Best Performing Mutual Funds of the Last 10 Years: A Financial Advisor’s Perspective

Introduction: Why Long-Term Performance Matters

Mutual funds have long been a staple in portfolios for their ability to deliver diversification, professional management, and tailored exposure to specific sectors or asset classes. Evaluating long-term performance is essential for identifying funds that demonstrate resilience, consistent returns, and strong management practices.

This article highlights the best-performing mutual funds of the last decade and offers a broader perspective with 1-, 3-, and 5-year performance metrics to showcase recent trends and shifts. All performance data is standardized to ensure comparability, using total NAV returns as of January 31, 2025.

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Top 10 Best-Performing Mutual Funds: 10-Year Analysis

The mutual funds listed below have demonstrated consistent performance across multiple time horizons. Leveraged and inverse funds are excluded to focus on long-term investment vehicles that align with broader financial planning goals.

Examples include the Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio Fund (FSELX), the Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund A (FELAX), and the Fidelity Advisor Technology Fund A (FADTX).

1. Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio Fund (FSELX)

• Category: Science & Technology Funds
• 10-Year Annualized Return: +25.99%
• Expense Ratio: 0.65%
• Standard Deviation: 24.5%
• Top Holdings: Broadcom (AVGO), Texas Instruments (TXN), NVIDIA (NVDA)

FSELX aims to provide broad exposure to the semiconductor market, balancing industry leaders like Broadcom with established players such as Texas Instruments.

What Sets FSELX Apart:

• Low expense ratio: Ensures more returns flow back to investors.
• Top holdings: Broadcom, a top dividend payer, and Texas Instruments, focused on analog semiconductors, provide stability alongside NVIDIA’s growth.

FSELX may appeal to investors seeking long-term growth.

2. Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund A (FELAX)

• Category: Science & Technology Funds
• 10-Year Annualized Return: +25.37%
• Expense Ratio: 0.95%
• Standard Deviation: 25.1%
• Top Holdings: NVIDIA (NVDA), Broadcom (AVGO), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

FELAX focuses on high-growth semiconductor companies, making it appealing for investors looking to capitalize on the AI and semiconductor boom.

Why FELAX Stands Out:

• High exposure to AI-driven semiconductor leaders, including NVIDIA and AMD.
• Consistently strong returns, closely trailing FSELX in long-term performance.
• May be suited for growth-oriented investors who are comfortable with sector volatility.

3. Fidelity Advisor Technology Fund A (FADTX)

• Category: Science & Technology Funds
• 10-Year Annualized Return: +21.45%
• Expense Ratio: 0.93%
• Standard Deviation: 20.3%
• Top Holdings: Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL)

FADTX seeks to capture the performance of mega-cap technology companies dominating the global market. Its focus on transformative technologies like cloud computing and AI has made it a consistent performer.

Performance Highlights:

• Apple (AAPL): Record-breaking revenue in 2024, driven by its services ecosystem.
• Microsoft (MSFT): Leader in enterprise software and cloud computing through Azure.

4. Fidelity Select Technology Portfolio (FSPTX)

• Category: Science & Technology Funds
• 10-Year Annualized Return: +21.05%
• Expense Ratio: 0.64%
• Standard Deviation: 19.8%
• Top Holdings: Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), NVIDIA (NVDA)

FSPTX aims to provide exposure to high-growth technology companies spanning multiple sub-sectors, including software, cloud computing, and semiconductors. By focusing on industry leaders, the fund has delivered strong long-term performance.

Key Investment Themes:

• Cloud Computing Growth: Microsoft and Amazon continue to dominate the cloud market, benefiting from enterprise digital transformation.
• Semiconductor Innovation: NVIDIA and Broadcom remain key players in the AI-driven semiconductor expansion.
• Consumer Technology Leadership: Apple continues to drive innovation through its growing services and hardware ecosystem.

While FSPTX’s broad tech exposure provides diversification, investors should consider its sector concentration, which may lead to increased volatility during downturns in the technology sector.

5. JNL/Mellon Information Technology Sector Fund A (LP40045474)

• Category: Science & Technology Funds
• 10-Year Annualized Return: +20.88%
• Expense Ratio: 0.62%
• Standard Deviation: 21.0%
• Top Holdings: Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), Broadcom (AVGO)

LP40045474 aims to provide targeted exposure to the technology sector, focusing on industry-leading companies in software, semiconductors, and cloud computing. The fund benefits from its emphasis on well-established firms with strong revenue streams and innovation-driven growth.

Key Investment Themes:

• Enterprise Software Leadership: Microsoft dominates the cloud and enterprise software space, providing consistent revenue growth.
• Semiconductor Expansion: Broadcom and NVIDIA continue to drive advancements in AI, data centers, and networking technology.
• Diversified Technology Exposure: By balancing investments across software, semiconductors, and IT services, the fund mitigates risk compared to more concentrated tech funds.

While LP40045474 has historically offered strong long-term growth potential, investors should be mindful of its sector-specific exposure, which may lead to higher volatility during market downturns affecting technology stocks.

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6–10: Additional High Performers

• Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund Admiral (VITAX) – 10-Year Annualized Return: +20.75%, Expense Ratio: 0.10%, Standard Deviation: 18.7%
  Low-cost, passive exposure to the technology sector with broad diversification.

• Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund I (CSGZX) – 10-Year Annualized Return: +20.20%, Expense Ratio: 1.02%, Standard Deviation: 22.4%
  Focuses on global technology firms leading in AI, semiconductors, and enterprise software.

• Putnam Global Technology Fund Y (PGTYX) – 10-Year Annualized Return: +20.43%, Expense Ratio: 0.82%, Standard Deviation: 21.7%
  Targets a mix of U.S. and international technology stocks, emphasizing emerging trends like fintech and cybersecurity.

• Kinetics Paradigm Fund No Load (WWNPX) – 10-Year Annualized Return: +17.59%, Expense Ratio: 1.64%, Standard Deviation: 23.2%
  Takes a unique approach by aiming to target mid-cap companies with disruptive growth potential.

• Rydex Electronics Fund Investor (RYSIX) – 10-Year Annualized Return: +20.15%, Expense Ratio: 1.39%, Standard Deviation: 24.0%
  Specializes in electronics and semiconductor investments, benefiting from the continued growth of computing power.

These funds offer high-performing options within the technology and growth sectors. Their long-term returns reflect robust market trends and effective management strategies.

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Short-Term Performance: 1-, 3-, and 5-Year Total NAV Returns

While 10-year returns offer a perspective on long-term performance, shorter time horizons provide insight into recent momentum and market conditions. Below is a breakdown of how these top-performing mutual funds have fared over 1-, 3-, and 5-year annualized total NAV returns as of January 31, 2025.

1-Year Annualized NAV Return: Capturing Recent Trends

Tech and semiconductor-heavy funds have benefited from strong corporate investments in AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.

• Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio Fund (FSELX): +33.71%
• Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund A (FELAX): +34.56%
• Fidelity Advisor Technology Fund A (FADTX): +27.53%
• Fidelity Select Technology Portfolio (FSPTX): +27.56%
• JNL/Mellon Information Technology Sector Fund A (LP40045474): +28.93%
• Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund Admiral (VITAX): +25.67%
• Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund I (CSGZX): +29.53%
• Putnam Global Technology Fund Y (PGTYX): +27.54%
• Kinetics Paradigm Fund No Load (WWNPX): +122.2%
• Rydex Electronics Fund Investor (RYSIX): +16.3%

3-Year Annualized NAV Return: Post-Pandemic Growth

These funds have weathered interest rate hikes and economic uncertainty while continuing to deliver strong returns.

• Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio Fund (FSELX): +23.65%
• Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund A (FELAX): +23.22%
• Fidelity Advisor Technology Fund A (FADTX): +13.83%
• Fidelity Select Technology Portfolio (FSPTX): +13.91%
• JNL/Mellon Information Technology Sector Fund A (LP40045474): +16.44%
• Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund Admiral (VITAX): +14.26%
• Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund I (CSGZX): +13.69%
• Putnam Global Technology Fund Y (PGTYX): +13.03%
• Kinetics Paradigm Fund No Load (WWNPX): +37.04%
• Rydex Electronics Fund Investor (RYSIX): +11.9%

5-Year Annualized NAV Return: Resilience Through Market Cycles

Despite macroeconomic volatility, these funds have remained top performers, reflecting their strong sector positioning.

• Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio Fund (FSELX): +30.73%
• Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund A (FELAX): +30.01%
• Fidelity Advisor Technology Fund A (FADTX): +21.73%
• Fidelity Select Technology Portfolio (FSPTX): +20.61%
• JNL/Mellon Information Technology Sector Fund A (LP40045474): +21.80%
• Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund Admiral (VITAX): +20.35%
• Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund I (CSGZX): +21.34%
• Putnam Global Technology Fund Y (PGTYX): +19.19%
• Kinetics Paradigm Fund No Load (WWNPX): +26.80%
• Rydex Electronics Fund Investor (RYSIX): +22.32%

Key Takeaways

• Semiconductor and technology funds have led the market, benefiting from AI, cloud computing, and strong tech sector demand.
• The 3-year and 5-year returns indicate sustained growth, showing resilience through multiple economic cycles.
• Recent 1-year performance highlights market momentum, driven by renewed investor interest in high-growth sectors.

By using YCharts’ Mutual Fund Screener and Fundamental Charts, advisors can analyze historical performance trends, compare funds side by side, and ensure alignment with client investment goals.

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Mutual Fund Trends to Watch in 2025

As we enter 2025, evolving market conditions and investor preferences are set to shape mutual fund performance and strategy. Financial advisors and asset managers should consider these key trends when evaluating funds and constructing portfolios:

• Continued Dominance of Technology Funds – With AI, semiconductor advancements, and cloud computing driving innovation, technology-focused mutual funds may continue to outperform broader market indices. Investors should monitor sector weightings to ensure balanced exposure.
• Rising Interest Rates and Fixed-Income Strategies – If the Federal Reserve maintains elevated interest rates, bond-based mutual funds could see shifts in investor demand. Funds with active management in duration and credit quality may offer a competitive edge.
• Growth vs. Value Rotation – Market fluctuations may continue the cycle between growth and value investing. Advisors should assess how mutual funds balance these factors and whether funds tilt toward one style more heavily than in past cycles.
• The Role of Alternative Investments – With increasing interest in diversification, mutual funds incorporating alternatives such as real estate, infrastructure, or private equity exposure could gain traction.
• ETF Conversions and Fee Compression – Some mutual funds may convert to ETFs to remain competitive as expense ratios continue to shrink. Investors should keep an eye on fund structures and costs when evaluating long-term holdings.

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How YCharts Can Help You Analyze the Best-Performing Mutual Funds

The mutual funds highlighted in this blog demonstrate the importance of in-depth analysis and data-driven decision-making. YCharts equips financial professionals with the tools needed to evaluate and compare mutual funds effectively.

1. Evaluate Long-Term Performance Trends

YCharts’ Fundamental Charts allow users to track the historical performance of funds across 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year time horizons. You can identify which funds consistently outperform their peers and provide context for your investment strategies.

2. Compare and Filter Funds with the Mutual Fund Screener

The Mutual Fund Screener simplifies finding funds based on key metrics such as:

• Peer group categories (e.g., Technology or Growth).
• Expense ratios, Sharpe ratios, and total returns.
• Sector allocations for targeted strategies in high-performing industries like technology or energy.

3. Build Customized, Client-Friendly Reports

YCharts’ Report Builder helps professionals create branded, compliance-ready reports highlighting the performance and characteristics of funds. Use these reports to showcase the consistency of top funds like BPTRX or FSELX to your clients.

4. Monitor Market Trends with Visualizations

YCharts’ charting tools visualize trends in mutual fund performance, sector allocations, and macroeconomic data. Advisors can use these visuals to:

• Compare the returns of top funds in the technology and growth sectors.
• Present clear, client-facing insights on how specific funds align with portfolio goals.

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Conclusion: Why Long-Term Performance Matters

The best-performing mutual funds of the past decade highlight the value of disciplined investing and the importance of aligning fund selection with client objectives. Whether focusing on growth, income, or diversification, these funds showcase the potential of a well-constructed portfolio.

For financial professionals, leveraging tools like YCharts provides an edge in identifying, evaluating, and communicating the opportunities presented by these high-performing funds. By staying informed and proactive, advisors can guide their clients toward better investment decisions in a dynamic market landscape.

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Send us an email at hello@ycharts.com or call (866) 965-7552. You’ll be directly in touch with one of our Chicago-based team members.

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Disclaimer

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