Conservative investors prefer debt instruments not only because they safeguard the capital invested but also for the regular income flows they provide. Bonds bring a great deal of stability to an equity-heavy portfolio while providing dividends more frequently than individual bonds. U.S government bonds funds usually invest in Treasury bills, notes and securities issued by government agencies. They are considered to be the safest in the bond fund category and are ideal options for the risk-averse investor.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated government bond mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect these mutual funds to outperform their peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all government bond funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

Rydex Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy (RYGBX) seeks returns which are 1.2x the returns of long term U.S Treasury Bonds. The fund invests in a variety of derivative instruments and U.S Government securities to achieve its investment objective. The government bond mutual fund returned 10.14% over the last one year period.

The government bond mutual fund has an expense ratio of 0.95% compared to a category average of 0.82%.

Wasatch-Hoisington US Treasury (WHOSX) invests at least 90% of its assets in U.S Treasury securities and repurchase agreements backed by such instruments. The fund also purchases long term U.S. Treasury Bonds. The government bond mutual fund returned 7.08% over the last one year period.

As of March 2013, this government bond mutual fund held 20 issues, with 13.21% of its total assets invested in US Treas Bd Stripped Prin Pmt.

Direxion Monthly 10 Year Note Bull 2X (DXKLX) seeks monthly returns which are 2x the returns of the NYSE Current 10-Year U.S. Treasury Index. The fund invests the majority of its assets in domestic government securities that may consist of index and financial securities to create long positions. It may also invest in short term securities with high credit quality. The government bond mutual fund returned 7.85% over the last one year period.

The Fund Manager is Paul Brigandi and he has managed this government bond fund since 2005.

Hussman Strategic Total Return (HSTRX) invests heavily in fixed income instruments. These instruments are primarily securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, including bills, bond and notes. It may also invest in Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS). The government bond mutual fund returned -3.84% over the last one year period.

The government bond mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 0.63% compared to a category average of 0.91%.

Western Asset Mortgage Backed Securities A (SGVAX) seeks a high level of current return. The fund invests the majority of its assets in mortgage backed securities. These may be issued by agencies such as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). The government bond mutual fund returned 7.16% over the last one year period.

The Fund Manager is Stephen Walsh and he has managed this government bond fund since 2006.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all government bond mutual funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

About Zacks Mutual Fund Rank

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward. Learn more about the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank.


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