About ETFs:
An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a collection of marketable securities that track an underlying index. ETFs combine features of mutual funds and stocks, allowing investors to gain exposure to a basket of assets while providing the flexibility to be traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks.
- Diversification: ETFs provide diversification by allowing investors to gain exposure to a basket of assets with a single investment.
- ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the trading day on stock exchanges at market prices, unlike mutual funds which are priced only at the end of the trading day.
- Affordable: ETFs typically have lower fees and expenses compared to actively managed mutual funds, as they are passively managed to track an index.
- The largest ETFs track major stock market indexes like the S&P 500, providing investors with broad exposure to the overall stock market.
Types of ETFs:
- Equity ETFs that track equity indices.
- Debt ETFs that invest in government and corporate bonds.
- Commodity ETFs that invest in commodities like gold and silver.
- Sectoral/thematic ETFs that focus on specific industries or themes.
International ETFs that track foreign indices.
Q1: What are mutual funds and stocks?
Mutual funds are investments in a portfolio of securities, managed by professionals, offering diversification and reduced risk. Stocks are direct investments in individual companies, requiring expertise and risk tolerance.
Source: Investors pour into India ETFs ahead of election result
Last updated on January, 2026
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