The Basic Advantages Of ETF Trading

By Patrick Deaton

Most people are just learning about ETF trading. Many have only heard bits and pieces about the Exchange-Traded Funds market and how it works. This is an incredibly complex market that a person will want to learn and get comfortable with before beginning trading in earnest. This is a brief overview of the benefits of ETF trading that may encourage a person to look into the market more closely.

Usually when someone talks about the "history" of a company, business, or market, people automatically think a long time. This is not the case with ETF. ETF became actively-managed in 2008. The "history" that ETF has is the relationship with the financial firms that are the major financial firms with a long history who are ETF leaders. By looking at these firms history with stocks, one can surmise that ETF will have a solid growth.

ETF is growing rapidly. There are many financial advisors who are not knowledgeable of all the aspects of the market because of its rapid growth. In 2008 there were 628 ETFs with $562 billion dollars. By August, 2009, there were 858 with $674 billion. This type of growth, in a volatile market, makes ETFs were looking at seriously.

There are numerous advantages to ETF trading. It has many of the benefits that stock provide. However, ETFs are usually very affordable when they are not actively-managed. Most ETFs do not have 12b-1 fees. There are lower accounting, distribution, and marketing costs. And, there is not forced purchase or sales of securities to pay shareholders.

ETF trading provides more flexibility in buying and selling than stocks. A trader can buy and sell ETF stocks at any time during a day of trading. They can use limit orders, stop-loss orders, stop orders, etc., just like stocks. A trader can purchase shared on margin then sell short to incorporate hedging strategies effectively.

There is the same tax efficiency that is found with mutual funds. They generate relatively low capital gains because there is low turnover in portfolio securities. ETF trading provides market exposure and diversity that allows an investor an economical way to balance portfolio allocations. And, finally, whether the ETF is indexed or actively-managed there is transparency.

Most ETFs are structured as open-end management investment companies. They must get an exemption from the SEC for form the company and are structured the same as mutual and money market funds. This gives the ETF flexibility when constructing their portfolio. The ETF can use futures and options to achieve investment objectives and participate in lending programs. The SEC has a proposal to make ETFs open-end management investment companies which will alleviate the need to get an exemption.

When considering ETF trading it is important to talk to a professional who has knowledge about ETF trading and the intricacies of the market. There are many complex details that one should have a solid knowledge in before entering trading. A professional will be able to assist and advise an individual in the best strategy to be successful when they begin trading.

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