JPMorgan Mid Cap Value Fund (JAMCX)

JPMorgan Mid Cap Value Fund (JAMCX) invests mainly in stock of U.S. mid cap companies. This domestic stock fund also invests in REITs.

JPMorgan Mid Cap Value Fund (JAMCX)

The investment aim of JPMorgan Mid Cap Value Fund is to seek growth from capital appreciation. This mutual fund uses its assets to buy equity securities of mid cap companies. Mid cap companies are corporations with market capitalizations between $1 billion and $20 billion at the time of purchase. In implementing its main strategies, it invests primarily in common stocks and real estate investment trusts (REITs). It may use futures contracts to enhance its portfolio.

Fund Profile

JAMCX fund

• Fund Inception Date: April 29, 2001
• Ticker Symbol: JAMCX
• CUSIP: 339128308
• Beta (3yr): 0.95
• Rank in category (YTD): 60%
• Category: Mid-Cap Value
• Yield: 0.97%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.24%
• Net Assets: $ 12.4 billion
• Number of Years Up: 10 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Annual Turnover Rate: -

updated on 5/28/2013

Top Performing Large Cap Stock ETFs May 2013

Looking for the top performing large cap stock exchange traded funds 2013? The top funds are First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index, PowerShares Dynamic Large Cap Value, etc.

Top ETFs

Large cap stock funds invest mainly in common stocks of U.S. large companies. The large cap or large capitalization or big cap means the companies has a market capitalization value of more than $10 billion. Investing in these companies is typically less risky than investing in mid cap or small cap. You can invest in the large cap companies through 2 main investment funds: mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs).

These top performing ETFs are sorted based on its 1 year return (up to May 2013). 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 top performing large cap stock exchange traded funds 2013 are:

Top ETFs

1. First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index (FDL)
2. PowerShares Dynamic Large Cap Value (PWV)
3. PowerShares Fundamental Pure Large Value (PXLV)
4. SPDR S&P Dividend (SDY)
5. PowerShares S&P 500 Low Volatility (SPLV)
6. Guggenheim Defensive Equity (DEF)
7. WisdomTree Equity Income (DHS)
8. Vanguard Russell 1000 Value Index ETF (VONV)
9. iShares Russell 1000 Value Index (IWD)
10. iShares Russell 3000 Value Index (IWW)

Oppenheimer International Bond Fund (OIBAX)

Oppenheimer International Bond Fund (OIBAX) is a popular world bond mutual fund. It invests mainly in developed and emerging markets countries debts. It provides income for investors.

Oppenheimer International Bond Fund (OIBAX)

The investment objective of Oppenheimer International Bond Fund is to provide total return. The mutual fund uses majority of its assets in foreign debt securities. This taxable bond fund invests in debt securities of issuers in both developed and emerging markets throughout the world. It invests mainly in debt securities of foreign government and corporate issuers. The fund may buy securities issued by companies of any size or market capitalization range and at times might emphasize securities of issuers in a particular capitalization range. It is non-diversified.

Fund Details

OIBAC fund

• Fund Inception Date: June 14, 1995
• Ticker Symbol: OIBAX
• CUSIP: 68380T103
• Beta (3yr): 0.34
• Rank in category (YTD): 31%
• Category: World Bond 
• Distribution: 3.68%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.02%
• Net Assets: $ 13.1 billion
• Number of Years Up: 14 years
• Number of Years Down: 3 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 111% 

Updated on May 24, 2013

Best Performing Intermediate Term Bond ETFs May 2013

Best performing intermediate term bond ETFs May 2013 are PIMCO Total Return ETF, Guggenheim BulletShares 2020 Corporate Bond, iShares Financials Sector Bond fund.

Top ETFs

Intermediate Term Bond Fund

Intermediate term bond fund should be your primarily choice for income diversification. It has a lower risk than long term bond fund. It also has a higher yield than short term bond fund. You can invest in intermediate-term bond fund through mutual fund, exchange traded fund, or closed end fund.

The intermediate term bond fund uses its assets to purchase investment grade corporate bonds, government bonds (U.S. Treasury) or other U.S. fixed income debts. These debts typically have durations of 4 to 7 years. As mentioned before, they are less sensitive to interest rates, therefore less volatile than long duration bonds.

Top Performer ETFs

These top performer ETFs are sorted based on its 1 year return (up to May 2013). 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.

Best performing intermediate term bond ETFs May 2013 are:

1. PIMCO Total Return ETF (BOND)
2. Guggenheim BulletShares 2020 Corporate Bond (BSCK)
3. iShares Financials Sector Bond (MONY)
4. Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF (VCIT)
5. Guggenheim BulletShares 2019 Corp Bond (BSCJ)
6. PIMCO Investment Grade Corporate Bond Index ETF (CORP)
7. Guggenheim BulletShares 2017 Corporate Bond (BSCH)
8. iShares Barclays Credit Bond (CFT)
9. Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV)
10. SPDR Barclays Cap Intermediate Term Corporate Bond (ITR)

Fidelity Select Banking Fund (FSRBX)

Fidelity Select Banking Fund (FSRBX) is a sector stock mutual fund. It provides a tool for investor who likes to diversify in banking or financial sectors. It also has a higher yield than other stock fund.

Fidelity Select Banking Fund (FSRBX)

The investment aim of Fidelity Select Banking Fund is to provide capital appreciation. The fund utilizes its assets to purchase common stocks of companies mainly engaged in banking. The fund invests in domestic and foreign issuers. It uses fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position to choose the companies. It may use market and economic conditions to select investments as well.

Fund Profile

Fidelity fund details

• Fund Inception Date: June 29, 1986
• Ticker Symbol: FSRBX
• CUSIP: 316390640
• Beta (3yr): 1.12
• Rank in category (YTD): 64%
• Category: Financial
• Distribution: 1.17%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.87%
• Net Assets: $ 549.5 million
• Number of Years Up: 18 years
• Number of Years Down: 8 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 91.00%

updated on 5/242013

Top Performing Convertibles Mutual Funds May 2013

The top performing convertibles mutual funds May 2013 are Fidelity Convertible Securities fund, Putnam Convertible Securities, etc. These convertible funds provide income for investors.

Convertible Bond Mutual Funds

Top Funds

Convertibles mutual funds are part of balanced funds. They invest primarily in convertible bonds and convertible preferred stocks. The portfolios provide investors a capital growth opportunity and regular income. The convertible bonds in the mutual fund allow the fund to convert the bonds into shares of stock. The funds act like stocks and like bonds; hence they are part of balanced fund.

Investors can buy this convertibles mutual fund from brokerage such as Vanguard, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price, and other brokers. This fund can be bought with as little as $1,000 or $250 for your investment account or retirement account. You can find the best performing convertibles mutual funds below.

These top performers are sorted based on its 1 year return (up to May 2013). 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 top performing convertibles mutual funds May 2013 are:

1. Fidelity Convertible Securities fund (FCVSX)
2. Putnam Convertible Securities fund (PCONX)
3. Invesco Convertible Securities fund (CNSAX)
4. AllianzGI Convertible fund (ANZAX)
5. Columbia Convertible Securities fund (PACIX)
6. Vanguard Convertible Securities fund (VCVSX)
7. Lord Abbett Convertible fund (LACFX)
8. Franklin Convertible Securities fund (FISCX)
9. RBC BlueBay Global Convertible Bond I (RGCBX)
10. MainStay Convertible fund (MCOAX)

Goldman Sachs Structured International Small Cap Fund (GICAX)

Goldman Sachs Structured International Small Cap Fund is an international stock fund. It invests in non-U.S. companies stocks. It also has a high yield of 4.35%.

Goldman Sachs Structured International Small Cap Fund (GICAX)

Goldman Sachs Structured International Small Cap Fund objective is to provide long term capital appreciation. It uses its assets to buy a broadly diversified portfolio of equity investments in small-cap non-U.S. issuers. It seeks to maximize its expected return, while maintaining risk, style, and capitalization characteristics similar to the MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Small Cap Index. It may invest in emerging countries and fixed income securities.

Fund Details

Goldman Sachs fund

• Fund Inception Date: 09/27/2007
• Ticker Symbol: GICAX
• CUSIP:
• Beta (3yr): 1.00
• Rank in category (YTD): 6%
• Category: Foreign Small/Mid Value
• Distribution: 4.35%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.30%
• Net Assets: $ 286.3 million
• Number of Years Up: 3 years
• Number of Years Down: 2 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 150%

Updated on 5/21/2013

Best Hartford Mutual Funds 2013

Top 19 Best Hartford mutual funds 2013 are Hartford Balanced Income fund, Hartford Equity Income, Hartford Dividend & Growth, etc. You may find stock, bond, and balanced funds.

Best Funds

Top 19 Hartford Mutual Funds

Hartford Funds is part of The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc (NYSE: HIG). It is mostly known as The Hartford. It is one of the America’s largest insurance and investment companies for individual and business customers. It has 4 business segments: commercial markets, consumer markets, wealth management, and runoff operations.

The Hartford funds consist of 54 mutual funds. There are 5 main categories such as domestic equity, international/ global equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi strategy. For instance, you can find the Hartford Target Retirement 2020 fund in multi strategy category.

These best Hartford mutual funds for 2013 are selected based on its performance history. The funds are ranked with 3 star rating or higher by Morningstar. You may find the fund review below and other fund information.

The best Hartford mutual funds 2013 are:

1. Hartford Balanced Income fund (HBLAX)
2. Hartford Equity Income fund (HQIAX)
3. Hartford Dividend & Growth fund (IHGIX)
4. Hartford Midcap fund (HFMCX)
5. Hartford Growth Opportunities fund (HGOAX)
6. Hartford Inflation Plus fund (HIPAX)
7. Hartford Growth Allocation fund (HRAAX)
8. Hartford Healthcare fund (HGHAX)
9. Hartford International Opportunities fund (IHOAX)
10. Hartford Short Duration fund (HSDAX)
11. Hartford Small Company fund (IHSAX)
12. Hartford Mid Cap Value fund (HMVAX)

ICON Consumer Staples Fund (ICRAX)

ICON Consumer Staples Fund (ICRAX) is a sector stock fund. It invests in common stocks of companies which are operated in consumer staples. The companies are Procter & Gamble Co, Wal-Mart Stores Inc, etc.

ICON Consumer Staples Fund (ICRAX)

The investment objective of ICON Consumer Staples Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation. The mutual fund uses its assets to purchase equity securities of companies in the Consumer Staples sector. Equity securities in which the fund may invest include common stocks and preferred stocks of companies of any market capitalization. It is non-diversified.

Fund Details

ICRAX fund

• Fund Inception Date: 09/29/2010
• Ticker Symbol: ICRAX
• CUSIP: 44929K291
• Beta (3yr): 0.48
• Rank in category (YTD): 60%
• Category: Consumer Defensive
• Distribution: 1.38%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.77%
• Net Assets: $ 42.6 million
• Number of Years Up: 2 years
• Number of Years Down: 0 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 81.81% 

Updated on 5/17/2013

Top 25 Highest Yield Closed End Funds 2013

Top 25 highest yield closed end funds 2013 are Cornerstone Strategic Value, Columbia Seligman Premium Tech, PIMCO High Income Fund, etc. These investment funds provide high dividend for income.

Highest Yield CEFs

Highest Yield CEFs

Closed end fund is also known as closed end mutual fund. Regular mutual fund is known as open end mutual fund. Unlike its counterpart mutual fund, closed end fund is traded like stock or ETF (exchange traded fund). You can buy it from your regular online stock brokerage. Some CEFs also provide high yield income for investors.

These closed end funds list is selected based on its high yield for the past 1 year. The yield may include only pure dividend or mixed between dividend and return of assets (ROA). For details about the closed end fund screener, you can find the below table. Some of these top highest yield CEFs are among the best closed end funds.

From this article, you can also find the each closed end fund research below. The fund families include Cornerstone Advisors Inc, RiverSource Investments LLC, Gabelli Funds Inc, PIMCO, Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC, Wells Fargo Funds Management, and others.

The top 25 highest yield closed end funds 2013 are:

1. Cornerstone Strategic Value (CLM)
2. Cornerstone Total Return (CRF)
3. Cornerstone Progressive Return (CFP)
4. Oxford Lane Capital Corp (OXLC)
5. Columbia Seligman Premium Technology (STK)
6. GAMCO Global Gold Natural Resource & Income (GGN)
7. AGIC Convertible & Income II (NCZ)
8. PIMCO High Income Fund (PHK)
9. Cushing MLP Total Return Fund (SRV)
10. AGIC Convertible & Income (NCV)
11. AGIC Intl & Premium Strategy (NAI)
12. GAMCO Nat Res Gold & Income (GNT)
13. ING Global Equity Dividend & Prem Opportunities (IGD)
14. GDL Fund (GDL)
15. Wells Fargo Advantage Global Dividend Opportunities (EOD)

Franklin Adjustable US Government Securities Fund (FISAX)

Franklin Adjustable US Government Securities Fund (FISAX) is a taxable bond fund. It focuses mainly in short duration government bonds or treasuries. It provides yield for investors.

Franklin Adjustable US Government Securities Fund (FISAX)

The investment aim of Franklin Adjustable US Government Securities Fund is to provide a high current income level, while providing lower volatility of principal. The fund utilizes its assets to purchase a portfolio of adjustable-rate U.S. government mortgage securities. This Adjustable-rate U.S. government mortgage securities include adjustable-rate mortgage securities (ARMS) and other mortgage-backed securities with interest rates that adjust periodically to reflect prevailing market interest rates.

Fund Details

Franklin Templeton fund

• Fund Inception Date: October 19, 1987
• Ticker Symbol: FISAX
• CUSIP: 353 612 302
• Beta (3yr): 0.04
• Rank in category (YTD): 13%
• Category: Short Government
• Yield: 1.54%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.87%
• Net Assets: $ 2.4 billion
• Number of Years Up: 24 years
• Number of Years Down: 1 year
• Average Duration: 0.7 year
• Annual Turnover Rate: 9.89%

Updated on March 17, 2013

Best Performing Retirement Income Mutual Funds May 2013

Best performing retirement income mutual funds May 2013 are Vanguard Managed Payout Growth Focus fund, Fidelity Income Replacement 2042, etc. Find best mutual funds for retirement account (Roth IRA or Traditional IRA) or 401k.

Retirement Income

Retirement income mutual funds are part of balanced fund. It uses its assets to purchase a portfolio of stocks, bonds, and cash. Depending on its objective, the mutual fund will adjust its assets to align with investors’ retirement goal. Some retirement income funds are more conservative than the others. The fund’s objective is to provide steady income throughout retirement.

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 1 year total return up to May 1st, 2013.

Best Performing Mutual Funds

Top funds

Best performing retirement income mutual funds May 2013 are:

1. Vanguard Managed Payout Growth Focus fund (VPGFX)
2. Fidelity Income Replacement 2042 fund (FIXRX)
3. Fidelity Income Replacement 2040 fund (FIRWX)
4. Fidelity Income Replacement 2036 fund (FIRUX)
5. Fidelity Income Replacement 2034 fund (FIRSX)
6. Fidelity Income Replacement 2032 fund (FIRRX)
7. Vanguard Managed Payout Growth & Distribution fund (VPGDX)
8. Fidelity Income Replacement 2030 fund (FIRQX)
9. Fidelity Income Replacement 2028 fund (FIRPX)
10. ING Global Target Payment fund (IGPAX)
11. Fidelity Income Replacement 2026 fund (FIROX)
12. Legg Mason Target Retirement fund (LMPAX)

Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund (FPBFX)

Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund (FPBFX) is an international stock mutual fund. It focuses its investment in equities of companies located in Pacific Basin such as Japan, Korea, or Singapore.

Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund (FPBFX)

The investment seeks growth of capital over the long term. The mutual fund uses its assets to purchase securities of Pacific Basin issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the Pacific Basin. It invests mostly in common stocks. The fund allocates investments across different Pacific Basin countries. The fund management will uses fundamental analysis of factors such as financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments.

Fund Details

FPBFX fund

• Fund Inception Date: September 30, 1986
• Ticker Symbol: FPBFX
• CUSIP: 316343201
• Beta (3yr): 0.86
• Rank in category (YTD): 1%
• Category: Diversified Pacific/ Asia
• Yield: 1.08%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 1.26%
• Net Assets: $ 647.8 million
• Number of Years Up: 15 years
• Number of Years Down: 11 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 26%

Updated on 5/10/2013

Top 23 Lord Abbett Mutual Funds 2013

Top 23 Lord Abbett mutual funds 2013; best stock, bond, balanced mutual funds by Lord Abbett. The top 23 Lord Abbett mutual funds 2013 are Lord Abbett Short Duration Income fund, Lord Abbett Intermediate Tax Free, Lord Abbett Total Return, etc. These funds provide high yield for income.

Best Funds

Best Lord Abbett Mutual Funds

Lord Abbett is a private money management company. It is popular among investors who want to invest in taxable bond fund. It provides investment advices to individual investors, financial advisors, and institutional investors. For individual investors, it offers various financial services such as mutual funds, retirement planning, and education & insights.

Lord Abbett fund family has more than 40 different mutual funds. There are 5 main categories such as tax-free income fund, domestic equity fund, international fund, asset allocation fund, and taxable fixed income fund. The 3 most popular funds are: Lord Abbett Short Duration Income fund, Lord Abbett Affiliated, and Lord Abbett Bond-Debenture fund.

These best Lord Abbett mutual funds for 2013 are selected based on its performance history. Most of these investment funds do have a sales load hence they are class A fund. The funds are ranked with 3 star rating or higher by Morningstar. You may find the fund review below and other fund information. I also have selected my favorite funds below.

The top 23 Lord Abbett mutual funds 2013 are:

1. Lord Abbett Short Duration Income fund (LALDX)
2. Lord Abbett Income fund (LAGVX)
3. Lord Abbett Intermediate Tax Free fund (LISAX)
4. Lord Abbett National Tax-Free Income fund (LANSX)
5. Lord Abbett Total Return fund (LTRAX)
6. Lord Abbett Developing Growth fund (LAGWX)
7. Lord Abbett Calibrated Dividend Growth fund (LAMAX)
8. Lord Abbett High Yield fund (LHYAX)
9. Lord Abbett Dividend Income Strategy fund (ISFAX)
10. Lord Abbett Bond-Debenture fund (LBNDX)

Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund (VBLTX)

Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund (VBLTX) is a taxable bond mutual fund. It invests mainly in long dated bonds with high yield. You can find the fund review from this post below.

Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund (MUTF: VBLTX)

The Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund objective is to track the performance of a market-weighted bond index with a long-term dollar-weighted average maturity. The mutual fund employs an indexing investment approach designed to track the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index. It invests >80% of assets in bonds held in the index. The fund maintains a dollar-weighted average maturity ranges between 15 and 30 years.

Fund Details

Vanguard fund details

• Fund Inception Date: February 28, 1994
• Ticker Symbol: VBLTX
• CUSIP: 921937405
• Beta (3yr): 3.12
• Rank in category (YTD): 95%
• Category: Long-Term Bond
• Distribution: 4.03%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.22%
• Net Assets: $ 778.9 million
• Number of Years Up: 16 years
• Number of Years Down: 2 years
• Average Duration: 24.1 years
• Average Maturity: 14.8 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 45.00%

updated on 5/5/2013

Best High Yield Closed End Funds for 2013 and 2014

Best high yield closed end funds for 2013 and 2014 are John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income fund, Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income, etc.

Best High Yield CEFs

Closed end funds or CEFs is traded like stocks or ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). They are publicly traded investment companies which invest in stocks, bonds, preferred, and money market fund. They raise their capital through an IPO (initial public offering). They are traded in national exchange such as NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX, etc.

These investment funds are managed actively by the fund manager(s). The fund’s market price may trade at a discount or premium to its NAV (Net Asset Value). These CEFs are categorized into several classes such as stock CEF, bond CEF, and balanced CEF.

Top High Yield CEFs

These top high yield CEFs provide better value and yield for investors. Some of these CEFs in the list are traded at discount to their NAV. They also provide high dividend yield for income. From this list, you may find wide selection of funds.

The top high yield CEFs include: value fund, real estate fund, mortgage bond, emerging markets, high yield bond, corporate bond, etc. You can find the fund performance, expense ratio, and yield or dividend from the table.

Best high yield closed end funds for 2013 and 2014 are:

1. John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income fund (HTD)
2. Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income fund (NRO)
3. Nuveen Dividend Advantage fund (NAD)
4. Nuveen Quality Preferred Income fund 2 (JPS)
5. BlackRock Credit Allocation Income fund (BTZ)
6. Managed High Yield Plus fund (HYF)
7. DWS Global High Income fund (LBF)
8. Lazard Global Total Return & Income fund (LGI)

Updated on 5/2/2013

Fidelity Conservative Income Bond Fund (FCONX)

Fidelity Conservative Income Bond Fund (FCONX) is an ultrashort bond mutual fund. It invests mainly in money market and high quality bonds.

Fidelity Conservative Income Bond Fund (FCONX)

The Fidelity Conservative Income Bond Fund objective is to obtain a high current income level, consistent with capital preservation. The mutual fund utilizes its assets to purchase a portfolio of U.S. dollar-denominated money market and high quality investment-grade debt securities of all types, and repurchase agreements for those securities. It invests >25% of total assets in the financial services industries. The fund normally retains a dollar-weighted average maturity of 0.75 years or less. It invests in fixed rate securities with a maximum maturity of two years or less and floating rate securities with a maximum maturity of three years or less.

Fund Profile

FCONX fund

• Fund Inception Date: March 2, 2011
• Ticker Symbol: FCONX
• CUSIP: 316146539
• Beta (3yr): N/A
• Rank in category (YTD): 35%
• Category: Ultrashort Bond
• Yield: 0.70%
• Capital Gains: 0%
• Expense Ratio: 0.40%
• Net Assets: $ 2.4 billion
• Number of Years Up: 1 year
• Number of Years Down: 0 years
• Average Duration: 0.3 years
• Average Maturity: 0.7 years
• Annual Turnover Rate: 31% 

Updated on as of March 31, 2013