Technological advancement, increased per capita income and spending and increased capital flows from the first world countries make the Asia-Pacific one of the fastest growing regions. It is here that we find a unique blend of economic superpowers and emerging economies making the region a strategic tool of wealth creation over the long term. Mutual funds investing in the Pacific Basin region, with their diversified portfolios truly provide a unique and lucrative investment opportunity for the investor.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated Pacific mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect these mutual funds to outperform its peers in the future.  To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Pacific funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

T. Rowe Price New Asia Fund (PRASX) seeks long term capital appreciation. The fund invests a majority of its assets in common stocks of Asian companies (excluding Japanese companies) without regard to their size. It predominantly invests in emerging markets such as China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong etc. The Pacific mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 35.46%.

The Pacific mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 0.96% compared to a category average of 1.79%.

Guinness Atkinson Asia Pacific Dividend (GAADX) invests heavily in dividend generating equity securities issued by companies form the Asia Pacific region. Common and preferred stocks, related convertible securities, rights and warrants constitute its major investments. The Pacific mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 26.24%.

Edmund Harriss is the fund manager and he has managed this Pacific mutual fund since 2006.

Matthews Asian Growth & Income Fund (MACSX) seeks long term capital appreciation along with high levels of current income by investing predominantly in dividend paying common stocks, preference shares and convertible instruments. The fund emphasizes on parking the funds in emerging markets such as China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore etc. The Pacific mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 18%.

As of September 2011, this Pacific mutual fund held 84 issues, with 3.83% of its total assets invested in Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. Inc.

Vanguard Pacific Stock Index (VPACX) invests almost all of its assets in common stocks which make up the MCSI Pacific Index. The fund follows a passive management approach and aims to track the performance of the index. The Pacific mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 13.08%.

The Pacific mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $3,000 and an expense ratio of 0.26% compared to a category average of 1.42%.

Wells Fargo Advantage Asia Pacific (SASPX) seeks capital growth over the long term. The fund focuses on purchasing securities of companies which have the potential for superior earnings growth, sufficient financial resources and an efficient management team. The Pacific mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 17.45%.

Anthony L.T. Cragg is the fund manager and he has managed this Pacific mutual fund since 1993.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Pacific 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.