ETFs offer easy entry to exciting markets
Friday 16 July 2004
The controversy over the high cost of managed share funds may lead to consideration of ETFs (exchange-traded funds), which offer low costs (usually 0.75%) and entry to different and exciting markets.
By The Landlord
ETFs are essentially index funds that trade like shares on major stock exchanges. They were launched in the US in 1994 and now have a market value of $US150 billion only a fraction of the $US7.5 trillion held in funds but growing quickly.They are attractive because they are low-cost passive funds that track various indices. Their attractions also include high liquidity.
They trade continuously during market hours and allow investors to lock in a price at any moment. Other funds in contrast are priced once a day using the closing price of their stocks.
ETFs offer wonderful diversification. Investors can buy products designated by industry or country, growth or income. Many opt for an ETF that tracks Wall Street's most important index, the Standard & Poor's 500. The advantage is that fees have been honed down to as little as 0.09%.
The S&P500 iShare is a transparent investment; its price is quoted throughout the day and investors can also follow it on the futures market.
Read More - Opens in a new window
Commenting is closed
Property News
Tenancy reform submissions due March 25
Worried about the government’s tenancy law reforms? You’d better speak up soon because there’s under a month to make a submission on the legislation.
Commercial
Headwinds for the commercial market
Tightening credit conditions could impact on New Zealand’s booming commercial property market, according to the Property Council’s chief executive.
Mortgages
Heartland launches reverse mortgages for investors
Heartland has expanded its reverse mortgage business and will now lend against investment properties and second homes, as the product becomes more popular in New Zealand.
