Getting to Know Mutual Funds: A Comprehensive Guide with a Summary of 10 Closely Followed Funds in 2026

“If you want to build wealth but are unsure how to start” — this question worries many people. But the truth is that both beginners and those with experience can use mutual funds as a tool for asset development. This article will take you deep into the investment world, highlighting 10 worthwhile mutual funds for 2026 to help you confidently create your financial future.

Mutual Funds: Expert-Managed Investment Tools

To keep it simple, Mutual Fund (Mutual Fund) is a system that pools investors’ money together. Then, professional personnel called “fund managers” working under a fund management company (FMC) manage and invest this pooled money across various asset types.

When you invest, your money is converted into “units” (Units), with each unit’s value called “Net Asset Value” (NAV) (Net Asset Value). NAV is announced and updated at the end of each trading day, reflecting the daily value of the assets held by the fund. If the assets increase in value, NAV rises accordingly. This is how profits are generated.

Who should consider investing through mutual funds?

Mutual funds cater to a diverse range of investors:

• Beginners: Those lacking in-depth knowledge of securities analysis will benefit from expert support.
• Time-constrained individuals: Working people with limited time can rely on fund managers to monitor markets and make decisions.
• Risk diversifiers: The key principle is “don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” and mutual funds allow diversification across different assets.
• Tax-benefit seekers: Certain funds like SSF, RMF, or ThaiESG offer tax advantages as specified.
• Institutional investors: With large capital, fund management companies have bargaining power and access to top-tier investments unavailable to individual investors.

Main Types of Mutual Funds: Pathways for Every Goal

The world of mutual funds is highly diverse, enabling investors to select according to their goals and risk appetite.

Categorized by Asset Class (Asset Class)

1. Money Market Funds (Money Market Fund): Lowest risk, suitable for short-term savings or emergency reserves, investing in deposits or high-quality government and corporate debt securities.

2. Fixed Income Funds (Fixed Income Fund): Low to moderate risk, offering higher returns than regular savings, investing in bonds and corporate debt.

3. Equity Funds (Equity Fund): Also called “stock funds,” high risk but with the potential for the largest returns over the long term.

4. Mixed/Hybrid Funds (Mixed/Hybrid Fund): Managers can adjust the proportion of stocks and bonds based on market conditions, providing flexibility for investors unsure about asset allocation.

5. Alternative Investment Funds (Alternative Investment Fund): Investing in gold, oil, real estate, or infrastructure, with higher risk suitable for experienced investors.

Categorized by Investment Strategy (Investment Strategy)

1. Index Funds & ETFs (Index Fund & ETF): Use passive strategies tracking reference indices, with lower fees than active funds.

2. Sector Funds (Sector Fund): Focus on specific sectors like technology, healthcare, energy, with higher risk but potential for significant gains.

3. Foreign Investment Funds - FIF (Foreign Investment Fund - FIF): Enable Thai investors to access global markets such as the US, China, Vietnam.

4. Tax-advantaged Funds: Offer special tax benefits, e.g., SSF, RMF, ThaiESG.

How to Select the Right Fund

Step 1: Self-assessment

Before looking outside, answer these 3 questions:

• Investment goals: What are you investing for? Retirement? Buying a house? Education for children?
• Time horizon: How long can you let your money grow?
• Risk tolerance: How much temporary loss can you endure?

Step 2: Study the investment policy

Read the key document (Fund Fact Sheet) to understand where your money will be invested, in what, and what strategies are used.

Step 3: Analyze in-depth

• Past performance: Check if the fund manager has consistent results. Remember, “past performance does not guarantee future results.”
• Maximum Drawdown: The maximum loss percentage; how much are you willing to accept?
• Sharpe Ratio: Measures risk-adjusted return, indicating value for risk taken.
• Fees (Fees): Critical figures affecting long-term returns.

Ten Mutual Funds for 2026

Before choosing, understand the economic outlook and new trends:

• Economy in 2026: Analysts expect two phases; the first half may be volatile, but the second half could see recovery.
• Connected Megatrends: Expansion of AI driving demand for clean energy, electric infrastructure, and chips.

( Thai Dividend Equity Funds

)# 1. SCB Dividend Equity Fund ###SCBDV###

• Asset Management: SCBAM
• Strategy: Invest in large-cap Thai stocks listed on SET with strong fundamentals and consistent dividends.
• Risk Level: 6 (High Risk)
• Suitable for: Those seeking passive income during investment periods.

(# 2. Krungsri Dividend Equity Fund )KFSDIV(

• Asset Management: KSAM
• Strategy: Invest in dividend-paying stocks, including large, medium, and small caps, offering higher growth potential.
• Risk Level: 6 )High Risk###
• Suitable for: Investors wanting dividends along with growth.

( Foreign Trend Funds: Catch Global Trends

)# 3. KTAM World Technology AI (KT-WTAI-A)

• Asset Management: KTAM
• Strategy: Invest via the main fund Allianz Global AI, focusing on companies benefiting directly from AI.
• Risk Level: 6 ###High Risk###
• Suitable for: Long-term outlook and confidence in technological growth.

(# 4. Bualuang Global Innovation & Technology )B-INNOTECH(

• Asset Management: BBLAM
• Strategy: Invest through Fidelity in leading global tech companies covering Cloud Computing, E-commerce, Fintech.
• Risk Level: 7 )Very High Risk###
• Suitable for: Those aiming for growth aligned with the tech world, with long-term investment goals.

(# 5. Principal Vietnam Equity A )PRINCIPAL VNEQ-A(

• Asset Management: Principal Asset Management
• Strategy: Active management in Vietnam, focusing on high-growth potential stocks.
• Risk Level: 6 )High Risk###
• Suitable for: Investors seeking emerging markets with leapfrog growth opportunities.

( Bond Funds: Safe Havens in Volatile Markets

)# 6. Krungthai Short-Term Bond Plus (KTSTPLUS-A)

• Asset Management: KTAM
• Strategy: Invest in quality ###Investment Grade### bonds domestically and internationally, with an average maturity under 1 year.
• Risk Level: 4 (Moderate-Low)
• Suitable for: Conservative investors needing short-term liquidity.

( Flexible Hybrid Funds: Adapt to Market Conditions

)# 7. TISCO Flexible Plus (TISCOFLEXP)

• Asset Management: TISCO Asset Management
• Strategy: Flexibly adjust stock, bond, and other assets from 0-100% based on market conditions.
• Risk Level: 6 ###High Risk###
• Suitable for: Investors trusting the fund manager’s expertise.

( Thematic Funds: Invest in World-changing Trends

)# 8. Krungsri ESG Climate Tech (KFCLIMA-A)

• Asset Management: KSAM
• Strategy: Invest in companies addressing climate change, clean energy projects, electric vehicles.
• Risk Level: 6 ###High Risk###
• Suitable for: Those committed to sustainability and long-term growth.

(# 9. K-Global Healthcare )K-GHEALTH(

• Asset Management: KAsset
• Strategy: Invest via JPMorgan in leading healthcare companies worldwide.
• Risk Level: 7 )Very High Risk###
• Suitable for: Investors seeking stable growth through essential businesses in all economic conditions.

(# 10. Asset Plus Sustainable Thai Stocks )ASP-THAIESG(

• Asset Management: Asset Plus Fund Management
• Strategy: Active management of high-quality Thai stocks based on SET ESG Rating.
• Risk Level: 6 )High Risk###
• Suitable for: Investors in Thai stocks who care about sustainability and tax benefits.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Mutual Funds

( Advantages

• Diversification: With small capital, you own a variety of assets.
• Expert Management: Professionals monitor markets and make decisions for you.
• High Liquidity: Easily convert to cash when needed.
• Low Entry Barrier: Many funds start with hundreds or thousands of baht.
• Variety: Policies range from low to high risk.

) Disadvantages

• Fees: These costs directly reduce returns.
• Lack of Direct Control: Investors do not select individual stocks.
• Management Risk: Poor decisions by fund managers can lead to poor performance.
• Tax Burden: Dividends are subject to 10% withholding tax.

Fund Fees: Important Considerations

Fees are divided into 2 parts:

Part 1 - Charged directly to investors:

• Purchase fee (When Buying)
• Redemption fee ###When Selling###
• Switch fee (Fund Switching)

Part 2 - Deducted from NAV daily:

• Management fee
• Trustee fee
• Registrar fee

The total expense ratio (TER) is shown in the Fund Fact Sheet. Even a 1% difference in fees over time can cause the final outcome to vary by dozens of percent.

Conclusion: Path to Wealth via Mutual Funds

Mutual funds have proven to be effective, accessible investment tools suitable for all investors. For 2026, filled with challenges and opportunities, diversifying your portfolio according to global megatrends will be key to wealth creation.

Choosing the “right” fund is not difficult if you follow a systematic process: self-assessment, studying basic information, and comparing factors. This way, you can find funds aligned with your objectives and profile. This article aims to provide additional understanding to help you start building wealth with confidence.