By creating a diversified portfolio of both stocks and bonds,
balanced funds ensure that they harness the inherent strengths of
both classes of instruments. Most of the competently managed
funds in this category keep the proportion of assets invested in
different asset classes flexible and make adjustments in keeping
with prevailing market conditions. This ensures that fixed-income
securities protect the portfolio from losses during a downturn
while equity securities harness maximum gains from a rising
market.
Below we will share with you 5 top rated balanced mutual
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 balanced funds, investors can
click here to see the complete list of funds.
WesMark Balanced
(WMBLX) seeks income and capital growth. The fund invests in a
portfolio consisting of equity, fixed-income securities and money
market instruments. It focuses on allocating its equity component
to common stocks of large and mid-cap companies and may invest in
ETFs
. The balanced mutual fund returned 9.47% in the last one year
period.
The balanced mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of
$1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.31% compared to a category
average of 1.00%.
Davis Appreciation & Income A
(RPFCX) invests in common stock and preferred stock, bonds as
well as cash. The fund focuses on investing in domestic firms,
but may also invest in foreign companies. It selects common stock
issued by growth oriented companies, regardless of their size.
The balanced mutual fund returned 4.14% in the last one year
period.
The fund manager is Andrew Adams Davis and he has managed this
balanced mutual fund since 1993.
Mairs & Power Balanced
(MAPOX) seeks both capital growth and current income. It focuses
on acquiring common stock, related convertible securities as well
as fixed-income securities. The fund focuses on acquiring
investment grade fixed-income securities with higher ratings. The
balanced mutual fund returned 17.57% in the last one year
period.
The balanced mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of
$2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.79% compared to a category
average of 1.00%.
State Farm Balanced
(STFBX) invests 60% to 75% of its assets in common stocks. At
least 25% of its assets are used to purchase fixed income
securities. This includes preferred stock and debt securities
with longer maturity periods; rated investment grade. The
balanced mutual fund returned 7.10% in the last one year
period.
As of September 2012, this balanced mutual fund held 273
issues, with 4.03% of its total assets invested in Walt Disney
Co.
Lord Abbett Balanced Strategy A
(LABFX) seeks both current income and capital appreciation. The
fund invests in a combination of underlying funds which in turn
invest in stocks, bonds and money market instruments. This
balanced mutual fund returned 12.74% over the last one year
period.
The fund manager is Robert I. Gerber and he has managed this
balanced mutual fund since 2005.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all balanced
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.
View All Zacks #1 Ranked Mutual Funds
(LABFX): ETF Research Reports
(MAPOX): ETF Research Reports
(RPFCX): ETF Research Reports
(STFBX): ETF Research Reports
(WMBLX): ETF Research Reports
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