Best No-Load Mutual Funds for 2026: Which Deserve Your Investment

The U.S. economy is showing resilience despite headwinds from labor market cooling, geopolitical tensions, and Fed policy uncertainty. Yet tech earnings records and banking sector strength keep major indexes hovering near all-time highs, creating an interesting backdrop for long-term investors.

Market Conditions Setting Up for 2026

Recent economic data paints a nuanced picture. December’s Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% monthly and 2.7% annually, while core inflation hit 2.6%—the lowest since March 2021. Manufacturing activity weakened, with the PMI falling to 47.9, but services surprised with a 54.4 reading. Retail spending climbed 0.6% in November, signaling consumers aren’t cutting back. The labor market is cooling but stable: December added 50,000 nonfarm jobs while unemployment dipped to 4.4%, and wage growth accelerated to 3.8% year-over-year.

Against this backdrop, investors seeking higher long-term returns are increasingly looking at the best mutual funds to buy now—particularly no-load options that eliminate commission friction.

Why No-Load Mutual Funds Make Sense Now

No-load funds bypass intermediaries like brokers and advisors, meaning shares go directly from the investment company to you. This eliminates front-end loads (upfront charges) and back-end loads (exit charges), cutting into returns.

Consider the math: a $1,000 investment in a fund with 5% front and back loads leaves you with just $950 to invest initially. Even with 15% returns ($142.50 gain), reaching $1,092.50 in value, the 5% exit load cuts that to $1,037.87. Your actual return? Just 3.78%—versus much higher gains without the load drag.

Expense ratios, 12b-1 fees, and redemption fees may still apply, but they’re typically lower than load-based alternatives. Every basis point saved compounds over decades.

Five Best Mutual Funds to Consider

We’ve identified five no-load mutual funds with Strong Buy ratings, positive 3- and 5-year returns, minimum investments under $5,000, and expense ratios below 1%—ideal for building diversified positions in 2026.

Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio (FSELX)

This fund targets semiconductor and equipment manufacturers globally, using fundamental analysis to pick stocks. Manager Adam Benjamin focuses on financial health and industry positioning. As of August 2025, the fund was heavily weighted toward NVIDIA (25%), Broadcom (14.7%), and NXP Semiconductors (7.2%). Three-year annualized returns hit 55.1%, with five-year returns at 30.9%. The 0.61% expense ratio is competitive for sector-focused funds.

Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX)

For exposure to precious metals, this fund invests in gold and mining companies. Boris Shepov took over management in December 2024. Top holdings include Agnico Eagle Mines (15%), Franco-Nevada (10.1%), and Newmont (8.3%) as of August 2025. Three-year returns reached 40.6%, five-year returns 16.6%, with a 0.66% expense ratio.

DWS Science and Technology (KTCSX)

Technology investors can look to this fund, which covers both established and IPO-stage tech companies across domestic and foreign markets. Led by Sebastian P. Werner since 2017, it concentrates in Microsoft (10.7%), NVIDIA (10.5%), and Meta Platforms (9.7%). Three-year performance came in at 39.3% annualized, five-year at 16.1%, with a 0.68% expense ratio.

Fidelity Series Blue Chip Growth Fund (FSBDX)

Blue-chip quality with growth exposure—this fund backs large and mid-cap household names. Manager Sonu Kalra emphasizes well-known, established companies. Holdings include NVIDIA (16.7%), Microsoft (10.1%), and Amazon (8.6%) as of July 2025. Returns reached 38.3% (three-year) and 15.3% (five-year), with an ultra-low 0.01% expense ratio making it exceptionally attractive for cost-conscious investors.

JPMorgan U.S. GARP Equity Fund (JGIRX)

This fund blends quality and momentum, targeting large and mid-cap companies with attractive valuations and strong forward momentum. Grace Liu has managed it since November 2023. The portfolio features NVIDIA (13.4%), Microsoft (11.7%), and Apple (9.4%). Three-year annualized returns were 31.6%, five-year 16.8%, with a 0.44% expense ratio.

The Bottom Line for 2026

The best mutual funds to buy now balance diversification with minimal fees. These five no-load options span technology, semiconductors, gold, and quality growth—covering multiple market sectors while keeping costs low. With expense ratios under 1%, your returns stay in your pocket longer, compounding over time. For 2026, that edge could matter significantly.