What are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) ?

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are investment funds that are traded on stock exchanges, similar to stocks. They are designed to track the performance of a specific index, commodity, sector, or asset class. Here are some key points about ETFs:

1. Structure: ETFs are structured as open-ended funds, which means they can issue an unlimited number of shares. These shares are created or redeemed in large blocks known as “creation units” by authorized participants (typically large institutional investors).
2. Trading: ETFs are bought and sold on stock exchanges throughout the trading day, providing liquidity and flexibility to investors. Their prices fluctuate throughout the day based on supply and demand.
3. Diversification: By holding an ETF, investors gain exposure to a broad range of assets within a single investment, providing diversification benefits. For example, an ETF tracking the S&P 500 index includes shares from 500 different companies.
4. Costs: ETFs typically have lower expense ratios compared to mutual funds, making them a cost-effective investment option. However, investors need to consider trading costs, including commissions and the bid-ask spread.
5. Types of ETFs: There are various types of ETFs, including:
   • Index ETFs: Track a specific index like the S&P 500 or NASDAQ-100.
   • Sector and Industry ETFs: Focus on specific sectors like technology, healthcare, or energy.
   • Commodity ETFs: Invest in commodities like gold, oil, or agricultural products.
   • Bond ETFs: Include government, municipal, or corporate bonds.
   • International ETFs: Provide exposure to non-domestic markets.
   • Thematic ETFs: Focus on themes like clean energy, robotics, or emerging technologies.
6. Tax Efficiency: ETFs are generally more tax-efficient than mutual funds due to their unique creation and redemption process, which helps minimize capital gains distributions.
7. Transparency: ETFs typically disclose their holdings daily, providing investors with up-to-date information on what assets the fund holds.

Overall, ETFs offer a flexible, cost-effective, and diversified way for investors to access a wide range of assets and investment strategies.