The new healthcare legislation has significantly affected the fortunes of this sector. Most companies face the prospect of gaining numerous new customers as well as having to pay up higher fees. But many firms continue to perform well despite these developments and the recent economic slowdown. Investing in healthcare securities requires deep insight into the nuances of drug discovery and advances in biotechnology. With the advantages of professional management and focused research, mutual funds are an ideal option to investing in this sector.Schwab Health Care (SWHFX) seeks capital appreciation by investing heavily in the healthcare sector. The fund primarily purchase equity securities but may also invest in future contracts. It focuses on investing in domestic firms, but may invest up to 25% of its assets in other countries. The health fund returned 15.5% over the last one year period.
Larry Mano is the fund manager and has managed this health fund since 2000.
Invesco Health Sciences A (HCRAX) invests the majority of its assets in health sciences companies worldwide. It focuses on purchasing common stocks but may also invest in derivatives. Up to 50% of its assets may be invested in foreign securities, including those issued from emerging markets. The health fund has a ten year annualized return of 3.99%.
The health fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.65% compared to a category average of 1.97%.
Putnam Global Health Care A (PHSTX) seeks long-term capital growth. The fund invests primarily in companies from the health care sector across the globe. It focuses on acquiring common stocks of large and mid-cap companies. The health fund returned 10.11% over the last one year period.
As of March 2010, this health fund held 71 issues, with 14.79% of its total assets invested in Pfizer Inc.
BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities A (SHSAX) invests at least 80% of its assets in health science companies and related firms. The fund purchases common and preferred stock, convertible securities and also invests in derivatives. Up to 20% of its assets may be invested in instruments form other sectors. The health fund returned 21.92% in the last one year period and has a five year annualized return of 8.49%.
The Fund Manager is Thomas Callan and she has managed this health fund since 2005.Vanguard Health Care Index (VHCIX) seeks to match the performance of the MSCI U.S. Investable Market Health Care Index. This index consists of healthcare stocks of companies of all sizes. This includes firms which manufacture medical equipment and provide related services. The health fund returned 16.99% in the last one year period.
The health fund has an expense ratio of 0.28% compared to a category average of 1.97%
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