Precious metals have always been a solid investment choice,
especially in times of economic uncertainty. They also offer
superior protection against inflation, which cannot be said of
almost all other reasonably liquid assets. Consequently, they
outperform other sectors during a market downturn, as they have
demonstrated in the recent past. Since they hold well diversified
portfolios and are professionally managed, precious metals funds
offer the most stable option for investments in this sector.
Below we will share with you 5 top rated precious metals 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
precious metals funds, investors can
click here to see the complete list of funds
.
Gabelli Gold AAA
(
GOLDX
) seeks capital growth over the long term. The fund invests the
majority of its net assets in domestic and foreign companies which
engage in gold-related activities. It invests both mature markets
and emerging economies. The precious metals fund has a ten year
annualized return of 15.87%.
The precious metals mutual fund has a minimum initial investment
of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.46% compared to a category
average of 1.40%.
Midas
(
MIDSX
) invests at least 65% of its assets are invested in companies
involved in the mining, processing and distribution of precious
metals. Up to 35% of its assets may be invested in companies
deriving a share of its revenues from the precious metals sector.
The precious metals fund has a ten year annualized return of
7.93%.
Thomas B. Winmill is the fund manager and has managed this
precious metals fund since 2002.
U.S. Global Investors Gold and Precious Metals
(USERX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund
invests a large proportion of its assets in companies whose primary
operations are related to gold and other precious metals. The
precious metals fund has a ten year annualized return of
17.57%.
As of March 2012, this precious metals mutual fund held 100
issues, with 5.00% of its total assets invested in Harmony Gold
Mining Co., Ltd. ADR.
Fidelity Select Gold
(
FSAGX
) invests the majority of its assets in companies whose principal
operations are related to gold, and in gold bullion and coins. The
fund focuses on acquiring common stocks. A maximum of 25% of the
fund's assets may be invested in gold and other precious metals
through a wholly-owned subsidiary. The precious metals fund has a
ten year annualized return of 13.75%.
The precious metals mutual fund has a minimum initial investment
of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.89% compared to a category
average of 1.40%.
American Century Global Gold
(
BGEIX
) seeks current income and capital growth. The majority of the
fund's assets are invested in companies dealing in gold. This
includes firms whose primary operations include mining, processing
and exploration activities. The precious metals mutual fund has a
ten year annualized return of 13.28%.
Lynette Pang is the fund manager and has managed this precious
metals fund since 2010.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all precious
metals 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
.
View All Zacks #1 Ranked Mutual Funds
(BGEIX): ETF Research Reports
(FSAGX): ETF Research Reports
(GOLDX): ETF Research Reports
(MIDSX): ETF Research Reports
(USERX): ETF Research Reports
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