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.
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 is non-diversified and has a ten year
annualized return of 14.96%.
The precious metals mutual fund has a minimum initial
investment of $5,000 and an expense ratio of 1.56% compared to a
category average of 1.41%.
Gabelli Gold AAA
(GOLDX) invests the majority of its net assets in equity
instruments of both 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 11.89%.
The fund manager is Caesar M.P. Bryan and he has managed this
precious metals mutual fund since 1994.
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 is non-diversified and has a ten year annualized return of
9.97%.
The precious metals mutual fund has a minimum initial
investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.69% compared to a
category average of 1.41%.
OCM Gold Investor
(OCMGX) invests in domestic and foreign companies regardless of
their market capitalization in the gold mining industry. It
focuses on purchasing common stocks and may also invest in
precious metals producers. The precious metals fund is
non-diversified and has a ten year annualized return of
11.43%.
As of January 2013, this precious metals fund held 45 issues
with 14.07% of its total assets invested in Goldcorp, Inc.
Fidelity Select Gold
(FSAGX) seeks capital growth. The fund invests the majority of
its assets in companies whose principal operations are related to
gold, and in gold bullion and coins. 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 is
non-diversified and has a ten year annualized return of
10.17%.
The fund manager is Joe Wickwire and he has managed this
precious metals mutual fund since 2007.
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
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