Today we are featuring top-performing “Precious Metals” equity mutual funds, which primarily invest in equity securities companies that are involved in mining of gold and other precious metals.
Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Precious Metals Equity Funds.
3 Precious Picks
U.S. Global Investors World Precious Minerals (UNWPX) seeks long-term growth of capital plus protection against inflation and monetary instability. It is non-diversified.
The fund primarily invests in equity securities of companies engaged in the exploration, mining or processing of precious minerals such as gold, silver, platinum group, palladium and diamonds. It invests at least 40% of assets in securities of companies that are economically tied to at least three countries other than the U.S.
The fund’s key holdings include Randgold Resources Ltd. (GOLD), Jaguar Mining Inc. (JAG) and Silvercorp Metals Inc. (SVM).
Van Eck International Investors Gold (INIVX) was incepted in February 1956. The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation, with current income as a secondary consideration.
The fund mainly focuses gold-mining companies, as well as in instruments that derive their value from gold, and in gold coins and bullion. It may invest up to 20% of total assets in securities issued by other investment companies, including open-end and closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds.
Joseph M. Foster has been lead manager at the fund since July 1998. The fund has topped the total returns of its benchmark index in the last 1-, 3- and 5-year periods.
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals A (FKRCX) seeks capital appreciation. The investment has a secondary goal of current income.
The fund expects to invest a substantial portion of assets in small- and mid-cap companies. It may buy securities of companies mining gold and precious metals anywhere in the world but focuses on companies located outside the U.S.
Unit holders have to make a minimum initial investment of $1,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.02%.
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