When capital appreciation over the long term takes precedence over dividend payouts, growth funds become a natural choice for investors. These funds focus on realizing an appreciable amount of capital growth by investing in stocks of firms whose value is projected to rise over the long term. However, a relatively higher tolerance to risk and the willingness to park funds for the longer term are necessary when investing in these securities. This is because they may experience relatively more fluctuations than other fund classes.

Below we will share with you the 5 best performing growth mutual funds year to date. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all growth funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.
 

Mutual Fund

Zacks Rank

Total Return YTD

Artisan Growth Opportunities

#1 Strong Buy

17.6%

Sit Mid Cap Growth

#1 Strong Buy

16.0%

Fidelity Growth Company

#1 Strong Buy

15.9%

Chesapeake Core Growth

#1 Strong Buy

14.9%

Vanguard US Growth

#1 Strong Buy

14.7%

Artisan Growth Opportunities (ARTRX) focuses on investing in equity securities issued by domestic and foreign companies. The fund invests in both mature economies and emerging markets and may purchase depository receipts. The growth mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 32.01%.

James D. Hamel is the fund manager has managed this growth mutual fund since 2008.

Sit Mid Cap Growth (NBNGX) seeks to maximize capital growth over the long term. The fund invests the majority of its assets in common stocks of companies whose market capitalizations are between $2 billion and $15 billion. It focuses on investing in domestic growth-oriented small to mid-cap companies. The growth mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 28.6%.

The growth mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $5,000 and an expense ratio of 1.20% compared to a category average of 1.37%.

Fidelity Growth Company (FDGRX) focuses on investing in common stocks. The fund selects companies using fundamental analysis and on the basis of their growth potential. It invests in both domestic and foreign firms. The growth mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 30.56%.

Steven S. Wymer is the fund manager has managed this growth mutual fund since 1997.

Chesapeake Core Growth (CHCGX) seeks capital growth. A minimum of 90% of its assets are utilized to purchase equity securities. A large share of these securities is invested in largest 1,000 domestic companies on the basis of market capitalization. Common and preferred stock and related convertible securities constitute its major investments. The growth mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 20.81%.

As of December 2011, this growth mutual fund held 48 issues, with 5.87% of its total assets invested in Apple, Inc.

Vanguard US Growth (VWUSX) invests primarily in large cap domestic companies with significant growth potential. The stocks purchased must be attractively priced relative to their projected earnings. The fund utilizes the services of several investment advisors. The growth mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 24.74%.

The growth mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $3,000 and an expense ratio of 0.44% compared to a category average of 1.28%.

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


 
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