Why are ETFs better than mutual funds?
ETFs offer easy access to a diversified portfolio of assets. They're traded on stock exchanges throughout the trading day, providing investors with the flexibility to buy or sell shares at market prices. ETFs typically have lower expense ratios compared to mutual funds because they're more passively managed.
Tax efficiency: ETFs are almost always more tax efficient than mutual funds because of how they interact. For more details, see ETFs vs. mutual funds: Tax efficiency.
ETFs have several advantages for investors considering this vehicle. The 4 most prominent advantages are trading flexibility, portfolio diversification and risk management, lower costs versus like mutual funds, and potential tax benefits.
*ETFs typically have higher daily liquidity and lower fees than mutual fund shares, making them an attractive alternative for individual investors.
ETFs offer advantages over stocks in two situations. First, when the return from stocks in the sector has a narrow dispersion around the mean, an ETF might be the best choice. Second, if you are unable to gain an advantage through knowledge of the company, an ETF is your best choice.
How are ETFs and mutual funds different? How are they managed? While they can be actively or passively managed by fund managers, most ETFs are passive investments pegged to the performance of a particular index. Mutual funds come in both active and indexed varieties, but most are actively managed.
Mutual funds are priced once a day at the net asset value and they're traded after market hours. ETFs are traded throughout the day on stock exchanges just as individual stocks are. ETFs often have lower expense ratios and are generally more tax-efficient due to their more passive nature.
Advantages and disadvantages of ETFs
Investing in ETFs helps to mitigate unsystematic risks due to its passive investment strategy. It also lowers one's overall investment risk. It greatly helps with portfolio diversification. With the limited role of fund managers, ETF investments are comparatively cost-effective.
For instance, some ETFs may come with fees, others might stray from the value of the underlying asset, ETFs are not always optimized for taxes, and of course — like any investment — ETFs also come with risk.
If you're paying fees for a fund with a high expense ratio or paying too much in taxes each year because of undesired capital gains distributions, switching to ETFs is likely the right choice. If your current investment is in an indexed mutual fund, you can usually find an ETF that accomplishes the same thing.
Why are most ETFs a cheaper option than stocks or mutual funds?
The administrative costs of managing ETFs are commonly lower than those for mutual funds. ETFs keep their administrative and operational expenses down through market-based trading. Because ETFs are bought and sold on the open market, the sale of shares from one investor to another does not affect the fund.
Mutual funds and ETFs may hold stocks, bonds, or commodities. Both can track indexes, but ETFs tend to be more cost-effective and liquid since they trade on exchanges like shares of stock. Mutual funds can offer active management and greater regulatory oversight at a higher cost and only allow transactions once daily.
Disadvantages include high fees, tax inefficiency, poor trade execution, and the potential for management abuses.
ETFs are less risky than individual stocks because they are diversified funds. Their investors also benefit from very low fees. Still, there are unique risks to some ETFs, including a lack of diversification and tax exposure.
Exchange-traded funds can be traded during the day, just as the stocks they represent. They are most tax effective, in that they do not have as many distributions. They have much lower transaction costs. They also do not require load charges, management fees, and minimum investment amounts.
The single biggest risk in ETFs is market risk.
Symbol | Name | 5-Year Return |
---|---|---|
SOXX | iShares Semiconductor ETF | 25.18% |
FBGX | UBS AG FI Enhanced Large Cap Growth ETN | 23.78% |
ITB | iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF | 23.56% |
SOXL | Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3x Shares | 22.55% |
ETFs are generally considered more tax-efficient than mutual funds, owing to the fact that they typically have fewer capital gains distributions. However, they still have tax implications you must consider, both when creating your portfolio as well as when timing the sale of an ETF you hold.
Should I invest in ETF for the long term? ETF investing could help you grow money in the long run, thanks to the compounding power. They typically have lower costs than other types of investments. These benefits help you grow money over time.
In terms of safety, neither the mutual fund nor the ETF is safer than the other due to its structure. Safety is determined by what the fund itself owns. Stocks are usually riskier than bonds, and corporate bonds come with somewhat more risk than U.S. government bonds.
What are the best ETFs for 2024?
Ticker | Fund name | 5-year return |
---|---|---|
SMH | VanEck Semiconductor ETF | 35.02% |
SOXX | iShares Semiconductor ETF | 30.70% |
XLK | Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund | 24.57% |
IYW | iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 24.09% |
At least once a year, funds must pass on any net gains they've realized. As a fund shareholder, you could be on the hook for taxes on gains even if you haven't sold any of your shares.
That's right, passive investing with ETFs generally beats active investing. You don't want to analyze individual companies. If you have no desire to follow business, then pick an ETF or a few, and add to them over time. You're a new or intermediate investor.
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.
ETFs are most often linked to a benchmarking index, meaning that they are often not designed to outperform that index. Investors looking for this type of outperformance (which also, of course, carries added risks) should perhaps look to other opportunities.
References
- https://www.dspim.com/knowledge-hub/learn/mutual-fund-intermediate/should-i-put-all-my-money-in-only-mutual-funds-how-can-i-create-a-portfolio-of-mutual-funds
- https://smartasset.com/investing/how-to-invest-100k
- https://www.philvenables.com/post/the-80---20-principle
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/110314/key-differences-between-etfs-and-mutual-funds.asp
- https://groww.in/blog/how-many-mutual-funds-invest
- https://www.investopedia.com/vanguard-vs-fidelity-4587961
- https://m.economictimes.com/markets/expert-view/when-is-the-right-time-to-exit-a-mutual-fund-what-are-the-tax-implications-shilpa-bhaskar-gole-explains/articleshow/104322229.cms
- https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/money/best-mutual-funds
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-choose-mutual-funds/
- https://www.usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/investing-insights/downside-risk-understand-and-manage-it.html
- https://m.economictimes.com/mf/analysis/5-large-midcap-mutual-funds-with-highest-1-year-returns/articleshow/109338826.cms
- https://www.bajajfinserv.in/investments/advantages-of-mutual-funds
- https://etfdb.com/compare/highest-5-year-returns/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/this-is-warren-buffetts-first-rule-about-investing-heres-what-to-do-if-your-financial-adviser-breaks-that-rule-01635799738
- https://www.howthemarketworks.com/mutual-funds/
- https://www.sec.gov/files/33-11238-fact-sheet.pdf
- https://www.bajajfinserv.in/investments/low-risk-mutual-funds
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/etfs-mutual-funds/061416/biggest-etf-risks.asp
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/best-safe-investments/
- https://www.bajajfinserv.in/investments/how-much-should-you-invest-in-mutual-funds
- https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-products/mutual-funds-and-exchange-traded-1
- https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/iras/articles/how-to-invest-for-retirement
- https://www.thriday.com.au/blog-posts/the-dummies-guide-to-the-pareto-principle-80-20-rule
- https://www.titan.com/articles/etf-drawbacks
- https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/investing-and-retirement/articles/mutual-funds-investment-risks
- https://www.zeebiz.com/personal-finance/news-unveiling-the-power-of-rs-10000-monthly-sip-how-to-accumulate-rs-1-crore-with-compounding-280396
- https://www.motilaloswal.com/blog-details/can-i-withdraw-mutual-fund-anytime/21293
- https://www.bajajfinserv.in/investments/what-is-mutual-fund-cut-off-time
- https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/why-do-some-investors-fail-to-yield-maximum-returns-from-mutual-fund-investments-here-are-7-reasons-11700655213537.html
- https://www.angelone.in/knowledge-center/mutual-funds/are-etfs-a-good-option-for-the-long-term
- https://www.westernsouthern.com/investments/pros-and-cons-of-mutual-funds
- https://canvasannuity.com/blog/safest-place-for-retirement-savings
- https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/advice-finances-safe-place-for-saving-cash
- https://www.etmoney.com/blog/is-your-money-safe-with-a-mutual-fund-company/
- https://www.principal.co.id/en/general-risks-investing-mutual-funds-0
- https://quizlet.com/506016724/mutual-funds-etf-flash-cards/
- https://www.bankrate.com/investing/mutual-fund-vs-etf-which-is-better/
- https://www.lw.com/admin/upload/SiteAttachments/SEC-Adopts-Changes-to-Names-Rule-for-Registered-Funds.pdf
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/au/investing/what-are-managed-funds/
- https://m.economictimes.com/mf/analysis/best-gilt-mutual-funds-to-invest-in-april-2024/articleshow/109519286.cms
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/091815/when-are-mutual-funds-considered-bad-investment.asp
- https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/investment-products/etf/benefits-of-etfs
- https://www.motilaloswal.com/article-details/are-mutual-funds-safe-know-about-the-risk-associated/5528
- https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/career-map/sell-side/capital-markets/downside-risk/
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/021615/what-safest-investment.asp
- https://time.com/personal-finance/article/best-way-to-invest-100k/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/121715/guide-mutual-funds-trading-rules.asp
- https://www.bajajfinserv.in/investments/high-risk-mutual-funds-explained
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mutualfund/07/etf_downside.asp
- https://www.smallcase.com/collections/best-perfoming-mutual-funds-in-india-for-10-years-investment/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-to-invest-in-mutual-funds
- https://money.usnews.com/investing/articles/9-best-mutual-funds
- https://www.unbiased.com/discover/investing/safest-investments
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/05/062305.asp
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/best-performing-mutual-funds
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/upside.asp
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/09/mutual-fund-etf.asp
- https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/planning-to-invest-in-mutual-funds-5-risks-you-need-to-be-aware-of/articleshow/98035970.cms
- https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/taxes/how-mutual-funds-etfs-are-taxed
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/090215/comparing-etfs-vs-mutual-funds-tax-efficiency.asp
- https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/investing/t041-s001-the-6-best-vanguard-funds-to-own-in-a-bear-market/index.html
- https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/understanding-high-risk-investments
- https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/best-places-to-rollover-401k/
- https://cleartax.in/s/mutual-fund-calculator
- https://www.primerica.com/public/rule-of-72.html
- https://www.quora.com/If-I-invest-1000-per-month-in-SIP-for-20-years-how-much-will-I-return-after-20-years-For-this-amount-which-fund-is-best-for-me
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/102915/why-are-etf-fees-lower-mutual-funds.asp
- https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/are-mutual-funds-good-investment
- https://cleartax.in/s/best-mutual-funds-india
- https://www.moonfare.com/blog/private-equity-distributions
- https://medium.com/pm101/how-you-can-apply-the-80-20-rule-in-your-life-and-work-7d094a78e136
- https://www.ameriprise.com/financial-goals-priorities/investing/what-are-mutual-funds
- https://smartasset.com/investing/mutual-funds-risk-high-or-low
- https://groww.in/blog/risky-mutual-funds-that-investors-can-avoid
- https://www.schwab.com/mutual-funds/types
- https://asana.com/resources/pareto-principle-80-20-rule
- https://brainly.in/question/15177196
- https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/investment-products/etf/which-is-right-for-you
- https://meketa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Private-Markets-Fees-Primer-FINAL.pdf
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/pros-and-cons-of-mutual-funds/
- https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/gensler-statement-names-rule-092023
- https://www.barrons.com/articles/why-investors-are-pulling-money-from-vanguards-index-funds-51603390832
- https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/investing/best-retirement-income-funds/
- https://www.fidelity.co.uk/markets-insights/investing-ideas/funds/what-funds-have-investors-been-buying-this-year/
- https://business.outlookindia.com/invest/investing-in-stocks-vs-mutual-funds-a-tale-of-risk-and-reward
- https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/buying-stocks/articles/im-65-years-old-is-it-too-late-to-invest/
- https://www.businesstoday.in/mutual-funds/best-mf
- https://www.bankrate.com/investing/low-risk-investments/
- https://www.bankrate.com/investing/stocks-vs-etfs/
- https://quizlet.com/569417215/chapter-4-investments-flash-cards/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/investing/is-mutual-fund-safe/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/best-etfs
- https://www.schwab.com/mutual-funds/benefits
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/downside-deviation.asp
- https://www.interviewprivateequity.com/private-equity-firms-make-money-carried-interest-distribution-waterfall/
- https://www.thelangelfirm.com/debt-collection-defense-blog/2018/august/100-examples-of-the-80-20-rule/
- https://koshex.com/blog/reasons-why-people-avoid-investing-in-mutual-funds
- https://www.wiseradvisor.com/blog/investment-management/how-the-80-20-rule-affects-your-long-term-investments/
- https://www.smallcase.com/collections/best-low-risk-mutual-funds/
- https://www.bajajfinserv.in/investments/types-of-mutual-funds-in-india-a-comprehensive-overview
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/10/mutual-funds-advantages-disadvantages.asp
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/020116/when-right-time-change-mutual-funds-etfs.asp
- https://www.indmoney.com/mutual-funds/collection/high-return-mutual-funds
- https://apnews.com/buyline-personal-finance/article/what-to-do-when-the-stock-market-crashes
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/downsiderisk.asp
- https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/investment-products/etf/risks-with-etfs
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/050115/what-are-some-reallife-examples-8020-rule-pareto-principle-practice.asp
- https://www.businesstoday.in/personal-finance/investment/story/sip-of-rs-1000-monthly-can-lead-to-significant-gains-heres-how-much-you-can-save-in-10-20-and-30-years-410464-2023-12-22
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/best-low-risk-investments/
- https://www.bajajfinserv.in/exchange-traded-fund
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-negative-side-of-Systematic-investment-Plan
- https://www.zeebiz.com/personal-finance/news-how-8-4-3-compounding-interest-rule-can-accelerate-your-sip-investment-calculator-ppf-mutual-funds-fd-fixed-deposit-tax-saving-schemes-280198
- https://fortune.com/recommends/investing/how-much-of-your-income-should-go-toward-investing/
- https://www.icicibank.com/blogs/mutual-fund/fund-of-funds
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/012815/what-assets-are-most-risky-and-what-assets-are-safest.asp
- https://m.economictimes.com/mf/analysis/50-equity-mutual-funds-fail-to-beat-their-benchmarks-in-2023/articleshow/106082357.cms
- https://groww.in/mutual-funds/top/best-low-risk-mutual-funds
- https://time.com/personal-finance/article/mutual-funds-vs-stocks/
- https://www.bajajfinserv.in/investments/how-to-withdraw-money-from-mutual-funds
- https://www.dummies.com/book/business-careers-money/personal-finance/investing/investment-vehicles/funds/exchange-traded-funds-for-dummies-282184/
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/downside.asp
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/09/buying-stock-or-etf.asp
- https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-mutual-funds/
- https://www.schwab.com/etfs/mutual-funds-vs-etfs