GO distinctions are based on a fund’s relative risk-adjusted return within category. So, the category can perform badly, like commodities and EM have done last few years … indeed among the most hated funds, but individual funds can still get high marks.

 

BRCNX and JOEMX have both delivered top quintile performance the past 3 and 5 year periods in their respective categories.

 

Here is screenshot from premium site for BRCNX, showing strong relative performance during tough periods of absolute performance: