Three Top Overseas Funds to Consider

Kiplinger's

Kiplinger's

Today it is far from original advice to urgeinvestors to start dedicating their money inoverseas investments. A recent article inpredicts that economic growth in theUnited States will trail the world average in 2007 asEuropean companies cut costs, boost productivity,and sell at appealing share prices. You also need todiversify your currency exposure because the increasein the government's debt and the expansion of ourtrade deficit leaves the dollar unstable. The rule ofthumb is to keep 20% of your stock holdings in foreignnames. But while most people are aware of theneed to diversify internationally, it is difficult to knowwhat funds to trust. recommends the followingthree funds investors should keep in mind:

•Dodge & Cox International Stock (DODFX).Relatively new, but rock steady, this fund's returnsput it in the upper 40% among broad-based foreignfunds, and it ranks in the top 10% over 5 years.

•Julius Baer International Equity II A (JETAX).Julius Baer's first overseas fund hasn't had a below-averageyear among broad international funds in thepast decade, according to the article.

Kiplinger's

•Artisan International (ARTIX). This 11-year-oldfund is oriented toward growth companies.Though those type of stocks haven't led the pack inrecent years, says it's a perfect match withDodge & Cox International.