Top 5 European Mutual Funds - Best of Funds
Benzinga 15 years ago
Among the most prosperous regions on the planet, Europe is made up of both developed markets and emerging economies. The European Union represents the largest economy in the world and is expected to grow at a rapid pace as more countries join the regional bloc. Its developed nations offer safe destinations for investors' capital, emerging markets offer exciting growth prospects for those willing to take on a higher degree of risk. Mutual funds focusing on Europe are back in favor again as the region offers healthy prospects for investors.
Below we will share with you 5 top rated European mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect these mutual funds to outperform their peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all European funds, then click here.
Ivy European Opportunities A (IEOAX) invests at least 80% of assets in equity securities of European companies. The fund focuses on acquiring preferred and common stock and convertible securities. It invests in companies of all sizes, selecting those small-cap companies which are located in developed markets. The European mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 5.96%.
The European mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.98% compared to a category average of 1.72%.
U.S. Global Investors Eastern European (EUROX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The majority of its assets are used to purchase equity and equity related securities of companies from Eastern Europe. The European mutual fund returned 15.38% in the last one year period.
John E. Derrick is the fund manager and has managed this European mutual fund since 2008.
Putnam Europe Equity A (PEUGX) invests at least 85% of its assets in European companies. The majority of the fund's assets are utilized to purchase common stock, primarily common stock of European firms. It invests in companies regardless of their market capitalization. The European mutual fund has a five year annualized return of 2.22%.
The European mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.52% compared to a category average of 1.72%.
JPMorgan Intrepid European A (VEUAX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund focuses on acquiring equity securities of companies with significant business operations in Western Europe. Up to 20% of its assets may be invested in debt securities which are not dollar denominated. The European mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 6.44%.
As of October 2010, this European mutual fund held 90 issues, with 4.06% of its total assets invested in Telefonica, S.A.
Invesco European Growth A (AEDAX) invests primarily in European companies. The fund focuses on acquiring marketable securities, but may also purchase synthetic instruments. Up to 35% of its assets may be invested in European companies from emerging markets. The European mutual fund returned 6.55% in the last one year period.
Clas T. Olsson is the fund manager and has managed this European mutual fund since 1997.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all European mutual funds, then click here.
About Zacks Mutual Fund Rank
By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward. Learn more about the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank at http://www.zacks.com/funds.
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