What is an ETF portfolio?

Written by
Gergely K.
Fact checked by
Gyula L.
Updated
Apr 2022

An ETF (exchange-traded fund) consists of various securities, thus offering a degree of diversification. Holding multiple ETFs in your portfolio, in turn, provides further diversification. Because of trading costs, it can even work out cheaper than owning multiple individual securities. Automatic investment solutions such as robo-advisors often use this strategy, assembling a portfolio of ETFs for their clients.

What are the benefits of an ETF portfolio?

Most ETFs have a "theme" that determines the composition of that particular ETF. For example, an ETF can represent and cover

  • specific industries (e.g. the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund covers US utilities)
  • regions (e.g. the iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex-Japan ETF)
  • market caps and styles (e.g. the iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF)
  • investment strategies (like the VanEck Vectors Social Sentiment ETF)
  • specific commodities (e.g. the Aberdeen Standard Physical Silver Shares ETF)
  • other themes (e.g. ESG investing)

 

Some ETFs offer a degree of diversification in themselves; for example, the iShares Core MSCI World ETF gives broad exposure to a wide range of global companies across 23 developed countries. However, more thematic and niche ETFs don't offer this level of diversification, so those seeking wider exposure should build a portfolio of ETFs.

For example, many US investors have some home bias and only invest in ETFs that hold only US equities. One could argue that they'd be better off diversifying into ETFs with exposure to other regions as well.

What else do you need to know about ETFs?

Want to know more before deciding which is the best ETF for you? Check out these articles to deepen your knowledge:

How can I buy ETFs?

For more info, click here to learn how to buy ETFs online.

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Author of this article

Gergely Korpos

Co-Founder, CPO | Equity • Community Trader • Financial Market

With over a decade of experience in financial markets, I've executed thousands of trades as both a commodity trader and an equity portfolio manager. I have hands-on experience in opening accounts with the brokers that are listed on BrokerChooser. As the co-founder and Chief Product Officer (CPO) of BrokerChooser, my mission is to demystify personal investing for all.

Everything you find on BrokerChooser is based on reliable data and unbiased information. We combine our 10+ years finance experience with readers feedback. Read more about our methodology.

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