Investors whose portfolios have a strong domestic flavor would do well to consider non-U.S. funds. Equity markets abroad now make up more than half of the world’s equity market capitalization. Moreover, emerging markets offer particularly exciting opportunities because of their untapped potential and impressive growth numbers. This has led to a clear preference for financial products with an international focus in recent times. Mutual funds offer a relatively less risky option for those looking to invest in this sector. Below we will share with you 5 top rated non-U.S. funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect the fund to outperform its peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all non-U.S. funds, then click here. Templeton BRIC A (TABRX) seeks long term capital growth. The majority of its assets are invested in securities issued by BRIC companies. These companies are those located in Brazil, India or China. They also include firms which derive half their revenues or profits from these countries. The non-U.S. fund returned 101.11% over the last one year period. The non-U.S. fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 2.17% compared to a category average of 1.78%. RS Emerging Markets A ( GBEMX) invests at least 80% of its assets in emerging market companies. It primarily invests in common and preferred stock as well as convertible securities. Up to 20% of its assets may be invested in equity, debt or money market instruments. The non-U.S. fund returned 108.15% in the last one year and has a five year annualized return of 14.53%. The Fund Manager is William Sutcliffe and he has managed this non-U.S. fund since 2008. Fidelity Latin America ( FLATX) seeks capital appreciation over the long term. The majority of its assets are invested in Latin American securities and other instruments with linkages to the region. It focuses on common stocks. Up to 35% of its assets are invested in any sector which accounts for 20% of the Latin American market. It is a no load fund. The non-U.S. fund has a ten year annualized return of 13.95%. Wasatch International Growth ( WAIGX) invests a large share of its assets in securities issued by companies located in emerging markets. It invests in a minimum of five countries included in the MSCI AC World Ex-U.S.A. Small Cap index. The non-U.S. fund returned 90.13% over the last one year period. As of February 2010, this non-U.S. fund held 84 issues, with 7.97% of its total assets invested in Vale S.A. Templeton Foreign Small Companies A (FINEX) seeks long term capital growth. It invests the majority of its assets in smaller companies located abroad, including those based out of emerging market countries. The companies which it invests in have market capitalizations between $2 billion and $4 billion. The non-U.S. fund has a ten year annualized return of 4.44%. Bradley Radin is the fund manager and he has managed this non-U.S. fund since 2007. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all non-U.S. funds, then click here. 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/mutualfund/ Zacks Investment Research