As the demand for energy rises with every passing day, governments and companies alike are constantly evaluating new resources and technologies to combat the situation. The situation is even more acute for fast growing nations such as China and India which are seeing massive increases in the demand for energy. This is leading to a steady rise in the overall price level of energy and greater opportunities in the energy management domain. Mutual funds investing in energy tap into this global phenomenon while controlling risk through well diversified portfolios.
Below we will share with you the 5 best performing energy funds year to date. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all energy funds, then click here.
BlackRock All-Cap Energy & Resources A (PSPFX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The majority of its assets are used to purchase common stocks of global energy and resources companies, including those in related businesses. At least 25% of its assets are utilized to purchase securities of energy or natural resources companies. This energy fund returned 11.38% over the last one year period
The fund manager is Denis Walsh, III and he has managed this energy fund since 2005.
Rydex Energy Services (RYVIX) invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of domestic energy services companies and in derivatives. It is non-diversified and seeks long-term capital growth. This energy fund has a five year annualized return of 5.05%.
The energy fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.38% compared to a category average of 1.68%.
Franklin Natural Resources A (FRNRX) seeks a high level of total return. It invests the majority of its assets in equity and debt securities of natural resources companies. The fund may invest heavily in small-cap companies. Up to 50% of its assets may be invested in foreign securities. This energy fund returned 11.7% over the last one year period and has a ten year annualized return of 8.88%.
The fund manager is Frederick Fromm and he has managed this energy fund since 2003.
Putnam Global Natural Resources A (EBERX) seeks capital growth over the long term. It primarily invests in common stocks of energy and natural resources companies across the world. It focuses on acquiring value stocks and invests in large and mid-cap companies. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 7.04%.
As of March 2010, this energy fund held 65 issues, with 5.74% of its total assets invested in Chevron Corporation.
Ivy Energy A (IEYAX) invests the majority of its assets in equity securities of companies from the energy sector. The fund invests in companies engaged in exploration, discovery, production and distribution of energy, including alternative energy sources. It seeks long term capital growth. The fund returned 4.57% over the last one year period.
The energy fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.60% compared to a category average of 1.68%.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all energy 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/
