Best of Funds-Top 5 Precious Metals Funds

Van Eck International Investors Gold A (INIVX) seeks growth of capital over the long term. The majority of its assets are invested in companies whose major operations primarily consist of activities related to gold. It also invests in financial instruments which are backed by gold and in gold coins and bullion. It is non-diversified and has a three year annualized return of 18.13%.

This precious metals fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.43% compared to a category average of 1.51%.

US Global Investors World Precious Minerals (UNWPX) invests the majority of its assets in companies primarily involved with exploration, mining or processing of gold and other precious metals. It looks to invest in companies with economic linkages with at least three foreign countries. The precious metals fund has a ten year annualized return of 22.01%.

Ralph P. Aldis is the fund manager and he has managed this precious metals fund since 2007.

Franklin Gold & Precious Metals A (FKRCX) seeks capital appreciation by investing in gold and precious metals or companies involved in mining or processing of these metals worldwide. This precious metals fund returned 74.08% in the last one year period and has a five year annualized return of 27.78%.

As of March 2010, this precious metals fund held 78 issues, with 6.30% of its total assets invested in Randgold Resources, Ltd. ADR.

ProFunds Precious Metals UltraSector (PMPSX) invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities included in the Dow Jones Precious Metals index. It also purchases financial instruments which are similar to such securities. The precious metals fund returned 71.37% in the last one year period.

The precious metals fund has an expense ratio of 2.61% compared to a category average of 1.51%.

USAA Precious Metals and Minerals (USAGX) seeks protection against inflation and long term capital growth. It invests the majority of its assets in domestic and foreign companies with primary operations in the precious metals sector. It is non-diversified and has a ten year annualized return of 28%.

Dan Denbow is the fund manager and he has managed this precious metals fund since 2008.