ETFs May Have a Place in Your Portfolio

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) consist of a “basket” of securities that track an index, sector, commodity, or other assets. They can even be structured to track specific investment strategies. ETFs are marketed on a stock exchange just as individual stocks are. They may focus on a single investment type or be a mixture based on an objective, including stocks, commodities, bonds, or currency. Some ETFs offer U.S.- only holdings, while others can be strictly international investments. ETFs usually offer low expense ratios and are generally less costly than buying the stocks individually.*

Using ETFs

ETFs have become a popular diversification tool.** By using ETFs to cover the major market sectors, you can quickly and easily assemble a low-cost, diversified portfolio covering both stock and fixed-income markets. Then, you can simply stick to a buy-and-hold strategy, as you would with any other index product, and your portfolio will move in tandem with its benchmark.

You and your advisor could alternatively choose an active management strategy. While ETFs themselves are index funds (no active management on the part of the fund manager), this doesn’t stop you from actively managing your holdings. If you think short-term bonds are set to rise, you could, for example, sell positions in the broader bond market and buy an ETF specializing in short-term issues. You could do likewise for your expectations for equities.

Much More

These are only the basics. ETFs offer more advantages and uses that might benefit your investment program. Your trusted financial professional can tell you more and advise you on how ETFs may fit your financial goals.

*Before making any investment, know your financial objectives and understand the objectives, charges and risks of the exact type of product you’re considering.
**Diversification cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. Past performance won’t won’t guarantee future results. An investment in ETFs can result in a loss of principal.