Ten Top Long Term Performers

MONEY magazine has identified 10 all weather mutual funds that consistently produced high returns in the five years through June 1989 and did so with comparatively low risk. Herewith, in order, are their records for five years and for 10 years, if they have been in business that long.

Japan Fund (345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154; 800 535 2726). An international fund whose primary objective is capital appreciation, Japan Fund had a gain, with all dividends invested, of 254.9% over five years and 510.6% over 10 years.

Vanguard Trustees' Commingled International (P.O. Box 2600, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19482; 800 662 2739 or 215 648 6000). This international fund, whose objective is maximum long term total return, rose 224.4% in five years.

Acorn Fund (Two North LaSalle Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60602 3790; 312 621 0630). A small company growth fund, the Acorn Fund gained 169.2% in five years and 461.6% in 10 years.

Merrill Basic Value A (P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey, 08543 9011; 800 637 3863 or 609 282 2800). This growth and income fund, whose primary objective is capital appreciation, rose 159.2% over five years and 486% over 10 years.

Nicholas 11 (700 N. Water Street, Suite 1010, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202; 414 272 6133). A long term growth fund that invests in small and medium sized companies, Nicholas 11 gained 157.3% in five years.

Delaware Group Decatur 1 (10 Penn Center Plaza, 18th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103; 800 523 4640 or 215 988 1333). This fund, whose primary objective is current income, rose 156% over five years and 467.2% over 10 years.

Merrill Capital A (P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 085439011; 800 637 3863 or 609 282 2800). A growth and income fund, Merrill Capital A gained 149% in five years and 435.1% in 10 years.

Fidelity Puritan (82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109; 800 544 6666 or 617 570 7000). Another current income fund, Puritan rose 141.7% over five years and 426.2% over 10 years.

Phoenix Balanced Series (100 Bright Meadow Boulevard, Enfield, Connecticut 06082; 800 243 1574 or 203 253 1000). This fund, which invests in both common stocks and fixed income securities, gained 137% in five years and 398.6% in 10 years.

Lindner Fund (200 South Bemiston, P.O. Box 11208, St. Louis, Missouri, 63105; 314 727 5305). This fund, whose primary objective is capital appreciation, rose 121.2% over five years and 611.4% over 10 years.