Fund manager likes Alexion, Micron, Pulte-Barron's

NEW YORK, June 21 (Reuters) - The lead manager of the Turner MidCap Growth Investor fund is betting on growth in Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc (ALXN.O), chipmaker Micron Technology Inc (MU.N) and home builder Pulte Homes Inc (PHM.N), according to an interview with business weekly Barron's.

Christopher McHugh, whose fund has returned an average of 7.8 percent a year since its inception in 1996, but suffered a 48.6 percent decline last year, said he was looking for mid-cap companies that dominate the sector.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals was at the top of his list while Micron Technology was also attractive, he said.

McHugh also recently bought shares in home builder Pulte Homes, along with D.R. Horton Inc (DHI.N), betting on early beneficiaries of a macroeconomic recovery, according to the interview.

The fund manager was quoted as saying the recovery will take some time, but that he was hoping for better signs in the fourth quarter and through 2010. He forecast the Standard & Poor's 500 index .GSPC could touch 1,050 by the end of 2009. It finished last week at 921.

McHugh also forecast growth in WMS Industries Inc (WMS.N) and handbag maker Coach Inc (COH.N). (Reporting by Ritsuko Ando, editing by Maureen Bavdek)