Commodities, Electric Vehicles, Diversified Markets, Bitcoin ETFs and More!

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are transforming investment strategies by offering easy access to diverse assets – these are popular choices for both individual and institutional investors looking to achieve targeted investment objectives or broad market exposure. Due to their passive management style, they often come with lower expense ratios, as they typically mirror the composition of an underlying index rather than being actively managed by a fund manager.

What is an ETF?

An ETF is an investment fund traded on stock exchanges, much like individual stocks. ETFs hold assets such as stocks, commodities, or bonds and generally operate with an arbitrage mechanism designed to keep the trading close to its net asset value, though deviations can occasionally occur. They offer investors a way to purchase a broad portfolio of assets with a single transaction, providing diversification benefits but with the liquidity and flexibility of stock trading. ETFs (available on EasyEquities) could offer exposure to Physical Palladium, Physical Platinum, Physical Gold, Cannabis, Cloud Computing, Autonomous & Electric Vehicles, Government bonds, and many more. 

Additionally, they could allow investors to invest in a variety of markets, including China, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Dividend-paying ETFs also exist, allowing investors to receive regular income. These ETFs distribute dividends, or interest from the companies they are invested in or from the interest received on cash or bonds within the fund.

In January 2024, the SEC approved a number of spot bitcoin ETFs, followed by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) approving the country's first bitcoin ETF by VanEck. These approvals mark significant milestones, expanding the range of assets available through ETFs and providing new opportunities for investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies.

Considerations and potential drawbacks

Despite their many advantages, ETFs do have some drawbacks that investors should consider. One notable disadvantage is the potential for lower liquidity compared to individual stocks or unit trusts, particularly for ETFs tracking niche or less popular sectors. This can result in higher bid-ask spreads, increasing the cost of trading. Additionally, tracking errors can occur when an ETF does not perfectly replicate the performance of its underlying index or assets, leading to discrepancies between the ETF’s returns and the returns of the benchmark it aims to track.

ETFs for the win

ETFs are transforming the landscape of investment strategies, offering diverse and accessible options for investors. While they provide numerous benefits, it is essential to be aware of potential challenges such as liquidity issues and tracking errors. By understanding these factors, investors can make informed decisions and effectively utilize ETFs to achieve their financial goals. Explore the range of ETFs on EasyEquities to find the right fit for your investment strategy.