We analyze the quality of the magnetic properties computed by a parameter free density functional model (PBE0) obtained by combining the PBE generalized gradient functional with a predefinite amount of exact exchange. The results are, at the least, competitive with those delivered by the most reliable functionals including heavy parametrization. The way in which the functional is derived and the lack of empirical parameters fitted to specific properties make the PBEO model a widely applicable method for both quantum chemistry and condensed matter physics. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.