Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were launched in 1993 with the first U.S. fund, Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts, better known as spiders (SPDRs). This first ETF tracked the S&P 500 and its popularity with investors led to the introduction of ETFs based on other indexes, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq 100.
Key Takeaways
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were launched in 1993.
- Investing in ETFs can be a low-cost strategy to build an optimal portfolio.
- Several tools help investors find the right ETFs based on cost, asset class, or index.
Investing in ETFs
As of Nov. 2023, over 3,000 ETFs were listed on U.S. exchanges with combined assets exceeding $7.6 trillion. ETFs range from traditional index ETFs based on U.S. and international equity indexes and subindexes, and others that track benchmark indices in bonds, commodities, and futures.
There are ETFs based on investing style and those that focus on market capitalization. Leveraged ETFs provide returns or losses based on the underlying index's movements, as well as inverse ETFs that rise when the market falls and vice-versa.
Investors can narrow their choices using an asset screener typically available on brokerage trading platforms for free or through subscription-based services.
ETF Examples
Funds that track the S&P 500 index include SPDR (SPY), Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, or iShares S&P 500 ETF. Some ETF issuers have developed products with a specific focus. The Range Cancer Therapeutics ETF (CNCR) tracks the Range Cancer Therapeutics Index and invests in stocks that focus on the research and development of drugs and technology to fightcancer using immunotherapy.
ETFs based on new investment trends include the Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) or the Drone Economy Strategy ETF (IFLY). The Obesity ETF invests in companies developing ways to fight obesity and related diseases.
In Jan. 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved eleven new spot bitcoin ETFs listed on the NYSE Arca, Cboe BZX, and Nasdaq exchanges.
How to Choose an ETF
Given the number of ETF choices that investors have, it's important to consider the following factors:
- Level of Assets: An ETF should have a minimum level of assets, with a common threshold being at least $10 million. An ETF with assets below this threshold is likely to have a limited degree of investor interest, which translates into poor liquidity and wide spreads.
- Trading Activity: Trading volume is an excellent indicator of liquidity, regardless of the asset class. Generally speaking, the higher the trading volume for an ETF, the more liquid it is likely to be and the tighter the bid-ask spread.
- Underlying Index or Asset: Consider the underlying index or asset class on which the ETF is based. From the point of view of diversification, it may be preferable to invest in an ETF that is based on a broad, widely followed index.
- Tracking Error: While most ETFs track their underlying indexes closely, some do not track them as closely as they should. An ETF with minimal tracking error is preferable to one with a greater degree of error.
- Market Position: The first ETF issuer for a particular sector often garners the lion's share of assets before others jump in. It is prudent to avoid ETFs that are imitations of an original idea.
When Do ETF Investors Pay Taxes?
When the ETF shares are sold and if the ETF was held in a taxable account, the investor will owe taxes on any capital gains.
What Is a Bid-Ask Spread?
A bid-ask spread is the difference between the highest price that a buyer is willing to pay for an asset and the lowest price that a seller is willing to accept.
What Happens During ETF Liquidation?
The ETF issuer will notify investors when the ETF will stop trading. The investor has to decide on the best course of action to protect the investment and determine whether to sell the ETF shares before the "stop trading" date or hold on to the ETF shares until liquidation.
The Bottom Line
When selecting an ETF, investors should consider factors such as its level of assets, trading volume, and underlying index. In the event that an ETF is to be liquidated, an investor has to decide whether to sell the ETF shares before it stops trading or wait until the liquidation process is completed, with due consideration given to the tax aspects of the ETF sale.
The comments, opinions, and analyses expressed herein are for informational purposes only and should not be considered individual investment advice or recommendations to invest in any security or adopt any investment strategy. Though we believe the information provided herein is reliable, we do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. The views and strategies described in our content may not be suitable for all investors. Because market and economic conditions are subject to rapid change, all comments, opinions, and analyses contained within our content are rendered as of the date of the posting and may change without notice. The material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region, market, industry, investment, or strategy.
FAQs
Before purchasing an ETF there are five factors to take into account 1) performance of the ETF 2) the underlying index of the ETF 3) the ETF's structure 4) when and how to trade the ETF and 5) the total cost of the ETF.
How do you evaluate which ETF to buy? ›
Performance, choice of index to track and ETF structure determine the level of return you should be looking for and what you can expect. Each ETF features distinct total costs so look beyond the immediate transaction costs - remember to look at the potential tax and risk levels.
How do you know if an ETF is doing well? ›
Since the job of most ETFs is to track an index, we can assess an ETF's efficiency by weighing the fee rate the fund charges against how well it “tracks”—or replicates the performance of—its index. ETFs that charge low fees and track their indexes tightly are highly efficient and do their job well.
How many ETFs should I own as a beginner? ›
Experts agree that for most personal investors, a portfolio comprising 5 to 10 ETFs is perfect in terms of diversification.
How do ETFs work for dummies? ›
A cross between an index fund and a stock, they're transparent, easy to trade, and tax-efficient. They're also enticing because they consist of a bundle of assets (such as an index, sector, or commodity), so diversifying your portfolio is easy. You might have even seen them offered in your 401(k) or 529 college plan.
What should be my first ETF? ›
Investors who aren't able to buy multiple ETFs in the beginning, can start with a core holding, such as an S&P 500 index fund or a total stock market index fund. From there, an investor can build around the core with other ETFs that add diversity to the mix, such as fixed-income funds and sector funds.
What is the best ETF analysis tool? ›
Morningstar excels in its ability to provide a holistic analysis of ETFs. Investors can access detailed information on a fund's historical performance, risk metrics, and expense ratios.
How to judge an ETF? ›
Since the “job” of most ETFs is to track an index, we can assess an ETF's efficiency by weighing the fee rate the fund charges against how well it “tracks”—or replicates the performance of—its index. ETFs that charge low fees and track their indexes tightly are highly efficient and do their job well.
What is the best ETF to buy right now? ›
Best ETFs To Buy Now
- iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSE Arca: DGRO) ...
- Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE Arca: XLI) ...
- Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF ETF Shares (CBOE US: VFQY) ...
- Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSE Arca: VOO) ...
- SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE Arca: SPY) ...
- iShares S&P 100 ETF (NYSE Arca: OEF)
The greatest risk for investors is market risk. If the underlying index that an ETF tracks drops in value by 30% due to unfavorable market price movements, the value of the ETF will drop as well.
If you're looking for an easy solution to investing, ETFs can be an excellent choice. ETFs typically offer a diversified allocation to whatever you're investing in (stocks, bonds or both). You want to beat most investors, even the pros, with little effort.
Does it matter what time you buy an ETF? ›
Generally speaking, the best time to trade ETFs is closer to the middle of the trading day rather than the beginning or end.
How do I select an ETF? ›
The three things you want to look for are the fund's liquidity; its bid/ask spread; and its tendency to trade in line with its true net asset value. An ETF's liquidity stems from two sources: the liquidity of the fund itself; and the liquidity of its underlying shares.
Is it OK to just buy one ETF? ›
The one time it's okay to choose a single investment
You wouldn't ever want to load up your portfolio with a single stock. But if you're buying S&P 500 ETFs, this is the one scenario where you might get away with only owning a single investment. That's because your investment gives you access to the broad stock market.
What are the best 3 ETF portfolios? ›
One option for a solid three-ETF portfolio could be to include the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD), the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ). The SCHD ETF focuses on high-quality dividend stocks, which can provide stable income and potential long-term growth.
Which ETF is best to invest in? ›
List of 15 Best ETFs in India
- Nippon India ETF Nifty 50 BeES. ₹ 241.63.
- Nippon India ETF PSU Bank BeES. ₹ 76.03.
- BHARAT 22 ETF. ₹ 96.10.
- Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF. ₹ 84.5.
- UTI S&P BSE Sensex ETF. ₹ 781.
- Nippon India ETF Gold BeES. ₹ 55.5.
- Nippon India Etf Nifty Bank Bees. ₹ 471.9.
- HDFC Nifty50 Value 20 ETF. ₹ 123.2.
Diversification: A well-diversified portfolio should include ETFs that cover different asset classes (stocks, bonds, commodities, etc.), sectors, industries, and geographical regions. This spreads risk and reduces the impact of any single investment on the overall performance.
What am I buying when I buy an ETF? ›
An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a basket of securities that trades on an exchange just like a stock does. ETF share prices fluctuate all day as the ETF is bought and sold; this is different from mutual funds, which only trade once a day after the market closes.
What is the best ETF to buy and hold? ›
- Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
- Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA)
- iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH)
- Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)
- Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM)
- Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS)
- Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT)
