Top 5 Best Performing Utilities Mutual Funds Year to Date - Best Performing Funds Year To Date
August 15 2012 - 10:31AM
Zacks
Utilities funds have been traditionally viewed as defensive
investments which protect investments during difficult market
conditions. Since the demand for these services remains constant
over market cycles, such funds are ideal for those seeking a steady
flow of current income through consistent dividend yields. In
recent years many funds in this category have increased their
exposure to emerging markets and have added unregulated utilities
companies in their portfolio. This has led to higher returns and an
increase in volatility. However, investors who are relatively risk
averse can continue to rely on these funds for regular dividends
over time.
Below we will share with you the 5 best performing utilities
mutual funds year to date. To view the Zacks Rank and past
performance of all utilities funds, investors can click here to see
the complete list of funds.
Mutual Fund
|
Zacks Rank
|
Total Return YTD
|
Fidelity Select Utilities
|
#2 Buy
|
6.8%
|
Fidelity Advisor Utilities A
|
#2 Buy
|
6.6%
|
Franklin Utilities A
|
#4 Sell
|
6.2%
|
American Century Utilities
|
#1 Strong Buy
|
5.9%
|
MFS Utilities A
|
#3 Hold
|
4.9%
|
Fidelity Select Utilities (FSUTX) invests the majority of
its assets in utility companies or those deriving a large share of
their revenues from operations in this sector. The fund focuses in
acquiring common stocks. The utilities mutual fund has a three year
annualized return of 15.74%.
Douglas Simmons is the fund manager has managed this utilities
mutual fund since 2006.
Fidelity Advisor Utilities A (FUGAX) seeks capital
growth. The fund invests a large share of its assets in firms from
the utilities sector as well as those which derive a large share of
revenues from related operations. It purchases both domestic and
foreign securities. The utilities mutual fund has a three year
annualized return of 15.44%.
The utilities mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of
$2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.20% compared to a category average
of 1.28%.
Franklin Utilities A (FKUTX) concentrates on purchasing
securities of public utilities companies. These are those companies
that provide electricity, gas, water and communication services.
More than 25% of its assets are invested in the utilities sector.
The fund focuses on acquiring equity securities, primarily common
stocks. The utilities mutual fund has a three year annualized
return of 15.86%.
John Kohli is the fund manager has managed this utilities mutual
fund since 1998.
American Century Utilities (BULIX) seeks current income
and capital appreciation. The fund invests the majority of its
assets in securities listed on at least one index made up entirely
of electricity, natural gas, cable television, water or sanitation
services companies. The utilities mutual fund has a three year
annualized return of 14.14%.
As of June 2012, this utilities mutual fund held 51 issues, with
12.81% of its total assets invested in AT&T Inc.
MFS Utilities A (MMUFX) invests a large share of its
assets in securities issued by companies from the utility sector.
The fund focuses on acquiring equity securities. However, it may
also purchase debt securities, including those rated lower than
investment grade. This utilities mutual fund has a three year
annualized return of 15.12%.
The utilities mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of
$1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.04% compared to a category average
of 1.28%.
To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all utilities
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
(BULIX): ETF Research Reports
(FKUTX): ETF Research Reports
(FSUTX): ETF Research Reports
(FUGAX): ETF Research Reports
(MMUFX): ETF Research Reports
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