Navigating the Mutual Fund Landscape: Three Strong Performers From a Leading Asset Manager

When building a diversified investment portfolio, many investors overlook one of the most practical vehicles available: mutual funds investing in US stocks and global markets. They offer built-in diversification, professional management, and significantly lower transaction costs compared to purchasing individual securities. For those seeking both stability and growth potential, examining established fund families from experienced managers is a logical starting point.

A Legacy of Asset Management Innovation

One of the industry’s most recognized asset management operations traces its roots back to 1978, originating from Boston as an institutional investment division. The organization has evolved considerably over the decades, initially focusing on index strategies before expanding into a comprehensive suite of equity funds, fixed income products, and alternative investment vehicles.

Recently, the firm underwent a significant rebranding initiative, establishing itself as an investment management powerhouse. This transformation was reinforced through a late-2024 partnership with Bridgewater Associates, a globally recognized macroeconomic strategy firm. Such moves signal the organization’s commitment to broadening client access to sophisticated investment approaches while maintaining its core strength in traditional mutual fund offerings.

From a financial performance standpoint, the parent company demonstrated solid results in its third-quarter 2025 reporting. The organization achieved adjusted earnings of $2.78 per share, exceeding analyst expectations of $2.62, compared to $2.26 in the year-ago period. Revenue reached $3.55 billion for the quarter, surpassing consensus projections of $3.47 billion versus $3.34 billion previously. This consistent outperformance against expectations—having beaten consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters on both earnings and revenue metrics—reflects operational strength that often translates into competitive fund performance.

Evaluating Top-Tier Fund Options

For investors specifically seeking mutual funds investing in US stocks and international equities, three standout selections merit consideration. These funds were selected based on strong Zacks rankings (either Rank #1 or #2), positive annualized returns over both three and five-year periods, low expense ratios, and accessible minimum investment thresholds under $5,000.

Domestic Equity Strategy with Index Foundation

The first option emphasizes US equity exposure through a primarily passive, index-aligned approach. This fund allocates most holdings to securities comprising the S&P 500 Index. Under Michael O. Martel’s leadership since 2019, this fund has delivered annualized returns of 15.9% over three years and 9.5% over five years. The fund’s expense ratio stands at a competitive 0.33%. Current top holdings include tech giants, with Nvidia representing 2.7% of the portfolio, Microsoft at 2.6%, and Apple at 2.2%. The fund carries a Zacks Rank #1 designation.

International Equity Exposure

For those seeking geographic diversification, another offering focuses on foreign equity securities across developed and emerging markets, benchmarking against the MSCI EAFE Index while maintaining cash positions for flexibility. Managed by Adel Daghmouri since 2023, this fund has achieved three and five-year annualized returns of 23.8% and 14.9%, respectively, with an expense ratio of 0.81%. Top positions include Novartis (2.2%), Roche (2%), and Deutsche Telekom (1.6%). This option also carries a Zacks Rank #1 rating.

Comprehensive US Core Strategy

The third recommendation pursues broad US equity exposure through primary allocations to common and preferred stocks of American companies, with secondary positions in foreign securities and debt instruments. Paul Nestro has managed this fund since 2018, producing impressive results: 23.8% annualized returns over three years and 17.5% over five years, with an exceptionally low 0.14% expense ratio. The portfolio’s largest holdings reflect technology sector leadership: Nvidia (8.5%), Microsoft (8.1%), and Apple (5%). This fund also maintains a Zacks Rank #1 status.

Making the Decision

The case for mutual funds investing in US stocks remains compelling in volatile market environments. These three offerings from an established asset management firm represent solid options for investors seeking professional management, inherent diversification benefits, and transparent fee structures. The combination of consistent fund performance, low expense ratios, and the parent organization’s demonstrated financial strength creates a reasonable foundation for portfolio consideration during periods of market uncertainty.