Federated Investors has used a disciplined approach to deliver superior value to investors since its inception in 1955. The company is now one of the largest investment managers in the U.S. managing more than $369 billion worth of assets. Federated offers a wide range of products, including domestic and international equity, fixed-income and money market funds. These products are distributed through a large network of more than 5,200 financial intermediaries and institutions.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated Federated mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect these mutual funds to outperform their peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Federated funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

Federated Municipal Securities A (LMSFX) seeks current income which is not subject to federal income tax. The fund focuses on investing in instruments the interest from which is exempt form federal alternative minimum tax. Not more than 49% of its assets may be utilized to purchase junk bonds. The fund has a three year annualized return of 8.09%.

J. Scott Albrecht is the fund manager and has managed this Federated mutual fund since 1996.

Federated Equity-Income A (LEIFX) invests heavily in income generating equity securities of large and mid-cap firms. The fund focuses on acquiring value stocks which pay regular dividends. It may purchase foreign securities, including in those issued from emerging markets. It may also invest in real estate investment trusts and in other investments firms. The fund has a three year annualized return of 15.91%.

The Federated mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,500 and an expense ratio of 1.13% compared to a category average of 1.23%.

Federated US Government Bond (FEDBX) seeks total return. The fund focuses on acquiring U.S. government securities as well as treasury securities and related derivatives. It measures the efficacy of its investment strategy by comparing both the performance and composition of its portfolio to an index which comprises of U.S. Treasury securities. The fund has a three year annualized return of 7.92%.

The Fund Manager is Donald T. Ellenberger and he has managed this Federated mutual fund since 2005.

Federated Emerging Market Debt A (IHIAX) invests the majority of its assets in debt securities issued from emerging markets. The fund is non-diversified and may purchase shares of exchange traded funds and invest in derivative contracts. The fund has a three year annualized return of 22.09%.

As of December 2011, this Federated mutual fund held 85 issues, with 7.55% of its total assets invested in Federated Prime Value Obligations Instl.

Federated International Leaders A (FGFAX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund invests in foreign companies and concentrates on purchasing foreign stocks from developed markets. It may also purchase equity in companies from developed markets, including the United States. The fund has a three year annualized return of 21.79%.

The Federated mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,500 and an expense ratio of 1.49% compared to a category average of 1.30%.

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.

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