How to Choose an Interesting Fund in 2026? A Beginner's Guide for All Investors

“I want to start investing but don’t know where to go” and feel lost among thousands of fund options. The simple answer is you’re not alone. Choosing interesting funds isn’t just for those with lots of money or high experience. Everyone can confidently step into the investment world through a tool called “mutual funds,” which professional managers use to help you manage your cash. 2026 offers many opportunities because the world’s major megatrends are changing. It might be the best time to start or rebalance your portfolio.

Understand Yourself First - The Key to Choosing Funds

Before looking for a “good” fund that suits you, first get to know yourself well. Try answering these three questions honestly:

What is it for? What is your true purpose for investing? Retirement savings? Buying a house? Or funding your child’s education? Different goals require different types of funds.

How long? How long do you want your money to grow? If you have 20-30 years, you can take higher risks for higher returns. If only 2-3 years, you need to be more cautious.

Can you sleep peacefully? If your money drops 20% in a month, can you sleep soundly or get anxious? The level of risk you can accept is more important than chasing the highest returns.

Mutual Funds 101: The Basics You Need to Know Before Investing

Simply put, mutual funds are pooled money from many investors into one large fund, managed by professionals to make investment decisions for you, so you don’t have to watch market news all the time.

When you put money into a fund, it converts into “unit trusts.” The value of these units is called NAV (Net Asset Value), announced at the end of each trading day. If the assets the fund invests in increase in value, NAV will go up, and so will your profit.

Types of Funds You Should Know

Funds come in various types depending on their asset focus:

Money Market: The least risky, suitable for short-term cash needs or emergency reserves.

Fixed Income (Bonds): A middle ground between safety and good returns. Suitable for those wanting more than a savings account but less risky than stocks.

Equities (Stocks): High risk but with clear potential for long-term wealth building.

Mixed: Fund managers adjust the proportion of stocks and bonds based on market conditions. Suitable for those who are undecided.

Themed Funds: Invest in specific sectors like AI, Climate Tech, Healthcare, or ESG. Ideal for investors with a particular outlook.

10 Truly Interesting Funds for 2026

Why is 2026 important? Because the world is changing—AI needs massive energy, Climate Tech is growing, Healthcare demand is constant, and the economy’s role is shifting. Those who follow these trends will benefit.

Thai Equity Funds - Dividends for Uncertain Times

The first half of 2026 may be volatile. Dividend equity funds are a good way to generate cash flow.

SCBDV (Siam Commercial Bank Dividend Equity): Invests in large Thai stocks with steady dividends. Managed by SCBAM. Risk level 6/8. Suitable for those wanting cash flow while waiting for growth.

KFSDIV (Krungsri Dividend Equity): Mix of large and small Thai stocks, managed by KSAM. Offers more growth potential while maintaining dividend focus. Risk level 6/8.

International Stocks - Riding the Global Wave

AI stocks offer direct profits but can be volatile. For long-term (5-10 years+), focus on these.

KT-WTAI-A (KT World Technology AI): Invests via Allianz Global Artificial Intelligence fund, managed by KTAM, with decisions by German professionals. Risk level 6/8. For believers in AI potential.

B-INNOTECH (Bualuang Innovation & Technology): Through Fidelity Funds - Global Technology Fund, covering AI, Cloud, E-commerce, Fintech. Managed by BBLAM. Risk level 7/8. For those tracking all tech trends.

PRINCIPAL VNEQ-A (Principal Vietnam): Directly invests in Vietnam, selecting local companies with growth potential in banking, retail, tech. Risk level 6/8. For those eyeing emerging markets.

Bonds - Safe Havens in Volatile Markets

KTSTPLUS-A (Krungthai Short-Term Bond Plus): Invests in quality bonds and deposits, with an average maturity under 1 year. Managed by KTAM. Risk level 4/8. Suitable for short-term cash or portfolio buffers.

Flexible Hybrid Funds - Market Conditions Based

TISCOFLEXP (TISCO Flexible Plus): Managed by TISCO Asset Management, adjusts stock/bond ratio from 0-100% actively based on market outlook. Risk level 6/8. For those trusting the manager’s expertise.

Future Themes - Investing for Global Challenges

KFCLIMA-A (Krungsri ESG Climate Tech): Via DWS Invest ESG Climate Tech, invests in companies addressing climate change, clean energy, electric vehicles. Managed by KSAM. Risk level 6/8.

K-GHEALTH (K-Global Healthcare): Through JPMorgan Funds - Global Healthcare Fund, invests in global health companies, pharmaceuticals, medtech. Managed by KAsset. Risk level 7/8. Healthcare is a steady sector.

ASP-THAIESG (Asset Plus Sustainable Thai Stocks): Thai stocks with high ESG scores according to SET ESG Rating. Managed actively by Asset Plus. Risk level 6/8. For investors wanting quality Thai stocks.

Summary Table of 10 Interesting Funds

How to Choose the Right Fund Without Mistakes

After understanding yourself, grasping basics, and reviewing these 10 options, follow these steps:

First, check the investment policy. Don’t just look at past returns or names. Read the Fund Fact Sheet to see where your money goes—countries, strategies.

Compare with a benchmark. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, but seeing if the manager beats the index shows if they add value.

Watch out for fees. TER (Total Expense Ratio) around 1% annually. Over 30 years, this can add up to hundreds of millions. Focus on funds that deliver the best return relative to fees, not just the highest returns.

Check Maximum Drawdown. This shows the worst loss the fund has experienced. If you can’t tolerate that loss, it might not suit you.

Pros and Cons You Should Know

Advantages

Diversification: With small amounts, you hold thousands of stocks instead of just 2-3.

Professional management: No need to watch stocks constantly; managers do it for you.

High liquidity: Can buy/sell every trading day, unlike listed stocks that may require waiting.

Easy access: Start with just a few hundred baht.

Disadvantages

Fees: Different types have management fees, registration fees, custodial fees.

No direct control: You can’t tell the manager to buy specific stocks.

Manager risk: If they make wrong decisions, you follow the losses.

Tax: Dividends are taxed at 10%, whether you profit or lose.

Next Steps: It’s Not Difficult

Now that you understand, choosing interesting funds should align with your goals and risk appetite. Re-explore yourself, pick 1-2 funds, start small, and observe how you feel.

2026 is full of opportunities. Good funds are everywhere. The key is to choose what’s right for you, not follow others. Building wealth isn’t a race; it’s a steady walk with the right tools.