The Pacific Basin countries constitute one of the world’s most diverse and economically vibrant regions. Among its inherent strengths are considerable technological capabilities and a growing pool of savings. Prominent centers of production and fast growing potential markets in this part of the world also ensure that it is an exciting investment destination. With a high degree of diversification between developed and developing markets, mutual funds from this sector present a healthy mix of growth opportunities and safety for capital invested.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated Pacific 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 Pacific funds, then click here.

Aim Asia Pacific Growth A (ASIAX) seeks long term capital appreciation. Securities issued by companies located in the Asia Pacific region, excluding Japan, constitute its major investments. Up to 20% of its assets may be invested in companies outside this region. The fund returned 83.49% over the last one year period.

This Pacific fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.68% compared to a category average of 1.99%.

Matthews Asia Dividend (MAPIX) invests at least 80% of its assets in income generating equity securities issued by companies from the Asia Pacific region. It primarily purchases common and preferred stocks as well as convertible securities. It seeks total return with an emphasis on current income. The Pacific fund has a three year annualized return of 8.73%.

Jesper Madsen is the fund manager and he has managed this Pacific fund since 2006.

T. Rowe Price New Asia (PRASX) seeks long term capital appreciation and invests a large share of its assets in companies of varying sizes with primary operations in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. It also invests in companies with interests in Vietnam and Pakistan. It is non- diversified and a no-load fund.

This Pacific fund returned 105.28% over the last one year and has a ten year annualized return of 8.21%.

Wells Fargo Advantage Asia Pacific (SASPX) invests the majority of its assets in securities from the Asia-Pacific region. It selects companies with superior sales growth, strong financial fundamentals and capable management. Some of its assets may be used to hold cash and money market instruments. The Pacific fund returned 45.71% over the last one year period.

Anthony L. T. Cragg is the fund manager and he has managed this Pacific fund since 1993.

Fidelity Pacific Basin (FPBFX) seeks long-term capital appreciation. At least 80% of its assets are invested in Pacific Basin securities and other investments with economic linkages to the region. It allocates funds to a specific country on the basis of its relative market size compared to the region as a whole. The Pacific fund has a five year annualized return of 5.92%.

As of January 2010, this Pacific fund held 180 issues, with 3.58% of its total assets invested in Orix Corp.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Pacific 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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