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 the 5 best performing real estate mutual funds year to date. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all real estate funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

ProFunds Real Estate UltraSector (REPSX) seeks to provide returns which are equivalent to one and a half times the daily performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index. The fund’s portfolio consists of equity securities and derivatives which have the ability to deliver such returns. The real-estate mutual fund has a one year annualized return of 20.31%.

Hratch Najarian is the Fund Manager and he has been managing this real estate mutual fund since 2011.

Forward International Real Estate A (KIRAX) invests the majority of its assets in foreign equity securities issued by companies from the real estate sector and those engaged in related activities. The fund invests in a minimum of three countries. The real-estate mutual fund has a one year annualized return of 51.04%.

The real estate mutual fund has an expense ratio of 1.65% compared to a category average of 1.46%.

CGM Realty (CGMRX) seeks a mix of capital growth over the long term and current income. The fund primarily invests in companies in the real estate sector. Up to 20% of its assets may be used to purchase securities from other sectors. The real-estate mutual fund has a one year annualized return of 6.80%.

As of September 2012, this real-estate mutual fund held 27 issues, with 9.93% of its total assets invested in Simon Property Group Inc.

Rydex Real Estate A (RYREX) invests the majority of its assets in securities issued by companies from the real estate sector. It focuses mainly on small and medium market capitalization firms. The fund may also invest in derivatives and in American Depository Receipts (ADRs). The real-estate mutual fund has a one year annualized return of 15.16%.

Ryan A. Harder is the Fund Manager and he has been managing this real estate mutual fund since 2008.

Cohen & Steers Emerging Markets Real Estate A (AFPAX) seeks total return. The fund invests heavily in real estate investment trusts, similar institutions and real estate companies. It focuses on acquiring emerging market securities and instruments with similar economic features. The real-estate mutual fund has a one year annualized return of 28.73%.

The real estate mutual fund has an expense ratio of 1.80% compared to a category average of 1.46%.

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.