Displaying items by tag: low cost ETFs

The domestic broad-market ETF sector is highly competitive, with popular options like Vanguard's and iShares' total market and S&P 500 funds. While these funds offer low costs, blended styles, and broad sector coverage, there are lesser-known alternatives worth considering. 

For broad U.S. market exposure, the Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (SCHB) and the SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (SPTM) provide similar market coverage at lower costs. For those focused on large-cap exposure, the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG) and BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF (BKLC) offer even lower expense ratios. 

Using these alternatives can enhance tax-loss harvesting strategies while maintaining market exposure. By diversifying beyond the usual Vanguard and iShares funds, investors may find cost savings and strategic benefits.

Finsum: You can still implement thematic investing with these ETFs, so keep this in mind when making decisions. 

In recent months, the stock market has been extremely volatile, prompting increased interest in low-volatility low-cost ETFs. While the market has seen gains this year due to a growing appetite for riskier investments, uncertainties like the Federal Reserve's future actions, geopolitical tensions, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election still loom large. 

Low-volatility ETFs offer investors a way to participate in the market with potentially less risk, although they are not immune to sharp downturns. These funds may underperform compared to more dynamic portfolios, especially during market surges. However, they can be attractive for those prioritizing capital preservation over high returns.

 Examples of popular low-volatility ETFs include the Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF, which focuses on the least volatile stocks in the S&P 500, and the iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF, which targets lower-risk companies in developed markets outside the U.S.

Finsum: Be mindful of what thematic ETFs you want to integrate into your portfolios, because there will be a chance to capitalize in the coming months. 

ETF costs have fallen precipitously over the last decade but finding growth-oriented options can be a small challenge. Investing $3,000 evenly across these ETFs incurs just $12 in annual fees, making it a cost-effective strategy. All three ETFs have outperformed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite in 2024, suggesting they have more growth potential.

• The Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) tracks top growth stocks from the Russell 1000 index, boasting significant exposure to tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia, and offers a low expense ratio of 0.08%. 
• The Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) targets the burgeoning generative AI market, with holdings including Nvidia, Microsoft, and Alphabet, and has seen a 22% rise year-to-date with an expense ratio of 0.75%. 
• The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) provides broad exposure to the semiconductor industry, including companies like Taiwan Semiconductor and ASML, with a low expense ratio of 0.35%. 

Finsum: Technology seems to have sustained the high interest rate below and could be poised to turn around!