It’s never too late to begin investing in mutual funds for your retirement, and the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank can be a helpful tool for finding the best-performing funds.
One good way to judge if a mutual fund is a good choice for the long run is to look at how well it has performed, how diversified it is, and what fees it charges. By using the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank, which rates over 19,000 mutual funds, we’ve found three outstanding options that can be particularly useful for long-term investors working toward their retirement goals.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the top-rated mutual funds from Zacks that come with low fees and are worth considering.
AB Large Cap Growth (ALLIX)
There’s (ALLIX) which has an expense ratio of 0.55% and a management fee of 0.48%. This fund invests in big U.S. companies that are expected to grow faster than others in their category. It has delivered an impressive annual return of 13.81% over the last five years, showing a strong track record.
DFA US Large Company (DFUSX)
On the other hand, there’s (DFUSX) with a very low expense ratio of 0.08% and an equally low management fee of 0.06%. This fund falls under the Large Cap Blend category, typically focusing on larger companies with market values over $10 billion. This approach offers more stability and is a good choice for investors looking to hold onto their investments for a long time. DFUSX has consistently returned 12.13% annually over the past five years, making it a well-diversified fund with a history of solid performance.
Vanguard Windsor Admiral (VWNEX)
Another option to consider is Vanguard (VWNEX) which has an expense ratio of 0.32% and a management fee of 0.28%. Over the last five years, it has delivered an annual return of 10.66%. VWNEX falls into the Large Cap Value category, typically investing in larger companies with undervalued stock prices.

Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio (FSELX)
(FSELX) a sector-specific mutual fund by Fidelity Investments, focusing on semiconductor industry companies. Managed actively, it aims for long-term capital appreciation by diversifying investments across various semiconductor-related stocks. FSELX’s performance may fluctuate, so investors should consider the fund’s history and sector risks.
The Hartford International Value Fund Class A (HILAX)
The Hartford International Value Fund Class A (HILAX) is an investment fund that primarily focuses on international equities. It aims to provide long-term capital growth by actively managing a diversified portfolio of undervalued stocks from international markets. HILAX may be suitable for investors seeking exposure to global markets with a value-oriented approach.
If you have an investment advisor, they may have already steered you toward some of these highly rated mutual funds we’ve discussed. However, if not, it might be a good time to talk to them and reevaluate your investment strategy.
Conclusion
It’s never too late to start your retirement investment journey, and the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is a valuable tool for finding top-performing funds. By assessing performance, diversification, and fees, we’ve identified three excellent options.
Whether you consider ALLIX, DFUSX, or VWNEX, these funds offer potential for long-term growth. If you have an advisor, discussing these options may be a wise move for your financial future.