10 Best Mutual Funds to Invest in 2026: UK, Europe, USA, Canada, UAE, Singapore, Nordics, CIS and Asia

Executive Summary The global mutual fund landscape for 2026 offers diversified investment opportunities across developed and emerging markets. This comprehensive analysis covers the 10 best-performing mutual funds spanning UK, Europe, USA, Canada, UAE, Singapore, Nordic countries, CIS region, and Asia. Combined assets under management (AUM) exceed $850 billion, with historical returns ranging from 8% to 28% annually. ESG-focused funds continue gaining prominence as sustainable investing becomes mainstream across all major financial markets.   1. Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) - USA [https://investor.vanguard.com/] Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) remains America's most popular index fund with $1.5 trillion in assets under management. The fund tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index, providing exposure to over 4,000 US stocks across large, mid, small, and micro-cap segments. With an expense ratio of just 0.04%, VTSAX delivered 10-year annualized returns of 11.8% through Q4 2024. The fund requires a $3,000 minimum investment and is ideal for long-term investors seeking broad US market exposure. Morningstar rates VTSAX 5 stars with a Gold analyst rating.   2. Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) - USA/Global [https://www.fidelity.com/] Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) provides diversified exposure to developed international markets excluding the US. With $78 billion AUM, the fund tracks the MSCI EAFE Index covering Europe, Australasia, and Far East markets. The fund features zero expense ratio for Fidelity account holders and delivered 5-year annualized returns of 7.2%. Top holdings include Nestlé, ASML, Novo Nordisk, and Shell. No minimum investment required.   3. Fundsmith Equity Fund - UK [https://www.fundsmith.co.uk/] Fundsmith Equity Fund, managed by legendary investor Terry Smith, ranks as UK's largest actively managed equity fund with £23.5 billion ($29.8 billion) AUM. The fund focuses on high-quality global companies with sustainable competitive advantages and strong cash generation. Since inception in 2010, Fundsmith delivered annualized returns of 15.2%, significantly outperforming the MSCI World Index. The fund maintains concentrated positions in approximately 25-30 stocks including Microsoft, Meta, L'Oréal, and Stryker. Ongoing charges figure (OCF) stands at 0.94%.   4. Robeco Sustainable Global Stars Equities - Europe (Netherlands) [https://www.robeco.com/] Robeco Sustainable Global Stars Equities represents Europe's premier ESG-focused equity fund with €12.8 billion ($13.9 billion) AUM. Headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Robeco pioneered sustainable investing since 1929. The fund delivered 5-year annualized returns of 12.4% while maintaining strict ESG criteria. Portfolio holdings include sustainability leaders across technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. The fund excludes controversial weapons, tobacco, and companies with severe ESG controversies. Management fee is 0.81%.   5. RBC Canadian Dividend Fund - Canada [https://www.rbcgam.com/] RBC Canadian Dividend Fund stands as Canada's largest dividend-focused mutual fund with CAD $18.2 billion ($13.3 billion) AUM. Managed by RBC Global Asset Management, the fund invests primarily in Canadian dividend-paying equities. The fund delivered 10-year annualized returns of 8.7% with quarterly dividend distributions. Top holdings include Canadian banking giants Royal Bank of Canada, TD Bank, BMO, plus energy companies Enbridge and Canadian Natural Resources. MER is 1.65%.   Top 10 Mutual Funds 2026: Complete Performance Overview

Fund Name	Region	AUM	5Y Returns	Expense Ratio	Min. Investment
Vanguard VTSAX	USA	$1.5T	11.8%	0.04%	$3,000
Fidelity FSPSX	USA/Global	$78B	7.2%	0.00%	$0
Fundsmith Equity	UK	£23.5B	15.2%	0.94%	£1,000
Robeco Sustainable Stars	Netherlands/Europe	€12.8B	12.4%	0.81%	€100
RBC Canadian Dividend	Canada	CAD 18.2B	8.7%	1.65%	CAD 500
Emirates NBD MENA Fund	UAE/MENA	AED 2.8B	14.6%	1.75%	AED 5,000
Nikko AM Singapore STI ETF	Singapore	SGD 1.2B	6.8%	0.30%	1 unit
Nordea 1 - Global Climate	Nordics	€9.4B	18.2%	1.80%	€50
Sberbank Balanced Fund	CIS/Russia	RUB 85B	22.4%	2.00%	RUB 1,000
Matthews Asia Growth Fund	Asia-Pacific	$3.8B	9.6%	1.09%	$2,500

  6. Emirates NBD MENA Equity Fund - UAE [https://www.emiratesnbd.com/] Emirates NBD MENA Equity Fund provides concentrated exposure to Middle East and North Africa equities with AED 2.8 billion ($762 million) AUM. Managed by Emirates NBD Asset Management, the fund capitalizes on GCC economic diversification and Vision 2030 initiatives. The fund delivered 5-year annualized returns of 14.6%, benefiting from Saudi Arabia's market opening and UAE economic growth. Top holdings include Al Rajhi Bank, SABIC, Saudi Aramco, and First Abu Dhabi Bank. Management fee is 1.75%.   7. Nikko AM Singapore STI ETF - Singapore [https://www.nikkoam.com.sg/] Nikko AM Singapore STI ETF tracks the Straits Times Index, providing exposure to Singapore's 30 largest companies with SGD 1.2 billion ($890 million) AUM. Managed by Nikko Asset Management, the fund offers low-cost access to Singapore's blue-chip equities. The fund delivered 5-year annualized returns of 6.8% with semi-annual dividend distributions. Top holdings include DBS Group, OCBC Bank, UOB, and Singtel. Expense ratio is 0.30%, making it one of Asia's most cost-efficient index funds.   8. Nordea 1 - Global Climate and Environment Fund - Nordics [https://www.nordea.com/] Nordea 1 - Global Climate and Environment Fund represents the Nordic region's flagship climate-focused investment vehicle with €9.4 billion ($10.2 billion) AUM. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Nordea Asset Management pioneered ESG investing in Scandinavia. The fund delivered exceptional 5-year annualized returns of 18.2%, investing in companies providing climate solutions across renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. Top holdings include Vestas, Schneider Electric, Linde, and Daikin. Management fee is 1.80%.   9. Sberbank Balanced Fund - CIS (Russia) [https://www.sberbank-am.ru/] Sberbank Balanced Fund stands as the CIS region's largest mutual fund with RUB 85 billion ($920 million) AUM. Managed by Sberbank Asset Management, Russia's largest asset manager, the fund invests in Russian equities and fixed income. The fund delivered 5-year annualized returns of 22.4% in ruble terms, driven by commodity sector exposure and high domestic interest rates. Top equity holdings include Sberbank, Gazprom, Lukoil, and Rosneft. Management fee is 2.00%. Note: Access may be restricted for non-CIS investors due to sanctions.   10. Matthews Asia Growth Fund - Asia-Pacific [https://www.matthewsasia.com/] Matthews Asia Growth Fund provides diversified exposure to Asia ex-Japan with $3.8 billion AUM. Managed by Matthews International Capital Management, the fund focuses on companies benefiting from Asia's long-term consumption growth. The fund delivered 5-year annualized returns of 9.6%, with investments spanning China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Top holdings include TSMC, Tencent, Samsung Electronics, and HDFC Bank. Expense ratio is 1.09%.   AI-Generated Infographic: Global Mutual Fund Performance 2026 The global mutual fund landscape for 2026 demonstrates strong diversification opportunities across regions. ESG-focused funds in Europe and Nordics continue outperforming traditional benchmarks, while emerging market funds in UAE and CIS offer higher growth potential with corresponding volatility. Investors should consider multi-regional allocation strategies aligned with their risk tolerance and investment horizons.   References 1. Vanguard Funds: https://investor.vanguard.com/ 2. Fidelity Investments: https://www.fidelity.com/ 3. Fundsmith UK: https://www.fundsmith.co.uk/ 4. Robeco Asset Management: https://www.robeco.com/ 5. RBC Global Asset Management: https://www.rbcgam.com/ 6. Emirates NBD Asset Management: https://www.emiratesnbd.com/ 7. Nikko Asset Management Singapore: https://www.nikkoam.com.sg/ 8. Nordea Asset Management: https://www.nordea.com/ 9. Sberbank Asset Management: https://www.sberbank-am.ru/ 10. Matthews Asia Funds: https://www.matthewsasia.com/ 11. Morningstar Fund Research: https://www.morningstar.com/ 12. Bloomberg Markets: https://www.bloomberg.com/markets