Today we are featuring top-performing “Asset Allocation” balanced mutual funds, which primarily seek total return and uses an optimization model to choose the best way to distribute assets among various classes.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Asset Allocation Balanced Funds.

2 Solid Picks

Columbia LifeGoal Income A (NLFAX) was incepted in September 2003. The investment seeks current income, consistent with relative stability of principal.

The fund actively allocates its assets among fixed income and income-oriented equities, convertibles and REITs by investing in Columbia Funds and individual securities. It is designed to be part of a fixed-income portfolio to enhance returns in all interest rate environments.

Anwiti Bahuguna has been lead manager at the fund since February 2009. The fund has an expense ratio of 0.67%.

Hartford Income Allocation A (HINAX) seeks current income and, as a secondary objective, capital preservation. It typically invests in a combination of fixed income funds.

The fund uses a “fund-of-funds” approach, investing in a diversified group of the Hartford mutual funds, known as underlying funds. It may invest in funds with varying credit quality.

Unit holders have to make a minimum initial investment of $1,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (”Strong Buy”) fund. The fund declares and pays income dividends periodically and distributes net capital gains, if any, annually.

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