Don’t Buy Into These 7 ETF Myths

ETFs trade like a stock, but track an index, commodity or a basket of securities that represent a particular market sector. They offer investors immense diversity, as well as a way to mitigate the risk associated with a single asset.

Despite their popularity, though, there are a number of misconceptions about ETF investing. And if you’re buying into any of them, chances are you aren’t making the best use possible (and most money) out of these diverse investment vehicles.

Keep reading to make sure you’re not falling victim to any of these ETF fallacies.

Next: Index ETFs are the Way to Go

Instead of focusing on one or two individual funds, try building a portfolio of ETFs that offer broad exposure to key asset classes like stocks, bonds, commodities and real estate[5].

Next: ETFs are Riskier Than Mutual Funds

Some indexes, industry sectors or markets will be more risky or volatile than others. However, there’s no substantiated investment research to prove that ETFs are any more or less risky compared to mutual funds.

ETFs vs. ETNs: Which is Better?[6]

Next: ETFs are Only for Day Traders and Short-term Investors

While ETFs are often used by active investors as trading vehicles, they can be effectively used by buy-and-hold or long-term investors. Whereas one investor may purchase a particular ETF to hedge, another may purchase the exact same ETF with a completely different strategy, such as growing capital.

The unique product design of ETFs allows people with different investment objectives to own the same fund and still accomplish their goals.

Learn how to Build Your Own ETF With Options[7].

Next: Stocks and Mutual Funds Perform Better Than ETFs

The economy, inflation, interest rates and market conditions are a few factors that will impact performance. No one knows with any certainty which stocks, mutual funds or ETFs will perform the best in the future.

Next: ETFs are the Same as Individual Stocks

ETFs are typically more diversified than individual stocks.

Get 10 Reasons to Use ETFs When Trading Options[8].

Next: Traditional ETFs Underperform

Supposing that alternatively weighted indexes hypothetically outperformed, it’s important to understand there’s no guarantee they will do so in the future.

Next: ETFs are More Expensive Than Mutual Funds

Myth #7: ETFs are More Expensive Than Mutual Funds

Some people think ETFs are more expensive than mutual funds because you have to pay a brokerage commission[9] to buy them.

Generally speaking, investors buying or selling ETFs will pay a brokerage commission, whereas investors buying or selling no-load mutual funds pay none. However, some brokers impose a commission to buy or sell no-load mutual funds. Also, many mutual funds (even no-loads) impose back-end redemption charges for selling their funds before a restricted time period.

Any fair-cost analysis between ETFs and mutual funds should look at the entire spectrum of expenses — not just the transaction fee to acquire the fund. Investors should pay attention to financial costs such as expense ratios, brokerage commissions associated with the fund’s internal portfolio turnover, and tax efficiency.

Related Articles:

• How to Cash in on the ETF Craze[10]
• 5 ETF Advantages[11]
• New Margin Requirements for Leveraged ETFs[12]