🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 155 (from laksa178)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa155.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://smartasset.com/investing/what-are-exchange-traded-funds-etfs\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://smartasset.com/investing/what-are-exchange-traded-funds-etfs\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/what-are-exchange-traded-funds-etfs","crawl_time":1777212325,"first_indexed_time":1438111766,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,smartasset!\/investing\/what-are-exchange-traded-funds-etfs s443","src_root_hash":"11868866246403654955","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"What Are Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)?","meta_descriptions":["Exchange-traded funds are traded like stocks and track a variety of indices. Learn more about how to invest and the different types."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Investing your money\n can help you build wealth, but there are many ways to do so. Investing often involves putting your money into single company stocks, but exchange-traded funds take this idea a little further. If you’re wondering, “What is an exchange-traded fund,” in the most basic sense, an ETF is a collection of similar investments in a single fund. This allows you to take advantage of industry- or market-level growth without the typical risk attached to individual company stocks. There are also ETFs that don’t use stocks, such as bond funds, which focus on bonds.\nDo you need professional help managing your investment portfolio? Consider speaking with a\nfinancial advisor\ntoday.\nWhat Is an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)?\nExchange-traded funds combine features of both stocks and\nindex funds\n. They track market indices, but unlike a mutual fund, they can be traded like stocks. Exchange-traded funds track widely known indices like the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But they can also track smaller indices associated with a particular market segment, such as biotechnology.\nHow ETFs Compare to Other Investments\nExchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds, especially for\nbeginner investors\nwho haven’t quite mastered the ins and outs of the market. For one thing, having ETFs in your portfolio means you get more diversity than you would by purchasing individual stocks. While they’re still subject to market volatility (price changes), you might be able to minimize your losses by choosing an ETF that tracks a broader index.\nSimilar to stocks, ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the day, and their price fluctuates accordingly. With a mutual fund, the price is set once per day when the market closes. If you’re savvy about making trades, you may be able to leverage your investment in an exchange-traded fund to get a bigger return.\nWhy They’re a Good Pick for Beginners\nExchange-traded funds can be a good choice if you don’t have a lot of money to get started with, because they don’t require a large initial investment like some mutual fund offerings. (Many mutual fund companies require you to invest at least $3,000.) With an ETF, it’s up to you to decide how much or how little you want to invest.\nAnother upside is that unlike mutual funds, ETFs tend to carry fewer fees, meaning you’ll be able to keep more of your investment income. If you know nothing else about investment fees, you need to understand the expense ratio. This is the percentage of the fund’s assets that are used to cover expenses.\nSome mutual funds can carry expense ratios as high as 2%. While this doesn’t seem like much, it can take a serious bite out of your earnings over the long term. Some ETFs, on the other hand, can have expense ratios as low as 0.09%.\nTry out our free\nasset allocation calculator\n. \nPay Attention to Trading Fees\nBecause brokers sell ETFs, you might pay a commission fee every time you buy one, just as you would if you were purchasing stocks. These fees vary widely from one brokerage account to the next, so it’s important do your research.\nTo put things in perspective, if you’re investing $100 a month in an ETF and paying a $10 commission to the broker, you’d need to see a 10% return just to recover the cost. You also pay commission fees any time you sell an ETF. So if you’re making a lot of trades, that can eat into your returns even further.\nTypes of ETFs\nETFs offer a diverse range of options to suit a wide variety of financial goals and needs. Whether you’re looking to replicate the performance of a major index, gain exposure to specific sectors or explore alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, there’s likely an ETF that aligns with your investment strategy. The following are some of the various types of ETFs available on the market today:\nPassive ETF\n: Passive ETFs are designed to mirror the performance of a broader index, such as the S&P 500, or a more niche sector or trend. These funds aim to provide investors with a diversified portfolio that reflects the index’s performance. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking a hands-off investment approach.\nActively Managed ETF\n: Unlike passive ETFs, actively managed ETFs do not track an index. Instead, portfolio managers actively select securities to include, aiming to outperform the market. While they offer potential benefits over passive ETFs, such as the ability to capitalize on market inefficiencies, they often come with higher costs.\nStock ETF\n: Stock ETFs consist of a collection of stocks within a specific industry or sector, such as technology or automotive. These funds offer diversified exposure to a particular market segment. They often come with lower fees than stock mutual funds, making them an attractive option.\nIndustry or Sector ETF\n: These ETFs concentrate on specific sectors or industries, such as energy or technology. For example, Blackrock’s iShares U.S. Technology ETF mirrors the performance of a technology-focused index, providing investors with targeted exposure to that sector’s growth potential.\nCommodity ETF\n: Commodity ETFs invest in physical goods like crude oil or gold. They offer a cost-effective way to diversify a portfolio and hedge against market downturns. All without the complexities of owning the physical commodities themselves.\nBond ETF\n: Bond ETFs focus on providing regular income through investments in various bonds, including government, corporate and municipal bonds. Unlike individual bonds, bond ETFs do not have a maturity date, offering a more flexible investment option for those seeking steady income.\nCurrency ETF\n: Currency ETFs track the performance of currency pairs, allowing investors to speculate on currency movements or hedge against forex market volatility. These funds can be particularly useful for importers and exporters looking to manage currency risk.\nLeveraged ETF\n: Leveraged ETFs seek to amplify the returns of their underlying investments, often using debt and derivatives. For instance, a 2× leveraged ETF aims to double the return of its benchmark index, offering higher potential gains (and losses) for risk-tolerant investors.\nInverse ETF\n: Inverse ETFs aim to profit from stock declines by shorting stocks through derivatives. These funds are technically exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and not true ETFs, offering a unique strategy for investors anticipating market downturns.\nBottom Line\nExchange-traded funds have a lot of appeal for new investors based on their affordability and the potential for high earnings. Like with any investment, you’ll want to read over the fund prospectus carefully to make sure an ETF is a good fit for you and your financial needs and goals.\nTips for Managing Your Investments\nA\nfinancial advisor\ncan help you build a plan for your portfolio, as well as adjust and rebalance it over time. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard.\nSmartAsset’s free tool\nmatches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area. And you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals,\nget started now\n.\nSmartAsset’s\ninvestment calculator\ncan help you determine what type of rates you need to earn to reach your savings goals.\nPhoto credit: ©iStock.com\/gong hangxu, ©iStock.com\/Ximagination, ©iStock.com\/MichaelDeLeon","attrs_markdown":"- - Mortgage\n  - Taxes\n  - Retirement\n  - Financial Advisors\n  - Banking\n  - Investing\n  - Credit Cards\n  - Life Insurance\n  - Refinance\n  - Personal Loans\n  - Student Loans\n  - SmartReads\n  - SmartAsset AMP\n  - About\n  - Press\n  - Terms of Service\n  - Privacy Policy\n  - Back to SmartAsset Home\n- [Mortgage](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/mortgage)\n  Calculators\n  \n  - [Mortgage Calculator](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/mortgage\/mortgage-calculator)\n  - [Closing Costs Calculator](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/mortgage\/closing-costs)\n  - [Cost of Living Calculator](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/mortgage\/cost-of-living-calculator)\n  - [How Much House Can I Afford?](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/mortgage\/how-much-house-can-i-afford)\n  \n  Mortgage Lender Reviews\n  \n  - 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[Student Loans Guide](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/student-loans)\n- [Back to SmartAsset Home](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/)\n\n[I'm an Advisor](https:\/\/getamp.smartasset.com\/?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=header_nav)[Find an Advisor](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=header_nav)\n\n[\\< Investing for Beginners](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/s\/beginner-investing)\n\n# What Are Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)?\n![Byline profile image](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/59cbe8fa08b136dae8b4232fc2856ce97e7dd68b47f3ec2e0d73a869ef2920e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g)Written by\n\nRebecca Lake, CEPF®\n\n\\|\n\n![Byline profile image](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/26d70f6f025d0e13b55a97839a65205be147778be69e086ab6a1b6c369d1664d?s=96&d=mm&r=g)Edited by\n\nChris Thompson\n\n![Byline profile image](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/de3f161a0dddef441091e8d3dcc69baa5c485a01314d2cdeb967be0c26aecc86?s=96&d=mm&r=g)Edited by\n\nMarie White, CEPF®\n\nUpdated on\n\nAugust 13, 2025, 2:44am ET\n\n\\| ![fact checked badge](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/cds-images\/articles\/fact-checked-badge.svg)Fact Checked\n\nSmartAsset maintains strict [editorial integrity](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/editorial-independence). It doesn’t provide legal, tax, accounting or financial advice and isn’t a financial planner, broker, lawyer or tax adviser. Consult with your own advisers for guidance. Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this post are only the author’s and for informational purposes. This post may contain links from advertisers, and we may receive compensation for marketing their products or services or if users purchase products or services. \\| Marketing Disclosure\n\nShare\n\n![Exchange-traded funds are a collection of similar investments in a single fund.](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/07\/iStock_000034969336_Small-1.jpg)\n\n[Investing your money](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/investment-calculator) can help you build wealth, but there are many ways to do so. Investing often involves putting your money into single company stocks, but exchange-traded funds take this idea a little further. If you’re wondering, “What is an exchange-traded fund,” in the most basic sense, an ETF is a collection of similar investments in a single fund. This allows you to take advantage of industry- or market-level growth without the typical risk attached to individual company stocks. There are also ETFs that don’t use stocks, such as bond funds, which focus on bonds.\n\n**Do you need professional help managing your investment portfolio? Consider speaking with a [financial advisor](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) today.**\n\n## **What Is an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)?**\nExchange-traded funds combine features of both stocks and [index funds](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/what-is-an-index-fund). They track market indices, but unlike a mutual fund, they can be traded like stocks. Exchange-traded funds track widely known indices like the S\\&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But they can also track smaller indices associated with a particular market segment, such as biotechnology.\n\n**Next Steps:** Managing your investments can be overwhelming. We recommend speaking with a financial advisor. This tool will match you with vetted advisors who serve your area.\n\nHere's how it works:\n\n- [Answer a few easy questions](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=zipcode&utm_content=sa-investing-bl-whatareexc), so we can find a match.\n- Our tool matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who can help you on the path toward achieving your financial goals. It only takes a few minutes.\n- Check out the advisors' profiles, have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person, and choose who to work with.\n\n**Enter your ZIP code to find your matches:**\n\nFind Your Advisor\n## **How ETFs Compare to Other Investments**\n![Exchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds.](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/07\/iStock_000039908962_Small-1.jpg)\n\nExchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds, especially for [beginner investors](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/investing-for-beginners) who haven’t quite mastered the ins and outs of the market. For one thing, having ETFs in your portfolio means you get more diversity than you would by purchasing individual stocks. While they’re still subject to market volatility (price changes), you might be able to minimize your losses by choosing an ETF that tracks a broader index.\n\nSimilar to stocks, ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the day, and their price fluctuates accordingly. With a mutual fund, the price is set once per day when the market closes. If you’re savvy about making trades, you may be able to leverage your investment in an exchange-traded fund to get a bigger return.\n\n## **Why They’re a Good Pick for Beginners**\nExchange-traded funds can be a good choice if you don’t have a lot of money to get started with, because they don’t require a large initial investment like some mutual fund offerings. (Many mutual fund companies require you to invest at least \\$3,000.) With an ETF, it’s up to you to decide how much or how little you want to invest.\n\nAnother upside is that unlike mutual funds, ETFs tend to carry fewer fees, meaning you’ll be able to keep more of your investment income. If you know nothing else about investment fees, you need to understand the expense ratio. This is the percentage of the fund’s assets that are used to cover expenses.\n\nSome mutual funds can carry expense ratios as high as 2%. While this doesn’t seem like much, it can take a serious bite out of your earnings over the long term. Some ETFs, on the other hand, can have expense ratios as low as 0.09%.\n\n**Try out our free [asset allocation calculator](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/asset-allocation-calculator).**\n\n## **Pay Attention to Trading Fees**\nBecause brokers sell ETFs, you might pay a commission fee every time you buy one, just as you would if you were purchasing stocks. These fees vary widely from one brokerage account to the next, so it’s important do your research.\n\nTo put things in perspective, if you’re investing \\$100 a month in an ETF and paying a \\$10 commission to the broker, you’d need to see a 10% return just to recover the cost. You also pay commission fees any time you sell an ETF. So if you’re making a lot of trades, that can eat into your returns even further.\n\n## **Types of ETFs**\nETFs offer a diverse range of options to suit a wide variety of financial goals and needs. Whether you’re looking to replicate the performance of a major index, gain exposure to specific sectors or explore alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, there’s likely an ETF that aligns with your investment strategy. The following are some of the various types of ETFs available on the market today:\n\n- **Passive ETF**: Passive ETFs are designed to mirror the performance of a broader index, such as the S\\&P 500, or a more niche sector or trend. These funds aim to provide investors with a diversified portfolio that reflects the index’s performance. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking a hands-off investment approach.\n- **Actively Managed ETF**: Unlike passive ETFs, actively managed ETFs do not track an index. Instead, portfolio managers actively select securities to include, aiming to outperform the market. While they offer potential benefits over passive ETFs, such as the ability to capitalize on market inefficiencies, they often come with higher costs.\n- **Stock ETF**: Stock ETFs consist of a collection of stocks within a specific industry or sector, such as technology or automotive. These funds offer diversified exposure to a particular market segment. They often come with lower fees than stock mutual funds, making them an attractive option.\n- **Industry or Sector ETF**: These ETFs concentrate on specific sectors or industries, such as energy or technology. For example, Blackrock’s iShares U.S. Technology ETF mirrors the performance of a technology-focused index, providing investors with targeted exposure to that sector’s growth potential.\n- **Commodity ETF**: Commodity ETFs invest in physical goods like crude oil or gold. They offer a cost-effective way to diversify a portfolio and hedge against market downturns. All without the complexities of owning the physical commodities themselves.\n- **Bond ETF**: Bond ETFs focus on providing regular income through investments in various bonds, including government, corporate and municipal bonds. Unlike individual bonds, bond ETFs do not have a maturity date, offering a more flexible investment option for those seeking steady income.\n- **Currency ETF**: Currency ETFs track the performance of currency pairs, allowing investors to speculate on currency movements or hedge against forex market volatility. These funds can be particularly useful for importers and exporters looking to manage currency risk.\n- **Leveraged ETF**: Leveraged ETFs seek to amplify the returns of their underlying investments, often using debt and derivatives. For instance, a 2× leveraged ETF aims to double the return of its benchmark index, offering higher potential gains (and losses) for risk-tolerant investors.\n- **Inverse ETF**: Inverse ETFs aim to profit from stock declines by shorting stocks through derivatives. These funds are technically exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and not true ETFs, offering a unique strategy for investors anticipating market downturns.\n## **Bottom Line**\n![An investor researches \"What is an ETF?\"](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/07\/iStock_000015814605_Small-1.jpg)\n\nExchange-traded funds have a lot of appeal for new investors based on their affordability and the potential for high earnings. Like with any investment, you’ll want to read over the fund prospectus carefully to make sure an ETF is a good fit for you and your financial needs and goals.\n\n## **Tips for Managing Your Investments**\n- A [financial advisor](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) can help you build a plan for your portfolio, as well as adjust and rebalance it over time. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. [SmartAsset’s free tool](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area. And you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, [get started now](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs).\n- SmartAsset’s [investment calculator](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/investment-calculator) can help you determine what type of rates you need to earn to reach your savings goals.\n\nPhoto credit: ©iStock.com\/gong hangxu, ©iStock.com\/Ximagination, ©iStock.com\/MichaelDeLeon\n\n[Rebecca Lake, CEPF®](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/author\/rebecca-lake)Rebecca Lake is a retirement, investing and estate planning expert who has been writing about personal finance for a decade. Her expertise in the finance niche also extends to home buying, credit cards, banking and small business. She's worked directly with several major financial and insurance brands, including Citibank, Discover and AIG and her writing has appeared online at U.S. News and World Report, CreditCards.com and Investopedia. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and she also attended Charleston Southern University as a graduate student. Originally from central Virginia, she now lives on the North Carolina coast along with her two children. Rebecca also holds the Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®) designation.\n\nLoading Related Articles...\n\n![]()\n\n![]()\n\n![]()\n\n![]()\n\nRecent posts\n\n- [![](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/cds-images\/articles\/suit.webp)Revealed: Annual List of Top Financial Advisor Firms](https:\/\/insights.smartasset.com\/topfa?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=sma__falc_content_relatedposts_retire&utm_content=topfa_suit \"Revealed: Annual List of Top Financial Advisor Firms\")\n- [![](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/cds-images\/articles\/jetski.webp)How to Potentially Reduce RMD Taxes After Age 73](https:\/\/insights.smartasset.com\/strategies-rmd-tax-after-73?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=sma__falc_content_relatedposts_retire&utm_content=stratrmd73_jetski \"How to Potentially Reduce RMD Taxes After Age 73\")\n- [![](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/cds-images\/articles\/eric.webp)How Irrevocable Trusts Can Help Eliminate Estate Taxes](https:\/\/insights.smartasset.com\/sem\/how-irrevocable-trusts-can-help-eliminate-estate-taxes?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=sma__falc_content_relatedposts_retire&utm_content=irrevoctrust_eric \"How Irrevocable Trusts Can Help Eliminate Estate Taxes\")\n\nMore from SmartAsset\n\n- [Compare Financial Advisor Matches Today](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=blog_right_rail)\n- [How to Find and Choose a Financial Advisor](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/financial-advisor)\n- [The Top Financial Advisors in the U.S.](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/financial-advisor\/us-top-financial-advisors)\n- [How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement?](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/retirement-calculator)\n- [Mortgage Calculator](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/mortgage\/mortgage-calculator)\n- [Compare Mortgage Rates](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/mortgage\/mortgage-rates)\n\nCategories\n\n- [Advisor Resources](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/advisor-resources)\n- [Auto](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/auto)\n- [Career](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/career)\n- [Checking Account](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/checking-account)\n- [Credit Cards](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/credit-cards)\n- [Credit Score](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/credit-score)\n- [Data Studies](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/data-studies)\n- [Debt](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/debt)\n- [Estate Planning](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/estate-planning)\n- [Financial Advisor](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/financial-advisor)\n- [Insights](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/insights)\n- [Insurance](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/insurance)\n- [Investing](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing)\n- [Life Insurance](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/life-insurance)\n- [Mortgage](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/mortgage)\n- [Personal Finance](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/personal-finance)\n- [Personal Loans](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/personal-loans)\n- [Refinance](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/refinance)\n- [Retirement](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement)\n- [Small Business](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/small-business)\n- [Student Loans](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/student-loans)\n- [Taxes](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/taxes)\n\nGet in touch\n\n[Contact](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/about#contact)\n\n[Careers](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/careers)\n\nSmartAsset\n\n[Search](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/search)\n\n[About](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/about)\n\n[SmartReads](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/blog)\n\n[Captivate](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/captivate)\n\n[SmartAsset AMP](https:\/\/getamp.smartasset.com\/)\n\n[Advisor Testimonials](https:\/\/get.smartasset.com\/advisor-testimonials\/)\n\n[Press](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/press)\n\n[SmartAdvisorMatch](https:\/\/smartadvisormatch.com\/)\n\nGet Social\n\n[Like on Facebook](https:\/\/facebook.com\/smartasset)\n\n[Like on X](https:\/\/x.com\/@smartasset)\n\n[Follow on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/smartasset-com)\n\nLegal Stuff\n\n[Terms of Service](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/terms)\n\n[Privacy Policy](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/privacy)\n\n[AdChoices](https:\/\/optout.aboutads.info\/#!\/)\n\n[GLB Notice](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/glb-notice)\n\n[Online Tracking Opt-Out Guide](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/privacy#opt_out)\n\nSmartAsset Advisors, LLC (\"SmartAsset\"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Insight Technology, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. 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There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns. The existence of a fiduciary duty does not prevent the rise of potential conflicts of interest.\n\n© 2026 SmartAsset, all rights reserved.\n\nRead More About Investing\n\n[![Dividend stock funds provide diversified exposure to companies that regularly pay a portion of their profits to shareholders.](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/iStock-1128492098-1.jpg)Investing for Beginners Dividend Stock Funds: How They Make Money, Benefits and Risk...April 10, 2026Read More](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/dividend-stock-funds)\n\n[![Knowing how to value a rental property before you buy could be the difference between a sound investment and a costly one.](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/iStock-2175904673.jpg)Real Estate Rental Property Analysis: 5 Valuation Methods and ExamplesApril 23, 2026Read More](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/rental-property-analysis)\n\n[![Low-risk investments offer a range of options for investors who prioritize steady returns and capital preservation over aggressive growth.](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/iStock-2234934554.jpg)Investing for Beginners 7 Low-Risk Investments for Beginners: Pros and ConsApril 24, 2026Read More](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/low-risk-investments-for-beginners)\n\n[![](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/iStock-2192268253.jpg)Investing 4 Alternative Investments for Accredited InvestorsApril 16, 2026Read More](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/alternative-investments-for-accredited-investors)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[Investing your money](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/investment-calculator) can help you build wealth, but there are many ways to do so. Investing often involves putting your money into single company stocks, but exchange-traded funds take this idea a little further. If you’re wondering, “What is an exchange-traded fund,” in the most basic sense, an ETF is a collection of similar investments in a single fund. This allows you to take advantage of industry- or market-level growth without the typical risk attached to individual company stocks. There are also ETFs that don’t use stocks, such as bond funds, which focus on bonds.\n\n**Do you need professional help managing your investment portfolio? Consider speaking with a [financial advisor](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) today.**\n\n## **What Is an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)?**\nExchange-traded funds combine features of both stocks and [index funds](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/what-is-an-index-fund). They track market indices, but unlike a mutual fund, they can be traded like stocks. Exchange-traded funds track widely known indices like the S\\&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But they can also track smaller indices associated with a particular market segment, such as biotechnology.\n\n## **How ETFs Compare to Other Investments**\n![Exchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds.](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/07\/iStock_000039908962_Small-1.jpg)\n\nExchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds, especially for [beginner investors](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/investing-for-beginners) who haven’t quite mastered the ins and outs of the market. For one thing, having ETFs in your portfolio means you get more diversity than you would by purchasing individual stocks. While they’re still subject to market volatility (price changes), you might be able to minimize your losses by choosing an ETF that tracks a broader index.\n\nSimilar to stocks, ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the day, and their price fluctuates accordingly. With a mutual fund, the price is set once per day when the market closes. If you’re savvy about making trades, you may be able to leverage your investment in an exchange-traded fund to get a bigger return.\n\n## **Why They’re a Good Pick for Beginners**\nExchange-traded funds can be a good choice if you don’t have a lot of money to get started with, because they don’t require a large initial investment like some mutual fund offerings. (Many mutual fund companies require you to invest at least \\$3,000.) With an ETF, it’s up to you to decide how much or how little you want to invest.\n\nAnother upside is that unlike mutual funds, ETFs tend to carry fewer fees, meaning you’ll be able to keep more of your investment income. If you know nothing else about investment fees, you need to understand the expense ratio. This is the percentage of the fund’s assets that are used to cover expenses.\n\nSome mutual funds can carry expense ratios as high as 2%. While this doesn’t seem like much, it can take a serious bite out of your earnings over the long term. Some ETFs, on the other hand, can have expense ratios as low as 0.09%.\n\n**Try out our free [asset allocation calculator](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/asset-allocation-calculator).**\n\n## **Pay Attention to Trading Fees**\nBecause brokers sell ETFs, you might pay a commission fee every time you buy one, just as you would if you were purchasing stocks. These fees vary widely from one brokerage account to the next, so it’s important do your research.\n\nTo put things in perspective, if you’re investing \\$100 a month in an ETF and paying a \\$10 commission to the broker, you’d need to see a 10% return just to recover the cost. You also pay commission fees any time you sell an ETF. So if you’re making a lot of trades, that can eat into your returns even further.\n\n## **Types of ETFs**\nETFs offer a diverse range of options to suit a wide variety of financial goals and needs. Whether you’re looking to replicate the performance of a major index, gain exposure to specific sectors or explore alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, there’s likely an ETF that aligns with your investment strategy. The following are some of the various types of ETFs available on the market today:\n\n- **Passive ETF**: Passive ETFs are designed to mirror the performance of a broader index, such as the S\\&P 500, or a more niche sector or trend. These funds aim to provide investors with a diversified portfolio that reflects the index’s performance. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking a hands-off investment approach.\n- **Actively Managed ETF**: Unlike passive ETFs, actively managed ETFs do not track an index. Instead, portfolio managers actively select securities to include, aiming to outperform the market. While they offer potential benefits over passive ETFs, such as the ability to capitalize on market inefficiencies, they often come with higher costs.\n- **Stock ETF**: Stock ETFs consist of a collection of stocks within a specific industry or sector, such as technology or automotive. These funds offer diversified exposure to a particular market segment. They often come with lower fees than stock mutual funds, making them an attractive option.\n- **Industry or Sector ETF**: These ETFs concentrate on specific sectors or industries, such as energy or technology. For example, Blackrock’s iShares U.S. Technology ETF mirrors the performance of a technology-focused index, providing investors with targeted exposure to that sector’s growth potential.\n- **Commodity ETF**: Commodity ETFs invest in physical goods like crude oil or gold. They offer a cost-effective way to diversify a portfolio and hedge against market downturns. All without the complexities of owning the physical commodities themselves.\n- **Bond ETF**: Bond ETFs focus on providing regular income through investments in various bonds, including government, corporate and municipal bonds. Unlike individual bonds, bond ETFs do not have a maturity date, offering a more flexible investment option for those seeking steady income.\n- **Currency ETF**: Currency ETFs track the performance of currency pairs, allowing investors to speculate on currency movements or hedge against forex market volatility. These funds can be particularly useful for importers and exporters looking to manage currency risk.\n- **Leveraged ETF**: Leveraged ETFs seek to amplify the returns of their underlying investments, often using debt and derivatives. For instance, a 2× leveraged ETF aims to double the return of its benchmark index, offering higher potential gains (and losses) for risk-tolerant investors.\n- **Inverse ETF**: Inverse ETFs aim to profit from stock declines by shorting stocks through derivatives. These funds are technically exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and not true ETFs, offering a unique strategy for investors anticipating market downturns.\n## **Bottom Line**\n![An investor researches \"What is an ETF?\"](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/07\/iStock_000015814605_Small-1.jpg)\n\nExchange-traded funds have a lot of appeal for new investors based on their affordability and the potential for high earnings. Like with any investment, you’ll want to read over the fund prospectus carefully to make sure an ETF is a good fit for you and your financial needs and goals.\n\n## **Tips for Managing Your Investments**\n- A [financial advisor](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) can help you build a plan for your portfolio, as well as adjust and rebalance it over time. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. [SmartAsset’s free tool](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area. And you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, [get started now](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/retirement\/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs).\n- SmartAsset’s [investment calculator](https:\/\/smartasset.com\/investing\/investment-calculator) can help you determine what type of rates you need to earn to reach your savings goals.\n\nPhoto credit: ©iStock.com\/gong hangxu, ©iStock.com\/Ximagination, ©iStock.com\/MichaelDeLeon","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Finance\":998,\"\/Finance\/Investing\":996,\"\/Finance\/Investing\/Funds\":954}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":997,\"\/Article\/Definitions\":585}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":999}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":1755043200,"attrs_original_publish_time":1438111766,"attrs_is_republished":1,"attrs_nr_words":"2612","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"1224","body_ext_links_number":6,"body_int_links_number":152,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":5527,"download_ttfb_msec":1174,"download_size":160882}

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What Are Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)?

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Exchange-traded funds are traded like stocks and track a variety of indices. Learn more about how to invest and the different types.

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Investing your money can help you build wealth, but there are many ways to do so. Investing often involves putting your money into single company stocks, but exchange-traded funds take this idea a little further. If you’re wondering, “What is an exchange-traded fund,” in the most basic sense, an ETF is a collection of similar investments in a single fund. This allows you to take advantage of industry- or market-level growth without the typical risk attached to individual company stocks. There are also ETFs that don’t use stocks, such as bond funds, which focus on bonds. Do you need professional help managing your investment portfolio? Consider speaking with a financial advisor today. What Is an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)? Exchange-traded funds combine features of both stocks and index funds . They track market indices, but unlike a mutual fund, they can be traded like stocks. Exchange-traded funds track widely known indices like the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But they can also track smaller indices associated with a particular market segment, such as biotechnology. How ETFs Compare to Other Investments Exchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds, especially for beginner investors who haven’t quite mastered the ins and outs of the market. For one thing, having ETFs in your portfolio means you get more diversity than you would by purchasing individual stocks. While they’re still subject to market volatility (price changes), you might be able to minimize your losses by choosing an ETF that tracks a broader index. Similar to stocks, ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the day, and their price fluctuates accordingly. With a mutual fund, the price is set once per day when the market closes. If you’re savvy about making trades, you may be able to leverage your investment in an exchange-traded fund to get a bigger return. Why They’re a Good Pick for Beginners Exchange-traded funds can be a good choice if you don’t have a lot of money to get started with, because they don’t require a large initial investment like some mutual fund offerings. (Many mutual fund companies require you to invest at least $3,000.) With an ETF, it’s up to you to decide how much or how little you want to invest. Another upside is that unlike mutual funds, ETFs tend to carry fewer fees, meaning you’ll be able to keep more of your investment income. If you know nothing else about investment fees, you need to understand the expense ratio. This is the percentage of the fund’s assets that are used to cover expenses. Some mutual funds can carry expense ratios as high as 2%. While this doesn’t seem like much, it can take a serious bite out of your earnings over the long term. Some ETFs, on the other hand, can have expense ratios as low as 0.09%. Try out our free asset allocation calculator . Pay Attention to Trading Fees Because brokers sell ETFs, you might pay a commission fee every time you buy one, just as you would if you were purchasing stocks. These fees vary widely from one brokerage account to the next, so it’s important do your research. To put things in perspective, if you’re investing $100 a month in an ETF and paying a $10 commission to the broker, you’d need to see a 10% return just to recover the cost. You also pay commission fees any time you sell an ETF. So if you’re making a lot of trades, that can eat into your returns even further. Types of ETFs ETFs offer a diverse range of options to suit a wide variety of financial goals and needs. Whether you’re looking to replicate the performance of a major index, gain exposure to specific sectors or explore alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, there’s likely an ETF that aligns with your investment strategy. The following are some of the various types of ETFs available on the market today: Passive ETF : Passive ETFs are designed to mirror the performance of a broader index, such as the S&P 500, or a more niche sector or trend. These funds aim to provide investors with a diversified portfolio that reflects the index’s performance. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking a hands-off investment approach. Actively Managed ETF : Unlike passive ETFs, actively managed ETFs do not track an index. Instead, portfolio managers actively select securities to include, aiming to outperform the market. While they offer potential benefits over passive ETFs, such as the ability to capitalize on market inefficiencies, they often come with higher costs. Stock ETF : Stock ETFs consist of a collection of stocks within a specific industry or sector, such as technology or automotive. These funds offer diversified exposure to a particular market segment. They often come with lower fees than stock mutual funds, making them an attractive option. Industry or Sector ETF : These ETFs concentrate on specific sectors or industries, such as energy or technology. For example, Blackrock’s iShares U.S. Technology ETF mirrors the performance of a technology-focused index, providing investors with targeted exposure to that sector’s growth potential. Commodity ETF : Commodity ETFs invest in physical goods like crude oil or gold. They offer a cost-effective way to diversify a portfolio and hedge against market downturns. All without the complexities of owning the physical commodities themselves. Bond ETF : Bond ETFs focus on providing regular income through investments in various bonds, including government, corporate and municipal bonds. Unlike individual bonds, bond ETFs do not have a maturity date, offering a more flexible investment option for those seeking steady income. Currency ETF : Currency ETFs track the performance of currency pairs, allowing investors to speculate on currency movements or hedge against forex market volatility. These funds can be particularly useful for importers and exporters looking to manage currency risk. Leveraged ETF : Leveraged ETFs seek to amplify the returns of their underlying investments, often using debt and derivatives. For instance, a 2× leveraged ETF aims to double the return of its benchmark index, offering higher potential gains (and losses) for risk-tolerant investors. Inverse ETF : Inverse ETFs aim to profit from stock declines by shorting stocks through derivatives. These funds are technically exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and not true ETFs, offering a unique strategy for investors anticipating market downturns. Bottom Line Exchange-traded funds have a lot of appeal for new investors based on their affordability and the potential for high earnings. Like with any investment, you’ll want to read over the fund prospectus carefully to make sure an ETF is a good fit for you and your financial needs and goals. Tips for Managing Your Investments A financial advisor can help you build a plan for your portfolio, as well as adjust and rebalance it over time. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area. And you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now . SmartAsset’s investment calculator can help you determine what type of rates you need to earn to reach your savings goals. Photo credit: ©iStock.com/gong hangxu, ©iStock.com/Ximagination, ©iStock.com/MichaelDeLeon

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It doesn’t provide legal, tax, accounting or financial advice and isn’t a financial planner, broker, lawyer or tax adviser. Consult with your own advisers for guidance. Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this post are only the author’s and for informational purposes. This post may contain links from advertisers, and we may receive compensation for marketing their products or services or if users purchase products or services. \| Marketing Disclosure Share ![Exchange-traded funds are a collection of similar investments in a single fund.](https://smartasset.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/07/iStock_000034969336_Small-1.jpg) [Investing your money](https://smartasset.com/investing/investment-calculator) can help you build wealth, but there are many ways to do so. Investing often involves putting your money into single company stocks, but exchange-traded funds take this idea a little further. If you’re wondering, “What is an exchange-traded fund,” in the most basic sense, an ETF is a collection of similar investments in a single fund. This allows you to take advantage of industry- or market-level growth without the typical risk attached to individual company stocks. There are also ETFs that don’t use stocks, such as bond funds, which focus on bonds. **Do you need professional help managing your investment portfolio? Consider speaking with a [financial advisor](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) today.** ## **What Is an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)?** Exchange-traded funds combine features of both stocks and [index funds](https://smartasset.com/investing/what-is-an-index-fund). They track market indices, but unlike a mutual fund, they can be traded like stocks. Exchange-traded funds track widely known indices like the S\&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But they can also track smaller indices associated with a particular market segment, such as biotechnology. **Next Steps:** Managing your investments can be overwhelming. We recommend speaking with a financial advisor. This tool will match you with vetted advisors who serve your area. Here's how it works: - [Answer a few easy questions](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=zipcode&utm_content=sa-investing-bl-whatareexc), so we can find a match. - Our tool matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who can help you on the path toward achieving your financial goals. It only takes a few minutes. - Check out the advisors' profiles, have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person, and choose who to work with. **Enter your ZIP code to find your matches:** Find Your Advisor ## **How ETFs Compare to Other Investments** ![Exchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds.](https://smartasset.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/07/iStock_000039908962_Small-1.jpg) Exchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds, especially for [beginner investors](https://smartasset.com/investing/investing-for-beginners) who haven’t quite mastered the ins and outs of the market. For one thing, having ETFs in your portfolio means you get more diversity than you would by purchasing individual stocks. While they’re still subject to market volatility (price changes), you might be able to minimize your losses by choosing an ETF that tracks a broader index. Similar to stocks, ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the day, and their price fluctuates accordingly. With a mutual fund, the price is set once per day when the market closes. If you’re savvy about making trades, you may be able to leverage your investment in an exchange-traded fund to get a bigger return. ## **Why They’re a Good Pick for Beginners** Exchange-traded funds can be a good choice if you don’t have a lot of money to get started with, because they don’t require a large initial investment like some mutual fund offerings. (Many mutual fund companies require you to invest at least \$3,000.) With an ETF, it’s up to you to decide how much or how little you want to invest. Another upside is that unlike mutual funds, ETFs tend to carry fewer fees, meaning you’ll be able to keep more of your investment income. If you know nothing else about investment fees, you need to understand the expense ratio. This is the percentage of the fund’s assets that are used to cover expenses. Some mutual funds can carry expense ratios as high as 2%. While this doesn’t seem like much, it can take a serious bite out of your earnings over the long term. Some ETFs, on the other hand, can have expense ratios as low as 0.09%. **Try out our free [asset allocation calculator](https://smartasset.com/investing/asset-allocation-calculator).** ## **Pay Attention to Trading Fees** Because brokers sell ETFs, you might pay a commission fee every time you buy one, just as you would if you were purchasing stocks. These fees vary widely from one brokerage account to the next, so it’s important do your research. To put things in perspective, if you’re investing \$100 a month in an ETF and paying a \$10 commission to the broker, you’d need to see a 10% return just to recover the cost. You also pay commission fees any time you sell an ETF. So if you’re making a lot of trades, that can eat into your returns even further. ## **Types of ETFs** ETFs offer a diverse range of options to suit a wide variety of financial goals and needs. Whether you’re looking to replicate the performance of a major index, gain exposure to specific sectors or explore alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, there’s likely an ETF that aligns with your investment strategy. The following are some of the various types of ETFs available on the market today: - **Passive ETF**: Passive ETFs are designed to mirror the performance of a broader index, such as the S\&P 500, or a more niche sector or trend. These funds aim to provide investors with a diversified portfolio that reflects the index’s performance. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking a hands-off investment approach. - **Actively Managed ETF**: Unlike passive ETFs, actively managed ETFs do not track an index. Instead, portfolio managers actively select securities to include, aiming to outperform the market. While they offer potential benefits over passive ETFs, such as the ability to capitalize on market inefficiencies, they often come with higher costs. - **Stock ETF**: Stock ETFs consist of a collection of stocks within a specific industry or sector, such as technology or automotive. These funds offer diversified exposure to a particular market segment. They often come with lower fees than stock mutual funds, making them an attractive option. - **Industry or Sector ETF**: These ETFs concentrate on specific sectors or industries, such as energy or technology. For example, Blackrock’s iShares U.S. Technology ETF mirrors the performance of a technology-focused index, providing investors with targeted exposure to that sector’s growth potential. - **Commodity ETF**: Commodity ETFs invest in physical goods like crude oil or gold. They offer a cost-effective way to diversify a portfolio and hedge against market downturns. All without the complexities of owning the physical commodities themselves. - **Bond ETF**: Bond ETFs focus on providing regular income through investments in various bonds, including government, corporate and municipal bonds. Unlike individual bonds, bond ETFs do not have a maturity date, offering a more flexible investment option for those seeking steady income. - **Currency ETF**: Currency ETFs track the performance of currency pairs, allowing investors to speculate on currency movements or hedge against forex market volatility. These funds can be particularly useful for importers and exporters looking to manage currency risk. - **Leveraged ETF**: Leveraged ETFs seek to amplify the returns of their underlying investments, often using debt and derivatives. For instance, a 2× leveraged ETF aims to double the return of its benchmark index, offering higher potential gains (and losses) for risk-tolerant investors. - **Inverse ETF**: Inverse ETFs aim to profit from stock declines by shorting stocks through derivatives. These funds are technically exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and not true ETFs, offering a unique strategy for investors anticipating market downturns. ## **Bottom Line** ![An investor researches "What is an ETF?"](https://smartasset.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/07/iStock_000015814605_Small-1.jpg) Exchange-traded funds have a lot of appeal for new investors based on their affordability and the potential for high earnings. Like with any investment, you’ll want to read over the fund prospectus carefully to make sure an ETF is a good fit for you and your financial needs and goals. ## **Tips for Managing Your Investments** - A [financial advisor](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) can help you build a plan for your portfolio, as well as adjust and rebalance it over time. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. [SmartAsset’s free tool](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area. And you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, [get started now](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs). - SmartAsset’s [investment calculator](https://smartasset.com/investing/investment-calculator) can help you determine what type of rates you need to earn to reach your savings goals. Photo credit: ©iStock.com/gong hangxu, ©iStock.com/Ximagination, ©iStock.com/MichaelDeLeon [Rebecca Lake, CEPF®](https://smartasset.com/author/rebecca-lake)Rebecca Lake is a retirement, investing and estate planning expert who has been writing about personal finance for a decade. Her expertise in the finance niche also extends to home buying, credit cards, banking and small business. She's worked directly with several major financial and insurance brands, including Citibank, Discover and AIG and her writing has appeared online at U.S. News and World Report, CreditCards.com and Investopedia. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and she also attended Charleston Southern University as a graduate student. Originally from central Virginia, she now lives on the North Carolina coast along with her two children. Rebecca also holds the Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®) designation. Loading Related Articles... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Recent posts - [![](https://smartasset.com/cds-images/articles/suit.webp)Revealed: Annual List of Top Financial Advisor Firms](https://insights.smartasset.com/topfa?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=sma__falc_content_relatedposts_retire&utm_content=topfa_suit "Revealed: Annual List of Top Financial Advisor Firms") - [![](https://smartasset.com/cds-images/articles/jetski.webp)How to Potentially Reduce RMD Taxes After Age 73](https://insights.smartasset.com/strategies-rmd-tax-after-73?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=sma__falc_content_relatedposts_retire&utm_content=stratrmd73_jetski "How to Potentially Reduce RMD Taxes After Age 73") - [![](https://smartasset.com/cds-images/articles/eric.webp)How Irrevocable Trusts Can Help Eliminate Estate Taxes](https://insights.smartasset.com/sem/how-irrevocable-trusts-can-help-eliminate-estate-taxes?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=sma__falc_content_relatedposts_retire&utm_content=irrevoctrust_eric "How Irrevocable Trusts Can Help Eliminate Estate Taxes") More from SmartAsset - [Compare Financial Advisor Matches Today](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=blog_right_rail) - [How to Find and Choose a Financial Advisor](https://smartasset.com/retirement/financial-advisor) - [The Top Financial Advisors in the U.S.](https://smartasset.com/financial-advisor/us-top-financial-advisors) - [How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement?](https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-calculator) - [Mortgage Calculator](https://smartasset.com/mortgage/mortgage-calculator) - [Compare Mortgage Rates](https://smartasset.com/mortgage/mortgage-rates) Categories - [Advisor Resources](https://smartasset.com/advisor-resources) - [Auto](https://smartasset.com/auto) - [Career](https://smartasset.com/career) - [Checking Account](https://smartasset.com/checking-account) - [Credit Cards](https://smartasset.com/credit-cards) - [Credit Score](https://smartasset.com/credit-score) - [Data Studies](https://smartasset.com/data-studies) - [Debt](https://smartasset.com/debt) - [Estate Planning](https://smartasset.com/estate-planning) - [Financial Advisor](https://smartasset.com/financial-advisor) - [Insights](https://smartasset.com/insights) - [Insurance](https://smartasset.com/insurance) - [Investing](https://smartasset.com/investing) - [Life Insurance](https://smartasset.com/life-insurance) - [Mortgage](https://smartasset.com/mortgage) - [Personal Finance](https://smartasset.com/personal-finance) - [Personal Loans](https://smartasset.com/personal-loans) - [Refinance](https://smartasset.com/refinance) - [Retirement](https://smartasset.com/retirement) - [Small Business](https://smartasset.com/small-business) - [Student Loans](https://smartasset.com/student-loans) - [Taxes](https://smartasset.com/taxes) Get in touch [Contact](https://smartasset.com/about#contact) [Careers](https://smartasset.com/careers) SmartAsset [Search](https://smartasset.com/search) [About](https://smartasset.com/about) [SmartReads](https://smartasset.com/blog) [Captivate](https://smartasset.com/captivate) [SmartAsset AMP](https://getamp.smartasset.com/) [Advisor Testimonials](https://get.smartasset.com/advisor-testimonials/) [Press](https://smartasset.com/press) [SmartAdvisorMatch](https://smartadvisormatch.com/) Get Social [Like on Facebook](https://facebook.com/smartasset) [Like on X](https://x.com/@smartasset) [Follow on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartasset-com) Legal Stuff [Terms of Service](https://smartasset.com/terms) [Privacy Policy](https://smartasset.com/privacy) [AdChoices](https://optout.aboutads.info/#!/) [GLB Notice](https://smartasset.com/glb-notice) [Online Tracking Opt-Out Guide](https://smartasset.com/privacy#opt_out) SmartAsset Advisors, LLC ("SmartAsset"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Insight Technology, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. SmartAsset's services are limited to referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States that have elected to participate in our matching platform based on information gathered from users through our online questionnaire. SmartAsset receives compensation from Advisers for our services. SmartAsset does not review the ongoing performance of any Adviser, participate in the management of any user's account by an Adviser or provide advice regarding specific investments. We do not manage client funds or hold custody of assets, we help users connect with relevant financial advisors. This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Working with an adviser may come with potential downsides, such as payment of fees (which will reduce returns). Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns. The existence of a fiduciary duty does not prevent the rise of potential conflicts of interest. © 2026 SmartAsset, all rights reserved. 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Readable Markdown

[Investing your money](https://smartasset.com/investing/investment-calculator) can help you build wealth, but there are many ways to do so. Investing often involves putting your money into single company stocks, but exchange-traded funds take this idea a little further. If you’re wondering, “What is an exchange-traded fund,” in the most basic sense, an ETF is a collection of similar investments in a single fund. This allows you to take advantage of industry- or market-level growth without the typical risk attached to individual company stocks. There are also ETFs that don’t use stocks, such as bond funds, which focus on bonds. **Do you need professional help managing your investment portfolio? Consider speaking with a [financial advisor](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) today.** ## **What Is an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)?** Exchange-traded funds combine features of both stocks and [index funds](https://smartasset.com/investing/what-is-an-index-fund). They track market indices, but unlike a mutual fund, they can be traded like stocks. Exchange-traded funds track widely known indices like the S\&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But they can also track smaller indices associated with a particular market segment, such as biotechnology. ## **How ETFs Compare to Other Investments** ![Exchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds.](https://smartasset.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/07/iStock_000039908962_Small-1.jpg) Exchange-traded funds offer a lot of advantages over individual stocks or actively managed funds, especially for [beginner investors](https://smartasset.com/investing/investing-for-beginners) who haven’t quite mastered the ins and outs of the market. For one thing, having ETFs in your portfolio means you get more diversity than you would by purchasing individual stocks. While they’re still subject to market volatility (price changes), you might be able to minimize your losses by choosing an ETF that tracks a broader index. Similar to stocks, ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the day, and their price fluctuates accordingly. With a mutual fund, the price is set once per day when the market closes. If you’re savvy about making trades, you may be able to leverage your investment in an exchange-traded fund to get a bigger return. ## **Why They’re a Good Pick for Beginners** Exchange-traded funds can be a good choice if you don’t have a lot of money to get started with, because they don’t require a large initial investment like some mutual fund offerings. (Many mutual fund companies require you to invest at least \$3,000.) With an ETF, it’s up to you to decide how much or how little you want to invest. Another upside is that unlike mutual funds, ETFs tend to carry fewer fees, meaning you’ll be able to keep more of your investment income. If you know nothing else about investment fees, you need to understand the expense ratio. This is the percentage of the fund’s assets that are used to cover expenses. Some mutual funds can carry expense ratios as high as 2%. While this doesn’t seem like much, it can take a serious bite out of your earnings over the long term. Some ETFs, on the other hand, can have expense ratios as low as 0.09%. **Try out our free [asset allocation calculator](https://smartasset.com/investing/asset-allocation-calculator).** ## **Pay Attention to Trading Fees** Because brokers sell ETFs, you might pay a commission fee every time you buy one, just as you would if you were purchasing stocks. These fees vary widely from one brokerage account to the next, so it’s important do your research. To put things in perspective, if you’re investing \$100 a month in an ETF and paying a \$10 commission to the broker, you’d need to see a 10% return just to recover the cost. You also pay commission fees any time you sell an ETF. So if you’re making a lot of trades, that can eat into your returns even further. ## **Types of ETFs** ETFs offer a diverse range of options to suit a wide variety of financial goals and needs. Whether you’re looking to replicate the performance of a major index, gain exposure to specific sectors or explore alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, there’s likely an ETF that aligns with your investment strategy. The following are some of the various types of ETFs available on the market today: - **Passive ETF**: Passive ETFs are designed to mirror the performance of a broader index, such as the S\&P 500, or a more niche sector or trend. These funds aim to provide investors with a diversified portfolio that reflects the index’s performance. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking a hands-off investment approach. - **Actively Managed ETF**: Unlike passive ETFs, actively managed ETFs do not track an index. Instead, portfolio managers actively select securities to include, aiming to outperform the market. While they offer potential benefits over passive ETFs, such as the ability to capitalize on market inefficiencies, they often come with higher costs. - **Stock ETF**: Stock ETFs consist of a collection of stocks within a specific industry or sector, such as technology or automotive. These funds offer diversified exposure to a particular market segment. They often come with lower fees than stock mutual funds, making them an attractive option. - **Industry or Sector ETF**: These ETFs concentrate on specific sectors or industries, such as energy or technology. For example, Blackrock’s iShares U.S. Technology ETF mirrors the performance of a technology-focused index, providing investors with targeted exposure to that sector’s growth potential. - **Commodity ETF**: Commodity ETFs invest in physical goods like crude oil or gold. They offer a cost-effective way to diversify a portfolio and hedge against market downturns. All without the complexities of owning the physical commodities themselves. - **Bond ETF**: Bond ETFs focus on providing regular income through investments in various bonds, including government, corporate and municipal bonds. Unlike individual bonds, bond ETFs do not have a maturity date, offering a more flexible investment option for those seeking steady income. - **Currency ETF**: Currency ETFs track the performance of currency pairs, allowing investors to speculate on currency movements or hedge against forex market volatility. These funds can be particularly useful for importers and exporters looking to manage currency risk. - **Leveraged ETF**: Leveraged ETFs seek to amplify the returns of their underlying investments, often using debt and derivatives. For instance, a 2× leveraged ETF aims to double the return of its benchmark index, offering higher potential gains (and losses) for risk-tolerant investors. - **Inverse ETF**: Inverse ETFs aim to profit from stock declines by shorting stocks through derivatives. These funds are technically exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and not true ETFs, offering a unique strategy for investors anticipating market downturns. ## **Bottom Line** ![An investor researches "What is an ETF?"](https://smartasset.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/07/iStock_000015814605_Small-1.jpg) Exchange-traded funds have a lot of appeal for new investors based on their affordability and the potential for high earnings. Like with any investment, you’ll want to read over the fund prospectus carefully to make sure an ETF is a good fit for you and your financial needs and goals. ## **Tips for Managing Your Investments** - A [financial advisor](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) can help you build a plan for your portfolio, as well as adjust and rebalance it over time. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. [SmartAsset’s free tool](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs) matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area. And you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, [get started now](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=whatareetfs). - SmartAsset’s [investment calculator](https://smartasset.com/investing/investment-calculator) can help you determine what type of rates you need to earn to reach your savings goals. Photo credit: ©iStock.com/gong hangxu, ©iStock.com/Ximagination, ©iStock.com/MichaelDeLeon

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