The "flash crash" was a day of reckoning for investors in exchange-traded funds. ETFs didn't cause the meltdown, but they were its victims, and investors will need to adjust their strategies to avoid similar losses in the future.
You're thinking of investing in an exchange-traded fund, but what are the odds you're really going to read the whole prospectus? Not great. But don't buy blind: If you know what to look for, you can get much of the most important information from the fact sheet.
They can be risky for the simple reason that many countries just don't have a wide variety of industries and companies. Investors would be wise to shun the riskiest European funds in particular.
In recent months, the economic turmoil rocking Europe has been fueling the price of gold, and the yellow metal is now flirting with $1,200. But on Tuesday, gold fell from its five-month high, creating what may be an opportunity for investors.
Exchange-Traded Funds that use derivatives are among the most complex investments. Small wonder then that securities regulators are warning of the risks associated with inverse and leveraged ETFs, which are not designed for the casual investor.
Why settle for broad market exposure when you can zoom in on specific areas with the strongest growth? Well, some specialized emerging market ETFs let you do just that. Just be prepared to do your homework on these investments.
Charles Schwab drew first blood in the commission wars, offering free trades for its exchange-traded fundss last year. Fidelity struck back with offers of 25 iShares ETFs commission-free. Should investors jump on these "free" offers? Hint: always read the fine print.
A growing number of exchange-traded funds are popping up to support socially responsible businesses, and experts expect to see a boom in these funds soon. But are ETFs the best way to spur change, while earning solid returns at the same time?
You're a savvy investor: You know your way around a mutual fund. But figuring out exchange-traded funds can be a whole different ballgame, so we've asked a few financial experts to help demystify the art of successful ETF investing.
Buying a single stock ties your fate to the ups and downs of one company. You can moderate this risk but still aim for your target by investing in an exchange-traded fund focused on a particular sector. With ETFs for just about every sector, how do you begin to choose? We'll tell you how.
Portfolios made up entirely of exchange-traded funds have appeal. ETFs often have lower expenses than mutual funds, bring certain tax benefits, and trade throughout the day. But investors need to make sure they are properly diversified if they go they all-ETF route.
One reason investors are rushing into ETFs is their tax advantages; many people buy into the funds expecting to pay the lower capital gains rate on their profits. But depending on what your ETF invests in, you could be in for a big shock -- and a bigger bite out of your earnings -- come April 15.
The securities industry is always coming up with the "latest and greatest" way to make a quick buck. But almost all of such vehicles are structured to benefit brokers and money managers. Investors wind up getting relegated to their usual status as victims with no redress.
As assets in U.S. exchange-traded funds hit a record of more than $700 billion last year, ETF providers are sprouting faster than you can say ETF boom. Indeed, there are now nearly 30.
While nobody was paying much attention, exchange-traded funds, with their lower costs and greater transparency, have scooped up a $2 billion to $4 billion share of the $1 trillion 401(k) market. Is an ETF right for you?