Mutual Funds: A Wealth-Building Tool Not to Be Overlooked in 2026

When it comes to investing, many people often think that they need extensive knowledge or sufficient capital. In reality, with a tool called Mutual Funds, everyone can start investing and building wealth for the future, whether they are beginners or experienced investors.

Basic Understanding: What Exactly Are Mutual Funds?

Mutual Fund (Mutual Fund) may sound complicated, but in essence, it is a pooling of many individual investors’ funds into a large sum, managed by professionals called Fund Managers.

These managers operate under a company called Asset Management Company (AMC) and are responsible for investing that pooled money into various assets according to a predetermined plan.

When we deposit money, it is converted into Units (Units), which have a value called NAV (Net Asset Value). This number fluctuates daily based on the performance of the assets held by the fund. If the assets appreciate, the NAV increases, and that is our profit.

Who Should Invest in Mutual Funds?

Beginner Investors

Lack of stock analysis knowledge makes mutual funds like having a professional investment advisor to assist you.

People Without Time

Working individuals with no time to follow market news; fund managers will do this on your behalf.

Risk Diversification Seekers

A key investment principle is “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Mutual funds help you diversify your investments across various assets, even with a small capital.

Tax Benefit Seekers

Certain types of funds, such as SSF, RMF, ThaiESG, offer tax deduction benefits under specific conditions.

Types of Mutual Funds: Choose According to Your Goals

Based on Asset Class

1. Money Market Fund (Money Market Fund)

• Risk: Lowest
• Suitable for: Short-term savings or emergency funds
• Invests in: Deposits, short-term debt instruments

2. Fixed Income Fund (Fixed Income Fund)

• Risk: Low to Moderate
• Suitable for: Those seeking steady returns
• Invests in: Bonds, corporate debentures

3. Equity Fund (Equity Fund)

• Risk: High
• Suitable for: Long-term investors comfortable with volatility
• Invests in: Stock market equities

4. Hybrid Fund (Hybrid Fund)

• Risk: Moderate
• Suitable for: Investors seeking balance
• Invests in: A mix of stocks and bonds

5. Alternative Investment Fund (Alternative Investment Fund)

• Risk: Very high
• Suitable for: Experienced investors
• Invests in: Gold, real estate, infrastructure

Based on Special Investment Policies

Index Funds (Index Fund) and ETFs

• Grow according to an index like SET50 or S&P500
• Lower fees
• ETFs can be traded in real-time like stocks

Industry Sector Funds (Sector Fund)

• Invest in specific industries such as technology, healthcare, energy
• High risk but potential high returns if predictions are correct

Foreign Investment Funds (FIF)

• Provide opportunities to invest in global markets like the US, China, Vietnam

Tax-Advantaged Funds

• SSF, RMF, ThaiESG offer tax benefits

How to Choose the Right Mutual Fund for You

Step 1: Self-Assessment

Before looking for funds, understand yourself clearly:

• Investment Goals: What are you investing for? Retirement? Buying a house? Education?
• Investment Horizon: How long can you keep your money invested?
• Risk Tolerance: Can you sleep well if your portfolio shows losses?

Step 2: Study Investment Policies

Read the Fund Fact Sheet (Fund ID Card) to see:

• What assets are invested in?
• Which countries?
• Active or passive strategy?

Step 3: Analyze In-Depth Data

Historical Performance

• Compare with the fund’s benchmark
• Remember: Past performance does not guarantee future results

Risk and Volatility

• Maximum Drawdown: What was the largest loss?
• Sharpe Ratio: Return relative to risk

Fees

• Total Expense Ratio (TER): Must compare similar funds
• A difference of just 1% over 20-30 years can significantly impact final returns.

Top 10 Mutual Funds to Watch in 2569 (2026)

The economy in 2569 (2026) is expected to divide into two phases: volatility in the first half, followed by a recovery in the second. Key megatrends include AI, clean energy, and technology. Based on this outlook, here are 10 recommended funds:

Thai Dividend Equity Fund

1. SCBDV Thai Equity Dividend Fund (SCBDV)

• Managed by: SCBAM
• Type: Thai dividend stocks
• Strategy: Invest in large SET stocks with consistent dividends
• Risk: 6/8
• Suitable for: Investors seeking cash flow during investment

2. K-Fund Krungsri Dividend Equity Fund (KFSDIV)

• Managed by: KSAM
• Type: Thai dividend stocks
• Strategy: Mix of stocks of various sizes paying dividends
• Risk: 6/8
• Suitable for: Growth and dividend income

Foreign Stock Funds

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

• Managed by: KTAM
• Type: Foreign stocks (AI)
• Strategy: Invest via the main fund Allianz Global Artificial Intelligence
• Risk: 6/8
• Suitable for: Long-term AI believers

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

• Managed by: BBLAM
• Type: Foreign stocks (Technology)
• Strategy: Invest via Fidelity Global Technology
• Risk: 7/8
• Suitable for: Overall tech growth seekers

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

• Managed by: Principal
• Type: Vietnam stocks
• Strategy: Select stocks actively in Vietnam market
• Risk: 6/8
• Suitable for: Emerging markets

( Bond Funds

6. Krungthai Short-Term Bond Fund )KTSTPLUS-A###

• Managed by: KTAM
• Type: Short-term bonds
• Strategy: Invest in quality bonds with maturities under 1 year
• Risk: 4/8
• Suitable for: Low risk or emergency funds

( Hybrid Funds

7. TISCO Flexible Fund )TISCOFLEXP###

• Managed by: TISCO AM
• Type: Flexible hybrid
• Strategy: Adjust stock/bond ratio from 0-100% based on market conditions
• Risk: 6/8
• Suitable for: Confident in manager’s skill

( Themed Funds

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

• Managed by: KSAM
• Type: Foreign stocks )ESG/Climate###
• Strategy: Invest in companies solving climate issues
• Risk: 6/8
• Suitable for: High risk-tolerance with sustainability focus

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

• Managed by: KAsset
• Type: Foreign healthcare stocks
• Strategy: Invest via JPMorgan Global Healthcare
• Risk: 7/8
• Suitable for: Defensive growth

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

• Managed by: Asset Plus
• Type: Thai stocks (ESG)
• Strategy: Select Thai stocks actively based on SET ESG criteria
• Risk: 6/8
• Suitable for: Investors seeking quality and sustainability in Thailand

Pros and Cons: Know Before You Invest

( Advantages

• Risk Diversification: Small amount, multiple assets
• Expert Management: Managed by professionals
• High Liquidity: Can buy/sell daily
• Low Entry Barrier: Many funds start at hundreds of baht
• Variety: From low to high risk options

) Disadvantages

• Fees: Deducted from returns
• No Direct Control: Everything depends on the fund manager
• Manager Risk: Poor decisions can affect performance
• Dividend Tax: 10% withholding on dividends

Mutual Fund Fees: What You Need to Know

( Direct Fees

• Sales Charge: When purchasing units )e.g., 1-1.5%(
• Redemption Fee: When selling units

) Hidden Fees in NAV

• Management Fee: Paid to the asset management company
• Custodian Fee: For safekeeping assets
• Registrar Fee: Managing unit holder data

( Total Expense Ratio )TER###

Represents total costs; compare before choosing a fund. A 1% difference over 20-30 years can significantly impact final returns.

Conclusion: Start Your Investment Journey

Mutual Funds are powerful tools for wealth creation, suitable for everyone regardless of experience level.

In 2569 (2026), filled with opportunities and challenges, choosing Mutual Funds aligned with global megatrends will help you grow with the world market.

The first step is:

1. Understand yourself ###Goals, Horizon, Risk###
2. Study the fund’s policy
3. Compare performance, risk, and fees
4. Select a fund matching your profile

Remember, consistent long-term investing and fund quality will help you achieve your financial goals more than trying to time the market.

Start today with just a few hundred baht.