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Top performing funds and sectors
Explore the top and bottom ten Investment Association (IA) funds and sectors over the past quarter.
About our fund commentary
Our research team publish regular updates based on the latest performance data to help you make informed investment decisions. Read the latest commentary to gain a better understanding of market conditions.
Top performing funds
The energy sector was a standout in the first quarter of 2026 as oil and gas prices soared, but despite the volatility it was also a good period for most of the commodity complex overall.
Bottom performing funds
Markets most exposed to the rising cost of energy such as India and Korea came under pressure towards the end of the quarter.
Top performing sectors
With few safe havens available it was money market fund sectors that provided the most obvious shelter from energy-shock volatility.
Bottom performing sectors
The prospect of an extended conflict in the Middle East and the impact on energy prices saw most asset classes and sectors fall back sharply.
What are Investment Association (IA) funds?
There are several thousand funds on sale in the UK. The Investment Association divides these into about 45 sectors, broad groupings that help investors and advisers compare funds of similar types before looking in detail at individual funds.
Figures are shown on a % total return basis, bid to bid price with net income reinvested; Source: FE Analytics, 31/12/25 to 31/03/26. Total returns with income reinvested. Past performance isn’t a reliable guide to future returns.
Please note: the value of investments can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
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