Which ETF is best?
Measure how well the ETF tracks the index
Determine how closely the ETF tracks the index returns. See how consistent the ETF's tracking quality is over time. While an ETF is closely aligned with the performance of the index it is tracking, they do not match exactly.
- Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE Arca: XLE) ...
- iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSE Arca: IJR) ...
- Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE Arca: SCHD) ...
- Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE Arca: XLF) ...
- iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSE Arca: DGRO) ...
- Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE Arca: XLI)
Measure how well the ETF tracks the index
Determine how closely the ETF tracks the index returns. See how consistent the ETF's tracking quality is over time. While an ETF is closely aligned with the performance of the index it is tracking, they do not match exactly.
Key Takeaways. ETFs are considered to be low-risk investments because they are low-cost and hold a basket of stocks or other securities, increasing diversification. For most individual investors, ETFs represent an ideal type of asset with which to build a diversified portfolio.
Fund (ticker) | 5-year annual returns | Expense ratio |
---|---|---|
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) | 15.2% | 0.03% |
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) | 15.2% | 0.095% |
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) | 15.2% | 0.03% |
Schwab S&P 500 Index (SWPPX) | 15.2% | 0.02% |
Symbol | Name | AUM |
---|---|---|
SPY | SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust | $501,812,000.00 |
IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | $451,713,000.00 |
VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | $421,671,000.00 |
VTI | Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF | $379,114,000.00 |
- Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
- Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA)
- Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)
- Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index ETF (VYM)
- Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS)
- Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT)
- iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG)
Ultimately, investors choosing an ETF need to ask 3 questions: What exposure does this ETF have? How well does the ETF deliver this exposure? And how efficiently can I access the ETF? Look at the ETF's underlying index (benchmark) to determine the exposure you're getting.
For most personal investors, an optimal number of ETFs to hold would be 5 to 10 across asset classes, geographies, and other characteristics.
The majority of individual investors should, however, seek to hold 5 to 10 ETFs that are diverse in terms of asset classes, regions, and other factors. Investors can diversify their investment portfolio across several industries and asset classes while maintaining simplicity by buying 5 to 10 ETFs.
What is the downside to an ETF?
At any given time, the spread on an ETF may be high, and the market price of shares may not correspond to the intraday value of the underlying securities. Those are not good times to transact business. Make sure you know what an ETF's current intraday value is as well as the market price of the shares before you buy.
Symbol | Name | 5-Year Return |
---|---|---|
GBTC | Grayscale Bitcoin Trust | 68.99% |
USD | ProShares Ultra Semiconductors | 60.47% |
FNGU | MicroSectors FANG+™ Index 3X Leveraged ETN | 51.57% |
FNGO | MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETNs | 48.38% |
![Which ETF is best? (2024)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/05muePC_hyo/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEcCNAFEJQDSFXyq4qpAw4IARUAAIhCGAFwAcABBg==&rs=AOn4CLBA5qjlYNO-qCcKM4LT_i7pwF70jA)
Because of their wide array of holdings, ETFs provide the benefits of diversification, including lower risk and less volatility, which often makes a fund safer to own than an individual stock. An ETF's return depends on what it's invested in. An ETF's return is the weighted average of all its holdings.
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Because of this, VOO is a great option for investors seeking exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Blend segment of the market.
If you don't want to put a lot of effort into managing your investments, then S&P 500 ETFs are a good solution. But if you're willing to do the work, then you might do even better in the long run with a portfolio of hand-picked stocks (although, the odds are against you).
Key Takeaways. Dividend ETFs invest in high-yielding dividend stocks to maintain a stable, steady income. The S&P 500 is a broad-based index of large U.S. stocks, providing growth and diversification. The best choice for you will depend on whether you prefer income or growth from your investments.
Consider Both ETFs and Mutual Funds
Owning both types of funds may be a smart strategy as each can offer protection and opportunity. For example, if you own a passively managed ETF, also buying an actively managed mutual fund may offer you some upside potential beyond that of the index being tracked.
The low investment threshold for most ETFs makes it easy for a beginner to implement a basic asset allocation strategy that matches their investment time horizon and risk tolerance. For example, young investors might be 100% invested in equity ETFs when they are in their 20s.
ETFs offer advantages over stocks in two situations. First, when the return from stocks in the sector has a narrow dispersion around the mean, an ETF might be the best choice. Second, if you are unable to gain an advantage through knowledge of the company, an ETF is your best choice.
What do analysts say about VOO? VOO's analyst rating consensus is a Moderate Buy.
Is it safe to put all your money in an ETF?
ETFs can be safe investments if used correctly, offering diversification and flexibility. Indexed ETFs, tracking specific indexes like the S&P 500, are generally safe and tend to gain value over time. Leveraged ETFs can be used to amplify returns, but they can be riskier due to increased volatility.
Symbol | Name | Expense Ratio |
---|---|---|
SCHP | Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF | 0.03% |
SCHO | Schwab Short-Term U.S. Treasury ETF | 0.03% |
SCHR | Schwab Intermediate-Term U.S. Treasury ETF | 0.03% |
VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | 0.03% |
You expose your portfolio to much higher risk with sector ETFs, so you should use them sparingly, but investing 5% to 10% of your total portfolio assets may be appropriate. If you want to be highly conservative, don't use these at all.
An ETF focused on the broader market is best for beginners. Top options include the S&P 500-focused Vanguard 500 ETF or the even broader Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF. They both own hundreds of stocks and have low expense ratios.
Should you invest in ETFs? Since ETFs offer built-in diversification and don't require large amounts of capital in order to invest in a range of stocks, they are a good way to get started. You can trade them like stocks while also enjoying a diversified portfolio.