Founded in 1937 by Thomas Rowe Price, Jr. T. Rowe Price is one of the oldest investment management firms in the U.S. With over $489 billion of assets under management, the company offers a wide range of mutual funds, sub-advisory and separate account management services. It relies on fundamental, proprietary research to create a culture of value-added, active fund management. The company’s adherence to stated investment objectives, regardless of prevailing market conditions, has the long term integrity of its client portfolios.

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

T. Rowe Price California Tax-Free Bond (PRXCX) seeks income which is not subject to federal and California state income tax. The fund invests a large share of its assets in bonds exempt from these taxes. The fund has a three year annualized return of 9.56%.

The T. Rowe Price mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.51% compared to a category average of 0.95%.

T. Rowe Price International Growth & Income (TRIGX) invests heavily in foreign countries and concentrates on mature economies. At least 65% of its assets are invested in prominent companies which pay regular dividends and have good prospects for capital growth. The fund has a three year annualized return of 9.82 %.

Raymond A. Mills is the fund manager and she has managed this T. Rowe Price fund since 2005.

T. Rowe Price New Era (PRNEX) seeks both capital appreciation over the long term. At least two-thirds of the funds assets are invested in natural resource companies which could benefit from rising inflation. The fund has a three year annualized return of 15.32%.

As of December 2011, this T. Rowe Price mutual fund held 103 issues, with 4.64% of its total assets invested in Schulmberger NV.

T. Rowe Price New Asia (PRASX) invests the majority of its assets in the South East Asian region, India and China. The fund may also look to invest in securities from Vietnam and Pakistan. The fund has a three year annualized return of 28.95%.

The T. Rowe Price mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.96% compared to a category average of 1.78%.

T. Rowe Price US Treasury Long-Term (PRULX) seeks high income. A minimum of 85% of the fund’s assets are invested in U.S Treasury securities. The balances of its funds are used to purchase other securities issued by the U.S. government. The fund has a three year annualized return of 7.14%.

Brian J. Brennan is the fund manager and has managed this T. Rowe Price fund since 2003.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all T. Rowe Price mutual funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

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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