Zacks Announces Top Five BlackRock Mutual Funds

CHICAGO, Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The following BlackRock mutual funds have all earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy), BlackRock Utilities & Telecomm A (MDGUX), BlackRock Global Allocation A (MDLOX), BlackRock High Income A (MDHIX), BlackRock High Yield Bond A (BHYAX), and BlackRock Government Income A (CCGAX).

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BlackRock is one of the world's premier asset management firms.  Offering a range of risk management, strategic advisor and enterprise investment system services. With over $3.45 trillion worth of assets under management, it caters to institutional, intermediary and individual investors through a wide range of products and services. These offerings include individual and institutional separate accounts, mutual funds and other pooled investment options. BlackRock aims to provide a wide range of investment solutions to its clients, helping them strike the right balance between risk and opportunities.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated BlackRock mutual funds. Each mutual fund has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect the mutual funds to outperform its peers in the future. View the Zacks Rank and past performance of all BlackRock mutual funds.

BlackRock Utilities & Telecomm A (MDGUX) invests the majority of its assets in domestic and foreign utilities and telecom companies. It may purchase both equity and fixed-income securities. It may invest in both developed and emerging markets. The BlackRock mutual fund returned 6.37% over the last one year period.

Kathleen M. Anderson is the mutual fund manager and he has managed this BlackRock fund since 2002.

BlackRock Global Allocation A (MDLOX) seeks total return. It invests in domestic and foreign equity and debt securities as well as money market instruments. Up to 35% of its assets may be used to purchase debt securities rated below investment grade. It may also invest in real estate investment trusts. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 8.56%.

As of October 2010, this BlackRock mutual fund held 700 issues, with 2.57% of its total assets invested in US Treasury Note 3.5%.

BlackRock High Income A (MDHIX) invests heavily in fixed income securities. These are generally rated relatively low by at least one recognized rating agency. It may also purchase unrated securities of comparable value. The BlackRock mutual fund has a three year annualized return of 8.08%.

The BlackRock mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 0.97% compared to a category average of 1.20%.

BlackRock High Yield Bond A (BHYAX) seeks both capital growth and a steady income flow. It focuses on purchasing bonds rated at investment grade with maturity periods of ten years or less. Up to 10% of its assets may be used to purchase foreign bonds denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The BlackRock mutual fund returned 17.96% in the last one year period and has a ten year annualized return of 8.83%.

James S. Keenan is the mutual fund manager and he has managed this BlackRock fund since 2007.

BlackRock Government Income A (CCGAX) This fund invests heavily in securities issued or mortgages guaranteed by the US Government and related agencies which have been assigned the highest ratings. The average maturity period of these bonds are between ten and fifteen years. The fund has a five year annualized return of 4.18%.

The BlackRock mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 0.90% compared to a category average of 1.00%.

Visit Zacks to find past performance of mutual funds and BlackRock mutual funds.

About Zacks Mutual Fund Rank

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find mutual funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward. Learn more about mutual funds and Zacks Mutual Fund Rank at http://www.zacks.com/funds/mutualfund/

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Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PHD in mathematics from MIT Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results.  

Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin.

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.