CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks Investment Research highlights growth, utilities, and government bond mutual funds in this week's Best of Funds blog.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)
Growth Mutual Funds
Growth funds are the natural choice for investors who prioritize capital growth over regular dividend income. This category of funds focuses on returning capital growth by investing in stocks companies whose value is expected to rise over the long term. A relatively higher tolerance to risk and the willingness to park funds for the longer term are necessary when investing in these securities since they experience more fluctuations than other fund classes. However, compared to sector specific investments, like technology funds, the associated risk is much lower. Highlighted funds in this month's commentary include Wells Fargo Advantage Growth (SGROX), RS Select Growth A (RSDGX), ING Growth Opportunities A (NLCAX), Value Line Premier Growth (VALSX), and Delaware US Growth A (DUGAX).
Utilities Mutual Funds
Utilities funds are an excellent choice for investors seeking a steady income flow. They are also used as defensive instruments, which protect investments during a market downturn. This is because the demand for essential services such as those provided by utilities remains unchanged even during difficult times. In recent years, many funds in this category have increased their exposure to emerging markets and unregulated companies. This has increased the risk involved but has also generated higher returns.
In this week's commentary we share with you 5 top rated utilities mutual funds.
Government Bond Mutual Funds
Government bond mutual funds are considered to be the safest class of investments in the bond fund category. These funds generally hold a portfolio of securities issued by the US Treasury and other government agencies which are backed by the full faith and credit of the US government. Yields from these instruments are typically low but the associated risk is also much smaller. In addition, many of these instruments are exempt from state and local taxes. By holding widely diversified portfolios of these investments, mutual funds contribute significantly to the safety associated with them. Highlighted funds in this month's commentary include Wasatch-Hoisington US Treasury (WHOSX), T. Rowe Price Inflation Protected Bond (PRIPX), Transamerica Partners IPS (DVIGX), GMO Inflation Indexed Plus Bond III (GMITX), and Delaware Inflation Protected Bond A (DIPAX)
About Zacks Mutual Fund Rank
The Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is a quantitative ratings system created by Len Zacks, a PHD from MIT. The goal of the rank is simple; to help investors find the best mutual funds to beat the market.
To discover how the Zacks mutual fund rank works and to receive daily notifications on our fund rankings, click here: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5710
About Zacks
Zacks.com (http://www.zacks.com) is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms. It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.
Then, when changes are discovered, they're applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the stock market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin.
More Free Stock Picks
Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription here: http://at.zacks.com/?id=91
Twitter: Zacks Investment Research on Twitter
Facebook: Zacks Investment Research on Facebook
StockTwits: Zacks Investment Research on StockTwits
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
[email protected]
http://www.zacks.com
SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
Share this article