Important components of the portfolio of any investor are
the Exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This is true for both, the novice investors and the most sophisticated
money managers. Some even use the ETFs as the only focus of their portfolios provided that they are capable of
building a diversified portfolio composed of just a few ETFs. Sometimes, the exchange-traded funds just
compliment the portfolios of managers. The latter rely on them for the implementation of investment strategies which may be quite
sophisticated. To benefit from ETFs, investors must use and understand the tool in an appropriate manner.
The understanding of most ETFs is a straightforward task. They will resemble stock on an
exchange, coming closer to mutual funds. The
mutual fund tracks some underlying index and while the ETF is
designed to replicate this index. A part of the investment characteristics that differ explain the structural
difference between the mutual funds and the ETFs. The management style explains the rest of the differences.
The ETF is considered a passively managed fund because the design which enables the instrument to track an
index. Mutual funds are generally considered to be actively managed.
An investment in the ETF or an index mutual fund is considered to be an equivalent investment, from the view
point of the investor.
The index mutual funds are viewed as covering nearly all of the major indexes. ETFs also list a broad range and
provide even more investment options to individuals who decide to choose them, rather than the index mutual
fund.
Similarly to other types of investment companies, ETFs have a prospectus. The purchase of Creation Units by
investors entitles them to a prospectus. Sometimes, even secondary market purchasers are delivered a prospectus.
The ETFs that do not deliver must send a document named Product Description to the investors.
Free charting webinarMon, Nov 18th, 2013 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ESTDuring the 60 minute session Paul Coghlan, founder of Coghlan Capital, looks at current charts for currencies, precious metals, US indices, highlighting turns and low risk entry points using the Median line analysis methodology. Median line analysis reduces risk and increases the chartists ability to see trend direction, trend
strength and highlight entry and exit levels. Seats are limited so be sure to reserve your spot today. The webinar will be recorded, by signing up you'll receive an email with the webinar replay afterwards. |