Are you ready for 2026? 10 mutual funds to follow for a secure future

The reality of investing is that no matter how much capital you have or how much experience you possess, if you haven’t started building assets to grow, the first year entering 2569 is the best automatic opportunity. While most still wonder “how to invest,” the answer has always been close at hand: Mutual Funds – a tool that changes the game for retail investors like us.

Mutual Funds: More Than Just a Financial Term

Imagine simply – mutual funds are like a group of friends pooling their money into a huge sum. Then, they hire a professional called Fund Manager who works at a Fund Management Company (Asset Management Company (AMC)) to manage that money.

When you invest your money, it is converted into Investment Units, each with a value called NAV (Net Asset Value), or net asset value. This figure is calculated and announced at the end of each trading day to reflect the performance of all assets held by the fund – if those assets appreciate, NAV increases, and that’s your profit.

Who should consider succeeding with mutual funds?

The power of mutual funds lies in their suitability:

• Beginners with no knowledge: No need to analyze stocks; professionals handle it for you.
• Busy individuals with no time: Fund managers monitor the market constantly for you.
• Risk-averse investors: Diversification across various assets reduces risk.
• Tax-benefit seekers: Certain fund types (SSF, RMF, ThaiESG) offer special tax deductions.

Above all, with large capital, managers can negotiate better and access investment opportunities open only to institutions, such as certain IPOs or limited bonds.

Types of Mutual Funds: A Variety of Options

The market is full of choices. Let’s categorize clearly:

Based on Asset Class Invested

Money Market (Money Market): Risk level 1 – suitable for cash preservation. Mainly deposits and short-term debt instruments.

Fixed Income (Fixed Income): Risk level 2-4 – government bonds and corporate bonds. For those seeking higher returns than savings but less risky than stocks.

Equity (Equity): Risk level 6 – the highest but with the potential for the greatest returns. Suitable for long-term goals.

Hybrid/Mixed (Hybrid/Mixed): Risk level 5 – adjusts proportion between stocks and bonds based on market conditions.

Alternative Assets (Alternative): Risk level 8+ – gold, oil, real estate, for experienced investors.

Special Policies

• Index/ETF: Mimic benchmark indices, low fees.
• Sector (Sector) Funds: Focus on one industry, high risk but potentially high profit.
• Foreign (FIF): Gateway to global markets.
• Tax Deductions: SSF, RMF, ThaiESG with special privileges.

How to Choose the Right Mutual Fund

Step 1: Ask yourself 3 questions

What is your goal? Retirement in 30 years? Buying a house in 5 years? Each answer leads to different funds.

Investment horizon? The longer, the higher risk you can take for higher returns.

Risk tolerance? Can you sleep well if your portfolio drops 20%?

Step 2: Study the investment policy

Read the Fund Fact Sheet – like the ID card of the fund. See where the money is invested, which countries, what strategies.

Step 3: Deep analysis

Past performance: Compare with benchmark (Benchmark). Not just numbers – past performance does not guarantee future results.

Maximum Drawdown: The largest loss experienced historically – the “biggest pain.” Are you ready for it?

Sharpe Ratio: Measures return relative to risk. The higher, the better.

Total Expense Ratio (TER): A 1% difference over 20-30 years can make a difference of many tens of percent in the final outcome.

Top 10 Mutual Funds to Watch in 2569

Before listing the funds, understand the big picture for 2569: A year of two halves – the first half may be volatile, but a recovery is expected in the second half. The mega trend is the surge of AI, creating demand in energy, infrastructure, and technology.

Thai dividend stocks: Defensive strategy when uncertain

1. Thai PTT Equity Dividend Fund (SCBDV) – SCBAM

• Focus on large-cap SET stocks with strong fundamentals and consistent dividends.
• Risk: 6 – for those seeking cash flow during investment.

2. Krungsri Dividend Equity Fund (KFSDIV) – KSAM

• Mix of large, mid, small-cap stocks to increase growth opportunities.
• Risk: 6 – for those wanting more growth.

Tech & Innovation: Aim high with mega trends

3. KTAM World Technology Artificial Intelligence Equity (KT-WTAI-A) – KTAM

• Via Allianz Global Artificial Intelligence fund.
• Focus on global companies benefiting from AI.
• Risk: 6 – believers in AI growth potential.

4. Bualuang Global Innovation & Technology Fund (B-INNOTECH) – BBLAM

• Via Fidelity Funds – Global Technology.
• Not just AI – includes Cloud, E-commerce, Fintech.
• Risk: 7 – for high-risk investors.

Emerging Markets: Diversify sources

5. Principal Vietnam Equity Fund A (PRINCIPAL VNEQ-A) – Principal

• Directly select stocks in Vietnam with growth potential.
• Risk: 6 – for those diversifying into emerging markets.

Bond Funds: Safe haven when markets turn

6. Krungthai Short-Term Bond Plus Fund (KTSTPLUS-A) – KTAM

• Invest in quality short-term bonds.
• Risk: 4 – for safer options.

Flexible Hybrid Funds: Let managers decide for you

7. TISCO Flexible Plus Fund (TISCOFLEXP) – TISCO AM

• Managers can adjust stock-bond ratio from 0-100% based on goals.
• Risk: 6 – for those trusting manager expertise.

Thematic & Niche Funds: Invest in changing worlds

8. Krungsri ESG Climate Tech Fund (KFCLIMA-A) – KSAM

• Via DWS – focus on environmental tech.
• Clean energy, EVs, energy efficiency.
• Risk: 6 – for sustainability believers.

9. K-Global Healthcare Fund (K-GHEALTH) – KAsset

• Via JPMorgan Funds – Global Healthcare.
• Pharmaceuticals, medtech, medical services.
• Risk: 7 – for steady growth and defensive positioning.

10. Asset Plus Sustainable Thai Equity (ASP-THAIESG) – Asset Plus

• Invest in Thai stocks with ESG scores per SET ESG Rating.
• Risk: 6 – for quality Thai investments and tax benefits.

Summary of 10 Funds

Pros and Cons: Know before investing

Pros

• Diversification: Own multiple assets with small capital.
• Professional management: Expert team monitors markets.
• High liquidity: Can buy/sell daily.
• Easy access: Start with hundreds or thousands of baht.
• Variety: From low to high risk options.

Cons

• Fees: Deducted from returns, accumulate over time.
• No direct control: Decisions made by fund managers.
• Manager risk: Poor decisions reduce performance.
• Tax burden: 10% tax on dividends.

Fees to Watch Out For

Direct fees

• Sales charge: When buying units, e.g., 1.5% of investment.
• Redemption fee: When selling (rarely).
• Switching fee: Moving funds within the same AMC.

Hidden costs in NAV

• Management fee: Manager’s salary embedded.
• Custodian fee: Financial institution’s expense.
• Registrar fee: Record-keeping of unit holders.

All these are reflected in the Total Expense Ratio (TER) – a 1% difference can change final results by many tens of percent over 20-30 years.

In Summary: 2569 is Now

Mutual Funds are not just tools but gateways into the investment world. As the world faces challenges (first half) and opportunities (second half), portfolio strategies aligned with mega trends like AI, sustainability, and health will unlock long-term wealth.

Start today: choose funds suitable for you, and let time and compounding work. Investing is about strategy, patience, and choosing the right tools – mutual funds have it all.