Stay Balanced With This Bronze-Rated Fund

Jesse Dashefsky: For investors seeking a balanced fund, MFS Total Return remains a solid choice. The fund earns a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Bronze for its seasoned leadership and attractive price.

MFS Total Return takes a straightforward, conservative approach. As a traditional balanced fund, Total Return maintains a 60/40 split between stocks and bonds. On the stock side, two sleeves pick stocks with a value-leaning fundamental approach, while a third blends fundamental and quantitative research. A single bond sleeve acts as ballast, with no interest-rate bets and nearly all investment-grade corporates.

The four sleeves are overseen by veteran portfolio managers, which is where this Bronze medalist really shines. Of the eight managers, four have been in place for more than a dozen years, and everyone on the manager roster has 20-plus years of industry experience. With steady hands at the helm, the fund has been able to deliver respectable results. Compared to the average peer, the fund has delivered higher annual returns with lower volatility over the last five years.

The fund offers investors an attractive price tag as well. It's cheaper than 90% of competing funds with a similar split between stocks and bonds.

The fund's low price, along with its steady leadership, keep up our confidence in it for the long term.