PRECIOUS METALS
BEST OVERALL PRECIOUS METALS FUND
Vanguard Prec. Metals & Mining Fd (VGPMX)
A FAVORITE BECAUSE: Just about the lowest cost way for investors to insure they'll be sitting pretty when the world economy collapses, Vanguard Precious Metals and Mining's broad diversification makes it a relatively staid option in a category chock full of double-down daredevils.
WE DON'T LIKE: Precious Metals is currently our lowest rated stock fund category. Precious metal funds have performed well of late, and too much money has flowed into the sector - signs the end is nearing. Invest at your own risk.
| Named Favorite: | 08/04 |
| Return While Favorite: | 69.01% |
| VS. S&P While Favorite: | -52.09% |
| MAXrating: | 82 |
| Outlook: | 6% |
| Expense Ratio: | 0.37% |
PRECIOUS METALS SPECIAL CRITERIA WINNERS
BEST OPEN-END PRECIOUS METALS FUND
Vanguard Prec. Metals & Mining Fd (VGPMX)
| Named Favorite: | 08/04 |
| Return While Favorite: | 69.01% |
| VS. S&P While Favorite: | -52.09% |
| MAXrating: | 82 |
| Outlook: | 6% |
| Expense Ratio: | 0.37% |
BEST PRECIOUS METALS ETF
Market Vectors TR Gold Miners (GDX)
| Named Favorite: | 11/09 |
| Return While Favorite: | -45.92% |
| VS. S&P While Favorite: | -146.69% |
| MAXrating: | NA |
| Outlook: | NA |
| Expense Ratio: | NA |
BEST LOW MINIMUM PRECIOUS METALS FUND
Tocqueville Gold Fund (TGLDX)
| Named Favorite: | 08/02 |
| Return While Favorite: | 236.95% |
| VS. S&P While Favorite: | 61.58% |
| MAXrating: | 33 |
| Outlook: | 5% |
| Expense Ratio: | 1.39% |
BEST NTF PRECIOUS METALS FUND
USAA Precious Metals & Minerals Fd (USAGX)
| Named Favorite: | 08/02 |
| Return While Favorite: | 236.3% |
| VS. S&P While Favorite: | 60.93% |
| MAXrating: | 43 |
| Outlook: | 6% |
| Expense Ratio: | 1.23% |
PRECIOUS METALS PREVIOUS FAVORITES
| Fund Name/Ticker: | Added | Removed | Return | Vs. S&P | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Century Global Gold Inv (BGEIX) | 09/01 | 11/09 | 285.92% | 272.52% | ||
| Vanguard Prec. Metals & Mining Fd (VGPMX) | 09/01 | 08/02 | 29.97% | 40.79% |
PRECIOUS METALS TRANSACTIONS
11/09 - Removed American Century Global Gold Inv (BGEIX). Reason for removal: Better option in special criteria sub-category.
11/09 - Added Market Vectors TR Gold Miners (GDX). Added as Best Precious Metals Exchange Trade Fund.
08/04 - Added Vanguard Prec. Metals & Mining Fd (VGPMX). Named a favorite Precious Metals fund.
08/02 - Added USAA Precious Metals & Minerals Fd (USAGX). Named a favorite Precious Metals fund.
08/02 - Removed Vanguard Prec. Metals & Mining Fd (VGPMX). Reason for removal: Closed to new investors.
08/02 - Added Tocqueville Gold Fund (TGLDX). Named a favorite Precious Metals fund.
