered or sponsored by Congress but whose securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. It seeks to have similar overall interest rate risk to the Barclays GNMA Index.

Fund Details

Fidelity fund

• Fund Inception Date: November 7, 1985
• Ticker Symbol: FGMNX
• CUSIP: 31617K105
• Beta (3yr): 0.71
• Rank in category (YTD): 24%
• Category: Intermediate Government
• Dividend Yield: 2.20%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.45%
• Net Assets: $ 10.3 billion
• Number of Years Up: 26 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Average Duration: 4.8 years
• Average Maturity: 3.2 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 263%

Updated on 4/9/2013

Best Performing Conservative Allocation Mutual Funds April 2013

Find the best performing conservative allocation mutual funds 2013. Check the top balanced fund rated by Morningstar and US News. You may find the best fund review.

Conservative Allocation Funds

Conservative allocation mutual fund invests primarily in a combination of equities, bonds, and money market. It typically invests about 60-70% of assets in bonds or money markets. The rests are invested in stocks. As part of balanced fund category, it provides regular income and capital growth opportunity for investors. You can invest either through your brokerage or retirement account (Roth IRA or traditional IRA).

These best performing conservative allocation mutual funds are sorted based on its 1 year performance up to April 1st, 2013. The issuers of these balanced funds include Franklin Templeton, Pioneer, API, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo Advantage, etc.

The best performing conservative allocation mutual funds April 2013 are:

1. API Efficient Frontier Income fund (APIUX)
2. Pioneer Multi Asset Income fund (PMAIX)
3. Franklin Income fund (FKINX)
4. JPMorgan Income Builder fund (JNBAX)
5. Goldman Sachs Income Builder fund (GSBFX)
6. Wells Fargo Advantage Divers Income Builder fund (EKSAX)
7. Hartford Balanced Income fund (HBLAX)
8. Principal Global Diversified Income fund (PGBAX)
9. Thrivent Diversified Income Plus fund (AAHYX)
10. Nuveen NWQ Flexible Income fund (NWQAX)
11. IMS Strategic Income fund (IMSIX)
12. Natixis Diversified Income fund (IIDPX)
13. Toews Hedged Growth Allocation fund (THGWX)
14. MFS Diversified Income fund (DIFAX)
15. BlackRock Multi-Asset Income fund (BAICX)
16. PSI Strategic Growth fund (FXSAX)

Updated on 4/8/2013

PIMCO High Yield Fund (PHDAX)

PIMCO High Yield Fund (PHDAX) is another popular taxable bond mutual fund. It provides high yield interest income for investors by investing in lower quality bonds.

PIMCO High Yield Fund (PHDAX)

The PIMCO High Yield Fund objective is to seek maximum total return, consistent with capital preservation and prudent investment management. The mutual fund utilizes its assets to purchase a diversified portfolio of high yield securities (“junk bonds”) rated below investment grade. It may use forwards or derivatives such as options, futures contracts or swap agreements. The fund may invest, without limitation, in derivative instruments.

Fund Profile

PIMCO High Yield Fund

• Fund Inception Date: January 12, 1997
• Ticker Symbol: PHDAX (Class A)
• CUSIP: 693390379
• Beta (3yr): -0.22
• Rank in category (YTD): 75%
• Category: High Yield Bond
• Distribution: 5.98%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.90%
• Net Assets: $ 19.2 billion
• Number of Years Up: 12 years
• Number of Years Down: 3 years
• Average Duration: 3.43 years
• Average Maturity: 4.58 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 50%

Updated on 4/6/2013

Best Municipal Bond Mutual Funds for 2013 and 2014 Investing

Find best municipal bond mutual funds for 2013 & 2014 investing. Check the top rated muni bond mutual fund for financial review in brokerage or retirement account. This best municipal bond mutual fund provides tax free income.

Popular Municipal Bond Mutual Funds

Municipal bond mutual fund is part of fixed income mutual fund. This muni bond fund utilizes its assets to purchase high quality municipal bonds offered by states in U.S. The interest from this fund is tax free from federal income tax rate. It may be exempted from state or local tax as well. The total returns from this fund may be higher than other taxable bond fund, depending on your tax bracket.

These best municipal bond mutual funds for 2013 are selected based on its performance history and potential future performance. Some of these best muni bond funds don’t have a sales load and transaction fee. Some funds do have a sales load. The funds are ranked with 4 star rating or higher by Morningstar. You may find the fund review below and other fund information.

Best Muni Bond Mutual Funds

Best municipal bond mutual funds for 2013 & 2014 are:

1. Bernstein Diversified Municipal fund (SNDPX)
2. USAA Tax Exempt Intermediate-Term fund (USATX)
3. Wells Fargo Advantage Short Term Municipal Bond fund (STSMX)
4. Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt fund (VWAHX)
5. T. Rowe Price Summit Municipal Income fund (PRINX)
6. Wells Fargo Advantage Municipal Bond fund (SXFIX)
7. Wells Fargo Advantage Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free fund (SIMBX)
8. SEI Tax-Exempt Tax-Advantaged Income fund
9. GuideMark Tax-Exempt Fixed Income fund
10. BNY Mellon Municipal Opportunities fund
11. American Funds Tax-Exempt Bond fund
12. Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt fund

Updated on 4/5/2013

PIMCO Real Return Fund (PRTNX)

PIMCO Real Return Fund (PRTNX) is another inflation protected bond mutual fund. It is managed by Mihir Korah. It provides yield of 2.27%.

PIMCO Real Return Fund (MUTF: PRTNX)

The investment aim of PIMCO Real Return Fund is to seek maximum real return, with capital preservation and prudent investment management. The mutual fund invests >80% of its net assets in inflation-indexed bonds of varying maturities issued by the U.S. and non-U.S. governments, and corporations. It may use forwards or derivatives such as options, futures contracts or swap agreements. It invests primarily in investment grade securities, but may invest up to 10% of its total assets in high yield securities (i.e. junk bonds) rated B or higher. The fund is non-diversified.

Fund Details

PIMCO Fund holdings

• Fund Inception Date: Jan 28, 1997
• Ticker Symbol: PRTNX
• CUSIP: 693391120
• Beta (3yr): 1.20
• Rank in category (YTD): 35%
• Category: Inflation-Protected Bond
• Distribution Rate: 2.27%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.85%
• Net Assets: $ 25.3 billion
• Number of Years Up: 13 years
• Number of Years Down: 2 years
• Average Duration: 6.25 years
• Average Maturity: 9.45 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 129.00%

Updated on 4/3/2013

Best Legg Mason Mutual Funds for 2013

Best Legg Mason mutual funds for 2013; top stock and bond fund by Legg Mason Investment. The 12 best mutual funds for 2013 are Legg Mason Investment Counsel Financial Services fund, Western Asset Managed Municipals, ClearBridge Appreciation, etc.

Legg Mason Funds

Top Mutual Funds

With over $650 billion under management, Legg Mason is another popular asset management firm. It uses multi-affiliate business model to provide diverse financials services to investors around the world. It offers products such as mutual funds, money market, SMA, closed end funds, variable investment, 529, and retirement.

Legg Mason Inc offers mutual funds through its principal affiliates. Some of principal affiliates are Legg Mason Capital Management, Western Asset Management, Batterymarch Financial Management Inc, Brandywine Global, Global Currents Investment Management, the Permal Group, Royce & Associates, and ClearBridge Investments.

Legg Mason Capital Management also has a famous fund manager, Bill Miller. Miller became famous for beating the S&P 500 for 15 straight years through 2005. But his Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust fund began faltering in 2006. He left the fund last April 2011.

These best mutual funds are sorted based on its performance and quality. I have provided a review of my favorite funds. You can find various funds to invest in as well.  Please check the fund prospectus for investment risk, fund details, etc.

The 12 best Legg Mason mutual funds for 2013 are:

1. Legg Mason Investment Counsel Financial Services Fund
2. Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund
3. ClearBridge Appreciation Fund
4. Western Asset Intermediate-Term Municipal Fund
5. Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund
6. ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund
7. Western Asset Mortgage Backed Securities Fund
8. Legg Mason BW Global Opportunities Bond Fund
9. Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund
10. ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund