With assets under management of $674 billion, Legg Mason is one of the world’s largest asset managers. It uses a multi-affiliate business model to provide a wide range of financial services to individual and institutional investors in 190 countries across six continents. Legg Mason affiliates operate with a high degree of autonomy, each utilizing its own unique approach and processes. Legg Mason complements the operations of its affiliates by providing distribution and client services as well as support in areas such as operations, technology and accounting.
Below we will share with you 5 top rated Legg Mason 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 Legg Mason funds, then click here.
Legg Mason Western Asset Core Plus Bond A (SHMGX) seeks both capital appreciation and income. Domestic fixed-income securities, including government obligations, corporate debt, and asset-backed securities constitute its major investments. Up to 20% of its assets are used to purchase securities rated below investment grade and foreign securities. The fund has a three year annualized return of 6.16%.
The Legg Mason mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.01% compared to a category average of 0.94%.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value A (SHFVX) invests the majority of its assets in common and preferred stocks and related convertible securities. The fund seeks out securities which are attractively priced compared to their intrinsic value. The fund returned 5.48% over the last one year period.
Peter J. Hable is the fund manager and he has managed this Legg Mason mutual fund since 1990.
Legg Mason Western Asset Strategic Income A (SDSAX) seeks high current income by investing in a wide range of domestic and foreign fixed-income securities. Up to 50% of its assets may be invested in securities rated below investment grade. The fund has a five year annualized return of 5.03%.
The Legg Mason mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.08% compared to a category average of 1.13%.
Legg Mason Western Asset Corporate Bond A (SIGAX) invests the majority of its assets in corporate debt securities which are rated investment grade and related investments. The fund may also purchase government securities and dollar denominated foreign securities. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 5.77%.
As of June 2010, this Legg Mason mutual fund held 288 issues, with 21.06% of its total assets invested in US Treasury Bond (Fut).
Legg Mason Investment Counsel Financial Services (SBFAX) seeks capital growth over the long term. A large share of the fund’s assets is utilized to purchase securities issued by companies form the financial services industry. The fund returned 3.03% over the last one year period.
Amy LaGuardia is the fund manager and he has managed this Legg Mason mutual fund since 2007.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Legg Mason 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/mutualfund/.
