Countries from the Pacific Basin region constitute one of the world’s most diverse and economically vibrant regions. Cutting-edge technological capabilities and a burgeoning savings pool are among this area’s inherent strengths. Established centers of production and emerging markets growing at a rapid pace also ensure that the Pacific region is a lucrative investment destination. Thus investing in these countries represent a prudent balance between growth opportunities and safety of capital invested.
Below we will share with you 5 top rated Pacific mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect these mutual funds to outperform its peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Pacific funds, then click here.
Invesco Asia Pacific Growth A (ASIAX) invests a large share of its assets in companies from the Asia Pacific region, with the exception of Japan. The fund focuses on acquiring marketable equity securities but may also invest in derivatives. At any given time it invests in at least three different countries from the region and may invest without limit in emerging markets. The Pacific mutual fund returned 34.89% in the last one year period.
Barrett Sides is the fund manager and has managed this Pacific fund since 1997.
Matthews Asia Pacific (MPACX) seeks capital growth over the long term. The majority of the fund’s assets are invested in companies from the Asia Pacific region. Common and preferred stocks constitute the fund’s major investments. The Pacific mutual fund has a five year annualized return of 8.63%.
As of June 2010, this Pacific mutual fund held 62 issues, with 3.04% of its total assets invested in Ctrip.com International, Ltd. ADR.
Wells Fargo Advantage Asia Pacific (SASPX) invests the majority of its assets in equity securities of companies located in the Asia Pacific region. It focuses on purchasing securities of companies which have the potential for superior earnings growth, sufficient financial resources and an efficient management team. The Pacific mutual fund returned 12.51% in the last one year period.
The Pacific mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.65% compared to a category average of 1.68%.
Guinness Atkinson Asia Focus (IASMX) seeks invests the majority of its assets in common and preferred stocks as well as convertible securities of Asian companies. It purchases securities issued by companies of different sizes and invests in at least four different countries. The Pacific mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 12.5%.
Edmund Harriss is the fund manager and has managed this Pacific fund since 2003.
Fidelity Southeast Asia (FSEAX) utilizes at least 80% of its assets to invest in securities issued from Southeast Asia. The fund allocates investments across countries taking into account the size of its market relative to that of the region as a whole. The Pacific fund returned 20.52% over the last one year period.
The Pacific mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.99% compared to a category average of 1.96%.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Pacific 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.
