Top 5 Zacks #1 Ranked Healthcare Mutual Funds

When markets are passing through choppy waters, investors often rely on the healthcare sector to safeguard their investments. This is because the demand for healthcare services does not vary with market conditions, making them a safe haven during difficult times. Many pharma companies also generate regular dividends, which go a long way in softening the blow dealt by plummeting share prices. Mutual funds are the perfect choice for investors looking to enter this sector since they possess the advantages of wide diversification and analytical insight.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated health 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 health funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

ProFunds Biotechnology UltraSector (BIPSX) invests in a combination of securities and derivatives which can provide 150% of the returns provided by the Dow Jones U.S. Biotechnology Index. The healthcare mutual fund is non-diversified and returned 98.80% over the last one year period.

’ The healthcare mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $15,000 and an expense ratio of 2.73% compared to a category average of 2.09%.

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences A (ETHSX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The fund invests the majority of its assets in companies from the health sciences domain. A minimum of 25% of its assets must be invested in medical research and the healthcare sector. The healthcare mutual returned 26.42% over the last one year period.

Samuel D. Isaly is the fund manager and has managed this healthcare mutual fund since 1985.

Rydex Biotechnology (RYOIX) invests the majority of its assets in domestic biotechnology companies. Investments are also parked in derivatives, primarily futures and options. The fund focusses on investing in small cap and mid cap companies. This healthcare mutual fund returned 45.19% over the last one year period.

As of August 2013, this healthcare mutual fund held 57 issues, with 7.81% of its total assets invested in Gilead Sciences Inc.

Franklin Biotechnology Discovery A (FBDIX) seeks capital growth. The majority of its assets is invested in equity of biotechnology and research companies. A maximum of 20% can also be invested in equity or debt securities of domestic or foreign companies. The non-diversified healthcare mutual returned 51.01% over the last one year period.. < p> The healthcare mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.20% compared to a category average of 1.41%.

Fidelity Select Medical Delivery (FSHCX) invests the majority of its assets in firms whose principal operations are related to managing or owning hospitals, nursing homes and other firms focusing on healthcare service delivery. The fund focusses on purchasing common stock. The healthcare mutual fund is non-diversified and returned 30.37% over the last one year period..

Steven Bullock is the fund manager and has managed this healthcare mutual fund since 2012.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all health 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

Read the analyst report on BIPSXRead the analyst report on ETHSXRead the analyst report on RYOIXRead the analyst report on FBDIXRead the analyst report on FSHCX

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