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Exchange-Traded Funds

(ETFs)

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Understanding Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is an investment fund traded on stock exchanges, much like stocks. An ETF holds assets such as stocks, commodities, or bonds and generally operates with an arbitrage mechanism designed to keep it trading close to its net asset value, although deviations can occasionally occur.

What are ETFs

An Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) is a type of fund that is listed and traded on the stock exchange. The underlying assets within an ETF can range from ordinary shares, bonds, commodities to futures.

ETFs mainly aim to track the underlying asset and not outperform it. As such they provide a great opportunity to diversify your portfolio and gain wide access to sectors and markets.

How do ETFs work

ETFs are funds that are divided into shares and traded on an exchange just like ordinary shares. Their pricing is also updated throughout the day.

The assets within an ETF are usually related, such as Equity ETFs, Bond ETFs and Currency ETFs. An example would be one of the many ETFs that track the ASX 200 index. This means the ETF will hold the companies that make up the ASX 200 index. This fund will aim to closely track the performance of this Index.

Types of ETFs

There are limitless types of ETFs available. The main types include:

Broad-market ETFs
These are the most popular ETFs. They aim to track a broad index such as ASX 200 or FTSE 100.

Sector ETFs
They allow access to industry sectors, such as the financial sector, health care, technology and energy sectors.

Dividend ETFs
Dividend ETFs invest in dividend yielding stocks. There are different strategies and they are outlined by the fund provider.

Benefits of ETFs

Diversification
ETFs allow access to a broad range of securities. ETFs can help you diversify your investment across multiple assets.

Access to other markets
ETFs allow access to markets not easily accessible, such as overseas indices and other market sectors.

Liquidity
ETFs are trading on the exchange the same way as a normal stock. This allows great liquidity compared to other types of funds.

Transparency
ETF managers are under ASIC obligation to regularly disclose to the market what the underlying assets are.

Disadvantages of ETFs

Ownership control
No direct ownership of ETFs' underlying asset

Currency Risk
If the ETFs' underlying assets are international assets, there may be a currency risk, if the ETF is not currency hedged.

Tracking Errors
An ETF aims to closely track the underlying assets. Due to factors such as illiquidity and management fees there may be tracking errors.

Need help?

If you need assistance to start investing or have any questions, we are here to help.

Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks and take care to manage your exposure and seek independent advice if necessary. It's important for you to consider relevant legal documents (Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide) before you decide whether or not to acquire any of our products.

TF Global Markets (Aust) Limited is the holder of Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) number 424700. Registered address: Level 18, 357 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia. ABN: 69158361561.

This AFSL authorises us to provide our services to people or businesses that are located in Australia.

The information on this site is not directed to residents of the United States, Canada and Japan and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

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Exchange-Traded Funds

(ETFs)

Understanding Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

What are ETFs

How do ETFs work

Types of ETFs

Benefits of ETFs

Disadvantages of ETFs

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