| Scorecard |
|---|
|
5 / 5 Stars
|
|
Lipper
5
5
2
5
|
|
Zacks Investment Research
1
(Strong Buy)
|
|
Standard & Poor's
3 / 5 Stars
|
|
TheStreet.com
C
(Hold)
|
U.S. News evaluated 30 Financial Funds. Our list highlights the top-rated funds for long-term investors based on the ratings of leading fund industry researchers.
Note: Profile written for different share class.
Performance
The fund has returned 40.42 percent over the past year, 13.74 percent over the past three years, 12.34 percent over the past five years, and 9.58 percent over the past decade.
| Trailing Returns | Updated 05.31.2013 |
|---|---|
| Year to date | 12.1% |
| 1 Year | 40.4% |
| 3 Years (Annualized) | 13.7% |
| 5 Years (Annualized) | 12.3% |
| 10 Years (Annualized) | 9.6% |
Summary
Prudential Financial Services' management team has shown an ability to outperform in a variety of market environments.
As of June 05, 2013, the fund has assets totaling almost $322.15 million invested in 48 different holdings. Its portfolio consists of shares of financial companies.
This fund invests almost exclusively in financial services companies. Without question, 2008 was one of the most devastating years on the books for that sector. This fund's 36 percent loss that year was no doubt painful, but it was still less than those suffered by many of its peers. In2009, the fund came roaring back with an 84 percent gain. Meanwhile, its returns last year were good enough to land it in the top 11 percent of its Morningstar category. The fund has returned 40.42 percent over the past year and 13.74 percent over the past three years.
The fund is invested in financial companies of all sizes. While the majority of its holdings are large caps, it also has significant exposure to mid-cap and even small-cap names. As of the end of May, less than a quarter of its stock portfolio was invested in the United States. At the moment, some of its favorite countries include France, Singapore, and Switzerland. The fund's French picks, including BNP Paribas and AXA SA, have been paying off well in 2011. The fund's global diversification helps minimize the risks of what is often a volatile sector. The fund has returned 12.34 percent over the past five years and 9.58 percent over the past decade.
Investment Strategy
According to the fund's prospectus: "The Fund buys securities of companies in the financial services sector, such as banks, savings and loan associations (and other thrifts), mortgage banking companies, finance companies, insurance companies, securities/brokerage firms, asset management companies, securities exchanges, leasing companies and consumer and industrial finance companies, and other companies that are primarily engaged in providing financial services."
Role in Portfolio
Morningstar calls this fund a "specialty" holding.
Management
Mark Lynch manages the fund.
