The world’s most advanced technological capabilities and a fast growing savings pool make the Pacific Basin countries a diverse and economically vibrant region. Prominent centers of production and fast growing potential markets ensure that it remains an exciting destination. Mutual funds from this sector continue to be good investment options as they harness the strength of both mature and emerging economies. This also ensures that investments can reap the benefits of growth opportunities available while ensuring the safety of capital invested. Below we will share with you 5 top rated Pacific 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 Pacific funds, then click here. Matthews Pacific Tiger ( MAPTX) seeks long-term capital growth. At least 80% of its assets include borrowings for investment purposes are invested in Asian companies. The fund focuses on purchasing common and preferred stock and does not invest in Japanese companies. The Pacific fund returned 99.81% over the last one year period and has a five year annualized return of 12.87%. The Pacific fund has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.13% compared to a category average of 1.98%. Aim Asia Pacific Growth A (ASIAX) invests the majority of its assets in securities of companies located in the Asia Pacific region. It focuses on purchasing marketable securities, but may also hold synthetic instruments. It usually invests in at least three countries in the Asia Pacific region. It may invest all its assets in securities from developing countries. The fund returned 93.69% over the last one year period. Mark K. Jason is the fund manager and he has managed this Pacific fund since 2007. T. Rowe Price New Asia (PRASX) seeks long term capital appreciation. It invests a large share of its assets in companies located in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The fund also invests in companies with interests in Vietnam and Pakistan. It purchases stocks of companies with varying market capitalizations. It is non- diversified and a no-load fund. The Pacific fund returned 118.65% over the last one year and has a ten year annualized return of 7.89%. Fidelity Pacific Basin (FPBFX) invests the majority of its assets in securities of Pacific Basin issuers and other investments with economic linkages to the region. It allocates funds to a specific country on the basis of its relative market size compared to the region as a whole. It focuses on purchasing common stocks. The Pacific fund has a five year annualized return of 5.76%. As of February 2010, this Pacific fund held 174 issues, with 3.58% of its total assets invested in Orix Corp. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Pacific 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