ETF Research

By: EconomyWatch   Date: 3 August 2009

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EconomyWatch

The core Content Team our economy, industry, investing and personal finance reference articles.

EconomyWatch, Content Team

 

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ETF research is the most important part of ETF trading. With ETFs going online, there are various websites that help one to filter through the various ETFs and select the right one for investing.

 

Before starting your ETF research, it is essential to identify your preferred trading style:

  • Intra day

  • Buy and hold

 

What ETF Research Should Cover
 

Once the trading style is identified, ETF research should include these areas:

·        Sponsors of the ETFs: Companies that create and manage the funds should be reliable names. The efficiency of the fund manager should also be evaluated by studying the yield of the ETFs.

·        Performance of the ETF: Investment is made for returns. So, research on the performance history of the ETF. Look for at least a monthly or preferably for an annual performance report.

·        Portfolio: Research about the holdings of the ETF. Portfolio should have both big and small names of the segment that the ETF invests in.

·        Diversification: If a segment of holdings does not perform well, it is essential for an ETF to have a diversified investment plan that focuses strategically on all the holdings. This hedges the entire ETF against losses.

·        Trading style (inverse, ultra, short): ETFs come in different trading styles. Some make profit when the market goes down, others multiply the profits while still some offer lesser yet fixed income. So, research on the ETF style and how to use ETFs as a strategical investment in your portfolio.

·        Trading expenses and commissions: ETFs trading costs money like stocks. Therefore, inquire about all the taxes, commissions and management fees that the ETF charges. Researching on this aspect is essential as the high taxes or commissions can eat into the profits.

 

ETF Research and ETF Screeners 
 

With a range of ETFs, researching for the right ETF can be an arduous task. ETF screeners, in such cases, can help a trader in narrowing down the choice based on various parameters such as:

  • Yields

  • Holdings

  • Risk ratio

 

Once the ETFs are narrowed down to a smaller number, it becomes easier for a trader to study them in details.

 

ETF research is, in fact, the ideal way to start ETF trading. A thorough research enables informed decisions and keeps a trader prepared with strategic knowledge to hedge against losses.

 


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