For investors looking to park their funds in the real estate
sector, mutual funds are the most cheapest and convenient method.
This category of funds also offers superior protection against
inflation. The real estate sector has seen tough times recently
but the presence of these investments generally adds stability to
a portfolio. This is because the volatility in property prices is
far less compared to the kind experienced by stocks. Adding such
funds to a widely diversified portfolio would increase returns
while reducing the associated risk significantly.
Below we will share with you 5 top rated real estate mutual
funds. Each has earned a
Zacks #1 Rank
(Strong Buy) as we expect these mutual funds to outperform their
peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance
of all real estate funds, investors can
click here to see the complete list of funds
.
ING International Real Estate A
(
IIRAX
) seeks a high level of total return. The fund invests the
majority of its assets in equity securities of firms whose
principal operations are related to the real estate sector. A
minimum of 65% of its assets are invested in foreign countries.
The real-estate mutual fund returned 25.13% over the last one
year period.
The real estate mutual fund has an expense ratio of 1.50%
compared to a category average of 1.46%.
Cohen & Steers International Realty A
(
IRFAX
) invests a large share of its assets in foreign real estate
securities. A maximum of 20% of its assets may be utilized to
purchase equity securities' issued by domestic real estate firms
and REITs. The real-estate mutual fund returned 23.43% over the
last one year period.
Robert Steers is the fund manager and he has managed this real
estate mutual fund since 2005.
DWS RREEF Global Real Estate Securities A
(
RRGAX
) seeks both current income and capital growth. It invests the
majority of its assets in equity securities and debt instruments
of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and similar entities.
The fund may also invest in securities of other sectors. The
real-estate mutual fund returned 22.74% over the last one year
period.
As of November 2012, this real estate mutual fund held 134
issues, with 6.00% of its total assets invested in Simon Property
Group, Inc.
ING Clarion Global Real Estate Port S2
(
IRGSX
) invests heavily in equity securities of real estate companies.
The fund purchases both domestic and foreign companies. It also
invests in securities of companies from emerging market nations.
The real-estate mutual fund returned 19.48% over the last one
year period.
The real estate mutual fund has an expense ratio of 1.29%
compared to a category average of 1.46%.
Dreyfus Global Real Estate Securities A
(
DRLAX
) seeks current income and capital growth. The fund invests
heavily in equity securities of real estate companies. These
firms must earn not less than half of their income from the real
estate business. It invests in companies located worldwide. The
real-estate mutual fund returned 21.28% over the last one year
period.
Peter Zabierek is the Fund Manager and he has been managing
this real estate mutual fund since 2006.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all real estate
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
(DRLAX): ETF Research Reports
(IIRAX): ETF Research Reports
(IRFAX): ETF Research Reports
(IRGSX): ETF Research Reports
(RRGAX): ETF Research Reports
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