Sheryl nance nash

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?

M&A activity is set to pick up as cash becomes more available and the economy improves. Buyers will find bargains if they make a careful match between companies and keep key employees on board.

The furor over pay on Wall Street and in executive suites isn't likely to fade anytime soon: Wall Street employees saw their bonuses increase by 17% to a collective $20.3 billion in 2009. But a closer look a Corporate America shows that changes for the better are happening.

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.

Says one economist: "We will probably lose 0.3% from real GDP growth during the quarter, maybe a bit more depending on lost productivity." Travel and entertainment -- and consumer spending overall -- are likely to suffer. But small businesses probably face the worst of it.

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.

Some equity fund managers are talking the talk, but not walking the walk -- by churning their portfolios more than they say. A new study finds that some active equity fund managers have higher portfolio turnover rates than they themselves claim.

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.

Costs for the most popular types of health-care coverage are projected to increase by more than 10% in 2010. Making matters worse, a separate report shows the health share of the U.S. gross domestic product is expected to have risen to 17.3% in 2009 from 16.2% in 2008.