Forex Power Trading Course

Saturday, November 7, 2009

ETF Trading Basics: The Advantages

By Patrick Deaton

There is no doubt that ETF trading is becoming an interesting topic for many people. The Exchange-Traded Funds market is very detailed. There are many different types of trading in this market and there are many moving parts when one starts ETF trading. This is a very brief look at the advantages of ETF trading and some information that may be helpful to a person who is just being introduced to ETF.

There are many benefits to ETF trading but a person needs to know that the "history" referred to in ETF is relative. The major players in ETF trading are large financial firms that have a strong history and background in the stock market. ETF itself began being actively-managed in 2008. When one looks for a "history" of success with ETF they will want to look to the firms that have a history of success on Wall Street.

The next important item to know is that this industry is growing like crazy. In 2008 there were 628 ETFs with $562 billion, in August of 2009 there were 858 ETFs with $674 billion. With the growth has come many different types of ETFs that range from minimally risky to very risky.

Among the benefits of ETFs is their likeness to stocks. The difference is that they are usually less expensive and are not actively-managed. Buying and selling of securities to accommodate shareholders does not take place with ETFs. Most ETFs don't have 12b-1 fees. And, there are lower distribution, accounting, and marketing expenses.

There is a tremendous amount of buying and selling flexibility. ETFs can be bought and sold at any time during the trading day. A person can purchase shares on margin and sell short which allows hedging strategies to be used. Most of the benefits of stock trading are included in ETF trading. A person can use stop order, limit orders, use stop-loss orders, and buy on margin options (puts, calls, etc).

ETFs generate relatively low capital gains so have the same tax efficiency as that found in mutual funds. This is because of the low turnover in portfolio securities that ETFs have. A trader can balance their portfolio allocations more economically because of the market exposure and diversity of the trading. And, whether the ETF is actively-managed or indexed, there is transparency. Each day the ETF website posts the net asset value and other information that the trader will want to know for the day before. One is never left in the dark about trading or asset management.

In order to be structured an ETF must get an exemption from the SEC. Most ETFs are structured as open-end management investment companies the same as mutual and money market funds so have greater flexibility in constructing a portfolio. They can participate in lending programs and can use futures and options to achieve investment objectives. The SEC has proposed a category for ETFs that will make them open-end management investment companies. When the proposal is approved ETFs will no longer have 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. - 23310

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