Saturday 30 April 2011

Exchange Traded Funds vs Mutual Funds

Investing in funds has helped many people get decent annual returns over the years. The concepts of exchange traded funds and mutual funds are easy to understand. At the same time, one must be aware of the difference between exchange traded funds and mutual funds so that you can decide which investment would be more advantageous for you. The content on exchange traded funds vs mutual funds will give you the solution for all your queries regarding fund investments.

Concept of Exchange Traded Funds

In the mutual funds vs exchange traded fund comparison, let us first get acquainted with exchange traded funds. These are nothing but the index mutual funds with some special features and characteristics. In the ETF's, an index is tracked and their aim is to generate consistent returns for the investors. The ETF's are bought and sold constantly and hence they will naturally experience a lot of fluctuations in their prices. The main reason why ETF's have been recommended is that they help us diversify our investment like an index fund. What advantage the ETF's have over the mutual funds include the tax benefits. We must be well aware that taxes incurred on ETF's are lower than that on the mutual funds. The cost effective nature and flexibility provided by ETF investments have made them a popular choice over the years. Index ETF's, bond ETF's and commodity ETF's are the main types of ETF's available for investors. Though there are some points which are better about ETF's than mutual funds in the ETF vs mutual funds comparison, mutual fund systematic investments have always helped generate superior returns over a longer period of time. So, let us get to know more about them in the next section of exchange traded funds vs mutual funds.

Concept of Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are being offered by financial services firms across the world. They are a safer bet for investors wary of the stock markets and direct stock investing. Mutual funds can average out your risk by investing in different sectors of the economy. When you approach the mutual fund service providers, you will be explained the nature of various schemes floated by the company in the market. You will be explained the role of fund managers and the how the returns are maximized with accurate decisions. By considering the mutual fund ratings and reviews, you can take a final call on your mutual fund investments.

Mutual funds are systematic financial products which are of three types - high risk high return ones, medium risk medium return ones and the low risk low return ones. You can choose any product as per your risk taking ability. To start with, retail investors can go with low risk funds and then switch over to the other fund as they become more confident about their investments. The mutual funds will be investing your money in stocks of performing companies. Predicting the company future performance is slightly tough considering the constantly changing business environments. However, this risk is reduced as the fund managers have the right to exit a particular company stock and invest in out performers to keep up with the promise of returns to investors. Mutual fund companies will charge you for their services and you can expect a much better performance from them in times of market boom fueled by strong economic growth. ETF vs index fund will give you more information.

This exchange traded funds vs mutual funds comparison must have helped you know about both these types. You can opt for any investment type by conducting a detailed research and consulting your investment advisers. All the best and happy investing!

No comments:

Post a Comment