Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks, holding assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.
Concept map
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Definition
ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks, holding assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.
Use case
Used in investment strategy workflows, analysis, and technical interviews.
Judgment check
Useful only when the assumptions and inputs behind the metric are understood.
Deep dive
How to think about Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs combine diversification of mutual funds with trading flexibility of stocks. Most track indices (passive), but actively managed ETFs are growing. Key advantages: intraday liquidity, lower expense ratios than mutual funds, tax efficiency (in-kind redemptions), and transparency (daily holdings disclosure).
Example: SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF) tracks the S&P 500, trading at ~1/10th the index level. Sector ETFs (XLF financials, XLK technology) allow targeted exposure. Bond ETFs (AGG, BND) provide fixed income diversification with stock-like trading.