ETF vs Mutual Fund, which one is for you?
Investors seeking professional management for their portfolio often turn to exchange traded funds (ETFs), sometimes referred to as an index fund, and mutual funds, as both investment options provide diversified exposure to a wide array of securities/investments. Thus, the ETF vs Mutual Fund argument is born.
While they share some similarities, these investments differ in aspects that could significantly impact an investor’s overall return.
Exchange traded funds are traded throughout the day on stock exchanges and are treated the same way as stocks and shares are bought and sold, allowing investors to buy and sell them at any time during market hours.
On the other hand, a mutual fund can only be bought or sold at the end of each day, based on its net asset value (NAV).
Managed funds have a manager who makes investment decisions to outperform the market, while ETFs are often passively managed and track an index.
You can purchase ETFs and Mutual funds through a Lump Sum Investment Platform/Personalised Portfolio Bond or a regular savings or retirement plan.
ETF vs Mutual Fund: Key Takeaways
- ETFs offer diversification and exposure to the markets, as do mutual funds, but they differ in trading flexibility and management style.
- Fees are far lower for ETFs due to their passive management, as opposed to actively managed funds.
- The goal of a managed fund is to outperform the index, thus justifying the higher charges. The goal of index funds is to match the index. Enter the ETF vs Mutual Fund debate.
Understanding ETF vs Mutual Fund
Fundamentals: ETFs
ETFs are created to replicate the performance of a particular index (e.g. S&P 500) or sector (new energy, agriculture), allowing investors to diversify their portfolios without purchasing multiple stocks and shares on an individual basis.
An ETF’s price is determined by market demand and supply and is updated throughout the day. This enables investors to trade ETFs at any point when the market is open, providing them with more flexibility than mutual funds.
Overview: Mutual Funds
Mutual funds pool together investments from multiple investors to create a professionally managed collection of stocks, bonds, and other underlying securities.
They provide an easy way for investors to access a well-diversified portfolio without the need for extensive research and individual stock-picking.
Unlike ETFs, mutual funds cannot be traded throughout the day. Many mutual funds are more actively managed than ETFs, which can result in higher fees and increase the importance of the manager’s performance.
ETF vs Mutual Fund: Investment Strategies
When choosing between active traditional mutual funds or an ETF, there are a few key differences to consider. Investors often debate about ETF vs Mutual Funds and which is the best option. Do they value performance over cost?
It is important to consider the mutual fund company and whether you want to employ a manager with a unique style, which will vary from one fund company to another or whether you want to let the market dictate the success of your investment.
Actively managed ETFs do exist, but on the whole, most ETFs are passive, whilst mutual funds are managed, which increases the expense ratios.
Active fund managers employ a team of analysts who make investment decisions on behalf of the fund. The teams behind these funds use their expertise and research to try to beat the market and outperform a specific benchmark index, such as a stock index related to the underlying assets of the fund’s holdings.
In contrast, passive management aims to track and replicate the performance of a specific index, such as the S&P 500 or FTSE 100. Instead of trying to beat the market, passive funds aim to match the performance of the index.
According to the Investment Company Institute, the popularity of passively managed funds has grown considerably over the past decade compared to actively managed mutual funds, driven by the increasing availability of lower-cost index funds.
It is worth noting that an actively managed mutual fund, while potentially delivering higher returns due to the expertise of fund managers, can also underperform the market, delivering fewer returns, which again brings into question what is the better option, ETF vs Mutual Fund?
ETF vs Mutual Fund: Fees and Charges
When comparing an ETF and actively managed funds, it is essential to consider the various fees that investors pay associated with each investment opportunity. Both investments have different fees, which can significantly impact an investor’s returns.
ETFs are known to have a cost advantage over higher mutual fund fees, as they typically charge a lower expense ratio. An expense ratio is the cost of managing the investment as a proportion of the fund’s average daily net assets. A lower expense ratio can translate into more favourable returns for ETF investors.
In addition to expense ratios, commission fees might be applicable for investors when trading ETFs. On the other hand, mutual funds tend to be purchased and sold at the end of the trading day, potentially avoiding these commission fees. However, some mutual funds may charge a sales or load fee when purchased or sold.
ETF vs Mutual Fund: Trading and Liquidity
ETFs and active mutual funds have distinct differences in trading and liquidity. An exchange traded fund can trade on a stock exchange similarly to stocks, allowing investors to execute trades at any time during market hours. ETFs often carry a far smaller minimum investment amount.
In contrast, mutual funds do not trade like stocks on an exchange. Instead, they are bought and sold at the end of each trading day at a single price called the net asset value (NAV). The NAV is calculated based on the total value of the fund’s underlying holdings divided by the number of shares outstanding. This means that the market price of a mutual fund is determined only once a day and does not fluctuate like an ETF’s market price. As a result, mutual fund investors cannot use various trading techniques that ETFs can, such as limit orders or stop orders and need to wait until the end of the day to execute trades.
In summary, ETFs are more flexible to trade. If you are employing a buy-and-hold strategy, then this is not something that should concern you.
ETF vs Mutual Fund: Tax Implications: Capital gains
A significant factor to consider when comparing ETF vs Mutual Fund investment is their tax efficiency, which refers to how they manage and minimise the impact of taxes on an investor’s returns, such as capital gains tax.
In addition, ETFs can also provide value by avoiding capital gains taxes. As Investopedia explains, ETFs typically reinvest their dividends automatically, which often avoids triggering a taxable event for the ETF holder, such as capital gains. Realised capital gains taxes occur more frequently when you sell or buy mutual funds directly.
ETF vs Mutual Fund: Portfolio Diversification
Portfolio diversification is a crucial aspect of investing as it helps to reduce the risks associated with investing in a single security or sector. By spreading investments across various assets, investors can minimise potential losses and maximise capital gains. In this portfolio diversification approach, an ETF and a mutual fund play a significant role.
ETFs provide a cost-effective and efficient way for investors to diversify their portfolios. They are investment vehicles that track the performance of market indices, such as the S&P 500, and allow investors to gain exposure to a broad range of individual securities within those indices. ETFs can offer instant diversification through a single investment. They consist of stocks, bonds, commodities, or other assets. Investors can further diversify their portfolios by using ETFs that focus on different industries or international markets.
Mutual funds, on the other hand, are pooled investment vehicles that are typically actively managed by professional managers. These managers make investment decisions on behalf of the fund’s investors by selecting and allocating assets across various securities and sectors. Mutual funds often hold a diversified range of securities, which include domestic and international stocks, bonds, and commodities. This pooling and active management approach enables investors to access a professionally selected and varied portfolio without managing it themselves.
ETF vs Mutual Fund: Risk and Return
Actively managed funds and ETFs are investment options that pool investors’ money into a portfolio of assets such as stocks, bonds, and commodities. Both funds aim to provide long-term investors with a balanced exposure to various market sectors and risk levels. The returns from these funds are primarily driven by the performance of their underlying assets, which are influenced by factors such as market volatility and benchmark indices.
ETFs are traded on major exchanges, allowing investors to buy and sell shares at market prices throughout the trading day. This feature provides investors with liquidity not found with almost all mutual funds, typically bought and sold at the end of the trading day at their net asset value (NAV). Because ETFs trade like stocks, their prices can be more susceptible to short-term market fluctuations, which may result in higher risk for those looking to invest over a shorter time horizon.
Mutual funds, on the other hand, provide investors with a more stable and predictable investment experience. Most mutual funds are managed by professional portfolio managers who make investment decisions on behalf of their shareholders, aiming to achieve a specific benchmark or investment objective. This active management can result in lower risk and higher returns over the long term compared to passively managed ETFs. However, the fees charged by mutual funds for active management can erode returns, so investors must consider these costs when evaluating their options.
Mutual funds and ETFs offer opportunities for portfolio diversification and capital appreciation. However, the extent of their growth will largely depend on the assets held in their respective portfolios and the management styles employed. Investors should carefully examine the performance histories and strategies of each fund.
Ultimately, the choice between ETF vs Mutual Fund will depend on an individual investor’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. By understanding the unique characteristics and potential benefits of each, investors can make informed decisions about which investment vehicle best aligns with their objectives.
ETF vs Mutual Fund: Conclusion
ETF vs mutual funds offers viable avenues for diversification and exposure to an array of securities. ETFs stand out for their cost-effectiveness, tax efficiency, and trading flexibility, making them an attractive option for those who favour a passive investment approach with liquidity. On the other hand, mutual funds, predominantly actively managed, present the potential for higher returns through expert investment decisions, albeit at higher fees, and are ideal for those eyeing long-term wealth accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference in trading flexibility between ETF vs Mutual Fund?
The main difference in trading flexibility between ETFs and Funds is that ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the day like stocks, while Funds can only be bought or sold at the end of each trading day based on NAV.
Are the fees and charges typically higher for ETF vs Mutual Fund, and why?
Fees are typically higher for Funds because they are often actively managed. On the other hand, ETFs are usually passive, resulting in lower fees.
What is the primary goal of a managed Mutual Fund compared to that of a passive investing ETF that tracks an index?
The primary goal of a managed Fund is to outperform the market index, whereas the goal of an ETF is to track an index through passive management.
What is a significant tax implication difference between ETF vs Mutual Funds?
ETFs are generally more tax-efficient than Funds. ETFs minimise taxes on capital gains distributions, allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes. In contrast, Funds buy and sell securities, which leads to a capital gain.
How do ETF vs Mutual Funds help in portfolio diversification?
ETFs track market indices, providing investors exposure to a broad range of securities and offering instant diversification. Mutual Funds are managed and hold a diversified range of securities selected by professionals, enabling access to a professionally selected diversified portfolio.
