The Difference Between Exchange -Traded Funds and Mutual Funds

Smart investing involves understanding the investment terminology. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and Mutual Funds are used in investment portfolios to add more diversity to the portfolio. By buying one single investment, both ETFs and mutual funds permit a wide range of investment options such as debt as an alternative to equity, foreign currency, country, and industry. Although they are both used to group securities together, there are differences between Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and Mutual Funds.

ETFs trade throughout the trading day, while mutual funds are traded at the end of the day and are typically cashed in or procured at the Net Asset Value which is set on the trading day's closing prices. Unlike conventional mutual funds, ETFs do not have sales loads or investment minimums. As well, ETFs have lower operating expenses than mutual funds; therefore, there is an increased rate of return.

Exchange traded funds perform just as normal stocks do regarding sales and purchases. When investors want to place an order to buy an exchange traded fund, they can place an order for the shares on the market and they will receive the order in the same way as any other stock purchased on the stock exchange. One will have brokerage fees to pay for the purchase or sale of exchange traded funds. Both mutual funds and ETFs have expense ratios. In most cases, exchange traded funds have lower expense ratios than mutual funds. Mutual funds have brokerage commissions based on the particular brokerage firm. Normally, these fees will be much higher than regular stock purchases. However, there are mutual funds available with no transaction fees. ETFs do receive a fee for the cost of a normal trade made at a brokerage. Fees are paid when one buys and sells shares.

Because ETFs produce and cash-in shares that are not considered sales, there are no taxable situations that take place. When a compulsory sale of stock takes place, mutual funds document and allocate more capital gains than ETFs. As well, ETFs are able to reduce or avoid capital gains allocation altogether. ETFs do not have early withdrawal fees, minimums to invest, or minimum holding periods. Mutual funds will normally have various categories of shares such as A, B, or C, which will likely have to be held for a set period of time in order to prevent added fees when selling. Mutual funds are typically required to maintain cash on hand in order to instantly conduct exchanges.

Unlike ETFs, Mutual funds normally cannot be sold short or purchased on margin by an investor. As well, all ETFs can be acquired from nearly any broker while mutual funds will have detailed arrangements with various brokerage firms. ETFs typically have lower managerial and operational expense deductions compared to mutual funds.

Whether one chooses either an Exchange-Traded Fund or Mutual Fund, it will depend on his or her own personal preference. The key to making a sound choice is to understand each type and determine which one will benefit your investment portfolio and your own personal financial needs.