With the growth and advent of globalization over the years, business operations and capital flows are taking place throughout the world. International equity markets have gradually acquired greater prominence and account for more than half of the world’s market capitalization. International equity markets, especially those of the emerging economies are providing cheaper valuations and liquidity, thereby indicating a good entry point for the investors. International mutual funds with their expert management and international diversification provide a great opportunity to cash in the growth potential in the global equity space.
Below we will share with you 5 top rated international 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 international funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.
Oppenheimer International Growth A (OIGAX) invests a large share of its assets in equities of growth companies having primary operations outside the U.S in emerging as well as developed markets. The fund may invest in preferred stocks as well. The international mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 7.52%.
Robert Dunphy is the fund manager and has managed this international mutual fund since March 2012.
MFS International Growth A (MGRAX) seeks capital growth over the long term. The fund primarily invests in common stocks of foreign companies including emerging as well as developed markets. The fund does not place any ceiling on its exposure in a particular country. The international mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 8.37%.
As of December 2011, this international mutual fund held 101 issues, with 2.86% of its total assets invested in LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA.
Ivy International Growth A (IVINX) seeks long term capital growth. Invests in equity shares of companies having a high growth potential. It primarily focuses on developed countries with impressive growth characteristics. The international mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 5.39%.
The international mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $500 and an expense ratio of 1.62% compared to a category average of 1.44%.
T. Rowe Price International Discovery (PRIDX) seeks total returns over the long term by maintaining a highly internationally diversified portfolio of equity shares. The fund primarily focuses on diversifying across mid and small cap companies. The international mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 12.06%.
Justin Thomson is the fund manager and he has managed this international mutual fund since December 1998.
Thornburg International Value A (TGVAX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term as well as current income. The fund primarily invests in value stocks of large and mid sized foreign companies. The international mutual fund has a ten year annualized return of 7.55%.
The international mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $5,000 and an expense ratio of 1.25% compared to a category average of 1.44%.
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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