Are you wondering about options to invest money and grow your wealth? Have you been thinking of diversifying your portfolio via mutual funds in UAE? We certainly have some insightful solutions to your queries.
Over the years, UAE has emerged as an economic powerhouse, attracting investors from around the world to its sun-soaked shores. With its robust economy, strategic location, and welcoming business environment, the country stands as a land of endless opportunities for those looking to grow their wealth.
As the UAE’s economy continues to flourish, so do the investment opportunities. The avenues for investment in the region that yield high returns are abundant. One good option for investors seeking to invest money can be mutual funds. For those who are interested in earning a passive income, mutual funds in UAE can be a suitable choice.
Mutual funds offer a compelling investment option due to the region’s economic growth and diverse investment opportunities. They allow investors to access professionally managed, diversified portfolios, which can help spread risk and potentially deliver competitive returns.
With a variety of funds tailored to different risk profiles and investment objectives, mutual funds offer a convenient and accessible way for both local and international investors to participate in the UAE’s burgeoning financial markets.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or someone dipping their toes into the financial waters for the first time, our comprehensive guide will serve as your compass in navigating the diverse landscape of mutual funds in UAE.
This article will list and explain the top-performing mutual funds in the country and shed light on the strategies that can help you secure your financial future.
Scroll down and find out all you need to know about investing assets via mutual funds in UAE.
You might also like to read: UAE National Bonds: Everything You Need to Know
What are Mutual Funds?
Before we move forward and discuss some of the best and top-performing mutual funds in UAE, it’s crucial to understand the concept and learn how it works.
For those of you who are not familiar with the concept, mutual funds are investment tools that pool money from numerous investors and use that collective capital to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.
These funds are managed by professional portfolio managers who make investment decisions on behalf of the investors. By investing in mutual funds, individuals can access a diverse range of assets, benefiting from professional expertise and spreading risk across a broad spectrum of investments.
Mutual funds are typically structured as open-end funds, which means they issue and redeem shares at their net asset value (NAV) based on the fund’s underlying assets.
How to Invest in Mutual Funds in UAE?
Investing in mutual funds in UAE typically involves a straightforward process. Investors can start by selecting a reputable financial institution, such as a bank or asset management company, that offers mutual fund services.
They’ll need to open an investment account with the chosen institution, providing the necessary identification and documentation. After the account is set up, investors can choose from a variety of mutual funds tailored to their risk tolerance and investment goals.
They can then invest by purchasing units or shares in these funds, usually through the institution’s online platform or with the assistance of a financial advisor. Regular investments or lump-sum contributions can be made, and investors can monitor their fund holdings and performance through periodic statements and online access.
Buying mutual funds online through advisory websites is often more economical than purchasing directly from a fund manager. Advisory websites typically offer a variety of funds from different fund houses, allowing investors to access a broader range of options.
This competition can result in lower fees and expenses, as well as potential discounts or promotions that may not be available when dealing directly with a specific fund manager.
Additionally, online platforms often provide cost-effective solutions for account management, making it a more cost-efficient way to invest in mutual funds compared to the traditional approach of dealing directly with fund managers.
Investing in Mutual funds can be a good option for earning a passive income as it offers regular dividend distributions or interest income from the underlying investments, allowing investors to generate income without actively managing assets. However, it’s important to research and select funds that align with individual financial objectives and risk preferences when investing in mutual funds in the UAE.
10 Best Mutual Funds in UAE
Now that you have a basic understanding of mutual funds, it’s time to move a bit further and take a look at some of the best-performing mutual funds in UAE. Please take note that most of these funds are registered in European countries including France, Luxemburg, UK, Germany, and Ireland. The funds are usually available for buy and sell in US dollars, Euros, and Sterling.
You can buy them online through advisory websites, offshore platforms, financial institutions, or brokers in your region. Also, remember that one cannot predict the future performance of the mutual funds based on their past performance. Stock market fluctuates and you must be well aware of the current scenarios before investing.
Here are our top picks for the best mutual funds in UAE that you may consider for investing money.
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Dunn Capital
Founded by William Dunn, Dunn Capital can be an appealing choice for investors in the UAE looking to diversify and mitigate risk in their portfolios. With a track record of employing systematic trend-following strategies, this fund has the potential to generate returns that are not correlated with traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds.
Its disciplined approach to managing risk and capital preservation has been a key driver of its success. While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, Dunn Capital’s historical performance suggests it can serve as an effective hedge and an alternative investment option for UAE investors seeking to navigate changing market conditions.
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Fidelity Global Dividend Fund
Fidelity Global Dividend Fund is a promising mutual fund choice for investors in the UAE looking for a blend of income and global diversification.
Managed by Fidelity, this fund focuses on investing in a well-diversified portfolio of global dividend-paying stocks, aiming to provide a consistent stream of income while capitalizing on potential capital appreciation.
With a track record of delivering competitive yields and a history of well-managed risk, it caters to investors seeking both income and growth.
By offering exposure to a wide range of international markets, including the UAE’s growing economy, the Fidelity Global Dividend Fund can help investors balance their portfolios and capitalize on opportunities around the world.
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Fundsmith Equity Fund
The Fundsmith Equity Fund, managed by Terry Smith, is a compelling choice for investors in the UAE seeking a focused, quality-driven investment approach. This fund follows a straightforward strategy: investing in a select group of high-quality, global companies with strong competitive advantages and enduring business models.
It has consistently delivered robust risk-adjusted returns, outperforming benchmark indices while exhibiting lower volatility. Its long-term focus and low portfolio turnover make it an attractive option for investors with a buy-and-hold mindset.
Fundsmith Equity Fund’s approach aligns well with those looking for stability and growth potential in their investment portfolios, and its disciplined strategy has made it a standout performer in the world of equity mutual funds.
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Scottish Mortgage
Scottish Mortgage, a global equity mutual fund managed by Baillie Gifford, presents a compelling option for investors in the UAE seeking growth and diversification.
Known for its long-term, high-conviction investment approach, this fund primarily focuses on innovative and disruptive companies, often in the technology and e-commerce sectors.
With a history of strong performance and a portfolio that spans the globe, including the UAE’s rapidly growing markets, Scottish Mortgage provides exposure to dynamic and promising companies.
While it carries some risk due to its concentrated portfolio and focus on growth stocks, it has consistently outperformed broader market indices over the years, making it an attractive choice for investors looking for the potential of significant capital appreciation over the long term.
Scottish Mortgage funds are traded in UAE just like standard stocks and you can invest in these funds through any type of share dealing platform which offers UK equities.
However, investors need to align their risk tolerance and investment objectives with the fund’s high-growth approach when considering Scottish Mortgage as an investment option in the UAE.
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Ardevora Global Equity funds
Managed by Ardevora Asset Management, Ardevora Global Equity fund stands out with its behavioral-driven investment strategy, focusing on understanding investor behavior and market psychology to make investment decisions.
It combines quantitative analysis with qualitative insights to construct a portfolio of global equities. The fund’s goal is to identify undervalued companies with the potential for sustainable growth.
This distinctive approach has delivered strong risk-adjusted returns in the past and provides diversification benefits by offering exposure to various markets, including the rapidly growing UAE economy.
Ardevora Global Equity Funds are generally invested in American, Japanese, and European markets and can be a good option for investors in UAE who seek to yield high returns on their assets.
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Fidelity Emerging Market Fund
Managed by Fidelity, The Fidelity Emerging Market Fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of companies located in emerging market economies across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
This fund offers a gateway to harness the considerable growth potential and investment opportunities in these dynamic markets. While it comes with higher volatility and risk, it has the potential for attractive returns, and Fidelity’s robust research and management expertise enhance its appeal.
For investors looking to diversify their portfolio and seize opportunities within the UAE’s thriving region and other emerging markets, the Fidelity Emerging Market Fund can be a valuable addition, provided they align their investment objectives and risk tolerance with this fund’s profile.
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M&G Global Macro Bond Fund
The M&G Global Macro Bond Fund emerges as a compelling mutual fund option for investors in the UAE looking to navigate global fixed-income markets. Managed by M&G Investments, this fund adopts a global macroeconomic approach, allowing it to capitalize on changes in interest rates, currencies, and other economic factors worldwide.
With a history of successfully navigating shifts in the global economic landscape, the fund offers an opportunity to access international fixed-income markets, including those that may align with the UAE’s economic climate.
While it carries some degree of risk due to market fluctuations and currency exposure, it also presents the potential for attractive returns, especially in periods of economic volatility.
M&G Investments’ expertise in managing global macro strategies enhances the fund’s appeal for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and seize opportunities in international fixed-income markets.
Nonetheless, as with any investment, individuals need to assess their risk tolerance and investment objectives to ensure that the M&G Global Macro Bond Fund fits their specific financial goals and investment strategy.
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Invesco Perpetual Asian Fund
The Invesco Perpetual Asian Fund presents a compelling opportunity for investors looking to tap into the vast growth potential of the Asian markets. Managed by Invesco, these mutual funds in UAE focus on a diversified portfolio of companies from across the Asian region, which includes some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
With a strong track record of navigating the complexities and opportunities in this diverse region, the fund offers a way to benefit from the economic expansion and innovation occurring in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia. While it carries a degree of risk due to market volatility, this risk is often accompanied by the potential for significant returns.
Invesco’s wealth of research and management expertise enhances the fund’s appeal for those seeking to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of opportunities in the flourishing markets of Asia, including those within the UAE’s economic landscape.
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Crux European Special Situations Fund
Crux European Special Situations Fund stands out as an appealing mutual fund option for investors in the UAE seeking exposure to European markets with a distinct focus on unique investment opportunities.
Managed by Crux Asset Management, this fund concentrates on European companies that are experiencing transformative events or special situations, such as mergers, restructurings, or undervalued opportunities.
With a track record of success in identifying these scenarios and delivering competitive returns, it offers a way for investors to capitalize on the unique dynamics within European markets. While it carries a level of risk, it also presents the potential for substantial gains.
Crux Asset Management’s expertise in this niche strategy enhances the fund’s appeal for those looking to diversify their portfolios and seize opportunities in the European region, aligning with the UAE’s dynamic investment market.
- Schroder MidCap US Fund
The Schroder MidCap US Fund represents an attractive mutual fund option for investors in the UAE who seek exposure to dynamic and resilient US mid-cap stocks.
Managed by Schroders, this fund focuses on investing in mid-sized US companies, which often exhibit substantial growth potential and flexibility, thereby providing an excellent blend of stability and growth prospects.
With a track record of achieving solid returns by capitalizing on opportunities within this market segment, the Schroder Mid Cap US Fund aligns well with investors looking to diversify their portfolios and benefit from the US’s thriving economy.
Things to Consider When Investing in Mutual Funds
If you are thinking of investing money in mutual funds in the UAE to grow wealth and diversify your portfolio, then there are certainly some things that you must consider.
Here are a few tips that might be of help when investing money in mutual funds:
Define Your Investment Goals: Identify your financial objectives, whether it’s wealth accumulation, retirement planning, or income generation, and establish a timeline for achieving them.
Assess Your Risk Tolerance: Understand your risk tolerance and how much volatility you can comfortably endure. This will guide you in selecting funds that align with your risk profile.
Research Fund Options: Conduct thorough research on mutual funds available in the UAE, considering factors such as past performance, fees, fund manager track record, and investment strategy.
Choose the Right Fund Type: Select funds that match your investment goals. For long-term growth, consider equity funds, while fixed-income funds may be suitable for income or stability.
Pay Attention to Costs: Be aware of the fees associated with mutual funds, including expense ratios, front-end loads, and exit fees. Lower-cost funds can enhance returns over time.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the market and economic developments that may impact your investments. Regularly review your portfolio and consider rebalancing when needed.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a financial advisor or planner who specializes in the UAE market to get tailored guidance for your specific financial situation.
Understand Tax Implications: Be aware of the tax regulations related to mutual funds in UAE, including capital gains taxes, to make informed decisions.
Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor your investments and make adjustments as necessary to ensure they remain in line with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Remember that investing in mutual funds involves risk, and it’s crucial to make decisions that align with your financial situation and long-term objectives.
Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds in UAE
Investing in mutual funds in UAE offers several benefits such as:
- Diversification
Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors and invest in a wide range of assets, spreading risk and reducing the impact of individual investment fluctuations.
- Professional Management
Skilled fund managers make investment decisions on behalf of investors, saving time and providing expertise.
- Accessibility
Mutual funds allow investors to start with relatively small amounts of money, making them accessible to a broad range of investors.
- Liquidity
Mutual fund shares are typically easy to buy or sell, providing flexibility for investors who want to access their money quickly.
- Transparency
Fund performance and holdings are regularly disclosed, enabling informed decisions.
- Access to Global Markets
Many mutual funds in UAE offer exposure to international and emerging markets, allowing investors to diversify geographically.
- Risk Reduction
Mutual funds often offer risk-reduction benefits through diversification and professional risk management.
- Choice and Flexibility
There’s a wide variety of mutual funds in UAE, catering to different investment objectives and risk tolerances.
- Convenience
Investors can monitor their holdings and track performance easily through online platforms or statements.
- Regulatory Oversight
Mutual funds in UAE are regulated by financial authorities to protect investors’ interests, enhancing the safety of investments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of mutual funds in the UAE is teeming with promising investment opportunities that cater to a wide array of investor profiles and objectives. We have listed and discussed some of the top options available, each offering a unique approach to wealth-building, from global equity funds to emerging market gems and innovative strategies in between.
Whether you’re a risk-taker looking for substantial growth or a more conservative investor seeking stability and income, the UAE’s financial landscape has something to offer. The key is to align your investment choices with your personal financial goals and risk tolerance.
In a rapidly evolving global economy and amid the UAE’s flourishing prospects, these mutual funds serve as promising tools to diversify your portfolio, seize opportunities, and build a secure financial future.
So, as you embark on your investment voyage, remember that the best mutual fund for you is the one that harmonizes with your unique objectives, and it’s essential to consult with a financial advisor to make informed decisions.
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