Prepare your investment portfolio for 2026: Domestic and international mutual funds to watch out for

The year 2569 is a period of significant volatility for the global markets. While foreign economies face trade uncertainties, it is also an opportune moment for savvy investors to find golden opportunities through a tool that has been largely overlooked—portfolio diversification using mutual funds.

Economic Trends in 2569 and the Connection to Academia

The economic outlook for 2569 can be summarized as “flexible defense.” The recovery will not be smooth but will gradually adjust from the beginning of the year. As consumer goods regain stability, the real driver of the market is AI, which is not just a floating technology in the world of Big Tech but the hub of the entire supply chain.

The enormous demand for AI makes energy a bottleneck. As a result, the demand for clean energy, hardware industries, and medical technology (which also benefit immensely from AI) has surged significantly.

Why Knowing About Mutual Funds Is Truly Important

If you’ve ever wondered “Where should I invest?” the simple answer is: diversify across multiple asset classes simultaneously. But the question arises—how much to invest? What to select? Do I need to monitor daily?

This is where mutual funds come into play.

In the simplest terms: a group of investors (possibly thousands) pool their money into a large fund and hire experts (called “fund managers”) to manage it on behalf of a securities company (Asset Management Company (AMC)).

When you invest, your money is converted into unit trusts, whose value is measured by NAV (Net Asset Value). This figure is calculated and announced every business day, reflecting the total value of all assets in the fund.

Therefore, if NAV increases, your investment value also rises.

Who Should Consider Mutual Funds? Diversify Risks or Enhance Potential

New investors: If you’re unsure which stocks to pick, having a “consultant” to manage your investments can eliminate worries.

Busy professionals: No need to read economic news or track market prices obsessively. The fund manager handles all that.

Those seeking diversification: The key investment principle “don’t put all eggs in one basket” can be achieved through a single fund.

Tax benefits seekers: Some funds (SSF, RMF, ThaiESG) offer tax deductions under specified conditions.

Because of their large capital size, fund managers have bargaining power that individual investors lack, such as participating in high-gain IPOs or private bonds offered quietly within limited circles.

Types of Foreign Mutual Funds: Opening the Door to Global Investment

The first type investors should know is foreign mutual funds, which can be categorized into several groups.

Foreign mutual funds by asset type

Global equity funds: Invest in stocks from various countries—USA, Europe, China, Vietnam—allowing access to the global economy at reasonable prices without opening a forex account.

Technology funds: Focus on AI technology, especially now, attracting investors worldwide. Companies benefiting from the AI revolution are seen as having leapfrog growth opportunities.

Environmental and energy funds: As AI consumes as much power as a small city, the demand for clean energy becomes more prominent than ever. ESG and Climate Tech funds thus become gateways to the future.

Healthcare funds: Startups in medical fields, insurance companies, and medical device manufacturers remain in demand despite market volatility.

Industry-specific funds

Sector Funds: Invest concentrated in a single industry, such as technology, energy, or finance. High risk but potentially high returns if the industry trend is correctly predicted.

Domestic Mutual Funds: Stability, Consistency, and No Exchange Rate Risk

Thai dividend equity funds

During uncertain market times, high and consistent dividend-paying Thai stocks serve as a safe haven. You don’t wait for stock prices to soar for profit but receive regular dividends to comfort yourself in an otherwise dull market.

Short-term bond funds

For risk-averse investors, deposits or government bonds are calm options.

Flexible mixed funds

Funds that adjust their stock-bond ratio according to market conditions, suitable for those unsure which “type” to choose, leaving decisions to experts.

ESG and Themed Funds with Continuous Statistics: Investing with Heart

Designs like ESG funds or theme-based funds (such as Healthcare, Climate Tech) appeal to modern investors who want their money to work toward causes they care about while still aiming for good returns.

How to Select a Fund: A 3-Step System

Step 1: Know Yourself First

Investment goals: Why are you investing? Retirement at 30? Buying a car in 5 years? Your child’s education? This determines everything.

Holding period: The longer, the higher the risk you can accept.

Risk tolerance: Can you sleep peacefully if your portfolio drops 10-20% temporarily?

Step 2: Study the Fund Policy

Read the fund’s Fact Sheet—what assets they invest in, which countries, active or passive strategies.

Step 3: Deep Comparison

Past performance: Check consistency with benchmark indices, but remember—past results do not guarantee future performance.

Maximum Drawdown: Indicates the largest loss the fund has experienced. Can you tolerate it?

Sharpe Ratio: Measures investment efficiency (return versus risk).

Fees: Total Expense Ratio (TER)—the lower, the better. Even 1-2% may seem small, but over 20-30 years, it accumulates significantly.

10 Mutual Funds to Watch in 2569

Thai dividend stocks

1. SCB Dividend Equity Fund (SCBDV)

• Managed by: SCB Asset Management
• Invests in: Large-cap Thai stocks with strong fundamentals—energy, retail, banking
• Risk level: 6 (High)
• Suitable for: Investors seeking cash flow during investment

2. KASIKORNBANK Dividend Equity Fund (KFSDIV)

• Managed by: KAsset
• Invests in: Dividends from large, medium, and small stocks for a balance of cash and growth
• Risk level: 6 (High)
• Suitable for: Investors wanting a more adaptable fund

Foreign-themed funds—focus on technology

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

• Managed by: KT Asset Management
• Invests in: AI companies worldwide via the main fund Allianz Global Artificial Intelligence
• Risk level: 6-7 (Very high)
• Suitable for: Believers in AI and willing to accept high risk

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

• Managed by: BBL Asset Management
• Invests in: Cloud, E-commerce, Fintech companies via Fidelity
• Risk level: 7 (Very high)
• Suitable for: Those aiming to grow with the digital era

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

• Managed by: Principal Asset Management
• Invests in: High-growth Vietnamese stocks—banks, retail, technology
• Risk level: 6 (High)
• Suitable for: Investors seeking emerging market opportunities

Bond funds—stability

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

• Managed by: KTAM
• Invests in: Quality debt instruments, deposits, with an average maturity under 1 year
• Risk level: 4 (Moderate-low)
• Suitable for: Low-risk investors, short-term cash parking

Mixed funds—flexible

7. TISCO Flexible Plus Fund (TISCOFLEXP)

• Managed by: TISCO Asset Management
• Invests in: Stocks, bonds, other assets—adjustable 0-100% based on market conditions
• Risk level: 6 (High)
• Suitable for: Trust in fund managers

Foreign-themed funds—continuous statistical themes

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

• Managed by: KSAM
• Invests in: Climate Tech companies worldwide—renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy saving
• Risk level: 6 (High)
• Suitable for: Investors interested in sustainability

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

• Managed by: KAsset
• Invests in: Healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical devices via JPMorgan
• Risk level: 7 (Very high)
• Suitable for: Those seeking steady growth

Thai stocks—sustainable

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

• Managed by: Asset Plus Fund Management
• Invests in: Thai stocks with strong ESG profiles per SET ESG Rating
• Risk level: 6 (High)
• Suitable for: Investors wanting ThaiESG with tax benefits

Pros and Cons of Investing in Mutual Funds

Advantages

Diversification: With a small amount, you access a variety of assets.

Expert Management: No need to analyze stocks yourself.

High Liquidity: Can buy/sell every business day.

Low Entry Point: Some funds start at just a hundred baht.

Variety: Options from low to high risk.

Disadvantages

Fees: Deducted from returns, accumulating over long periods.

Lack of Direct Control: Investors do not choose individual stocks.

Manager Risk: Poor decisions lead to lower returns.

Dividend Tax: 10% withholding tax applies.

Mutual Fund Fees: The Hidden Story

Visible Fees

Purchase Fee: When you invest, e.g., 1.5%. If you invest 10,000 baht, the actual amount goes in as 9,850 baht.

Redemption Fee: When you exit (rarely used).

Switching Fee: Moving from one fund to another within the same AMC.

Hidden Fees in NAV

These fees are deducted daily, so you may not notice, but they impact your actual returns.

Management Fee: The fund manager’s salary.

Custodian Fee: The bank overseeing the fund.

Registrar Fee: Manages unit holder data.

All these combine into Total Expense Ratio (TER).

While appearing as 1-2%, over 20-30 years, a 1% difference between Fund A (TER 2.5%) and B (TER 1.5%) can result in tens of percent difference in final investment value.

Summary: Journey to Wealth

Both domestic and international mutual funds have proven to be accessible and effective tools. For 2569, filled with challenges and opportunities, a balanced portfolio of Thai dividend stocks, themed foreign funds, and bonds can help you stay stable and grow simultaneously.

Investing involves risks, so tailor your investments to your personal profile. Remember—the key to success is long-term investing.