Financial markets abroad have gradually acquired greater prominence and today they account for more than half of the world’s equity market cap. Investors are now aware of this fact and over time a clear preference for International funds has emerged. Emerging market funds are of particular interest because of the undiscovered potential of these countries as well as their recent growth performance. Mutual funds are the best way to explore these markets since they have the advantages of expert management, diversification and a disciplined approach.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated International funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect the fund to outperform its peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all International funds, then click here.

Dodge & Cox International Stock (DODFX) seeks income and long term growth of principal. The fund invests in a wide range of equity securities issued by companies outside the U.S. It purchases securities from at least three foreign markets, including emerging markets. The International fund returned 75.71% over the last one year period.

This International fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.64% compared to a category average of 1.43%.

Bernstein Emerging Markets A (SNEMX) invests at least 80% of its assets in emerging market companies. It invests half of its assets in value stocks and half in growth stocks from emerging countries. It may also invest in developed markets. The International fund returned 87.72% in the last one year and has a ten year annualized return of 13.29%.

The Fund Manager is Joshua B J. Lisser and he has managed this International fund since 2005.

T. Rowe Price Latin America (PRLAX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. It utilizes the majority of its assets to purchase securities issued by Latin American companies. It purchases stocks of companies of all sizes. It focuses on companies operating out of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. It is a no load fund.

This International fund has a five year annualized return of 27.43%.

Wasatch International Growth (WAIGX) invests a large share of its assets in securities issued by companies located in emerging markets. It invests in a minimum of five countries included in the MSCI AC World Ex-U.S.A. Small Cap index. This International fund returned 88.81% over the last one year period.

As of December 2009, this International fund held 100 issues, with 3.02% of its total assets invested in Wirecard AG.

Oppenheimer International Small Company A (OSMAX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. It primarily invests in companies located outside the U.S. or having primary operations in other countries. At least 80% of its assets are invested in small-cap companies and a sizeable portion is utilized to purchase foreign securities. The International fund has a five year annualized return of 10.49%.

The Fund Manager is Rohit Sah and he has managed this International fund since 2004.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all International 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/mutualfund/

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