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Similarities and Differences between ETFs and Mutual Funds

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Mutual funds and ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, are popular investment options for both beginners and experts. However, they differ in the way they are traded and managed. Mutual funds are actively managed, while ETFs are passively managed. Apart from this, there are multiple differences and similarities between mutual funds and ETFs that you must explore to make an informed decision about your investments. 

In this article, let’s discuss ETFs and mutual funds in detail. 

Understanding Similarities and Differences Mutual Funds vs ETF

Deciding between ETFs and mutual funds can be confusing at first but once you have understood the meaning, types and working you would be better skilled to make a smart choice. To begin with, mutual funds and ETFs are both investment pools of different kinds of securities like stocks, bonds etc. 

The key difference between ETFs and mutual funds is that the former can be traded only once at the end of each trading day while the latter can be traded intraday. The difference in their trading methods makes ETFs more liquid than mutual funds. 

Additionally, in most cases mutual funds are actively managed and ETFs are passively managed funds.

Now that you have an overview of the similarities and differences, let’s move ahead with the details for a better understanding. 

Difference between Mutual Funds vs ETFs

Being in the stock market you must have understood that ETFs and mutual funds have promising return opportunities because of their diverse investment nature. However, the mechanism of their functioning and management create differences that you must understand before putting your money in. Let’s take a look at their differences:

  • Trading Flexibility: As discussed earlier, mutual funds can be traded only once at the end of the day based on the net asset value (NAV). Whereas ETFs can be traded just like stocks throughout the day.

  • Cost Efficiency: Since ETFs are passively managed funds that do not require constant market monitoring, they are often more cost-efficient than mutual funds that require market gauging and analysis. 

  • Investment Approach: Exchange-traded funds are passively managed funds that are structured to track an underlying asset whereas mutual funds are actively managed by fund managers who aim at outperforming the market trend by buying and selling securities, smartly. 

  • Liquidity and Accessibility: ETFs are comparatively more liquid as they can be traded at any time during the trading hours however when it comes to mutual funds the investor does not have much control as they are managed by professional fund managers. 

ETF vs Mutual Funds - Comparison

Understanding the technicalities of ETFs and mutual funds for a quick comparison can be complex. Take a look at this comparison table for an easy understanding:

Area of Comparison

Mutual Funds

Exchange Traded Funds

Trading and Liquidity

Mutual funds are traded only once a day based on the NAV decided at the end of each trading day which restricts liquidity.

ETFs are traded just like stocks providing liberty of liquidation to investors. 

Taxation

Mutual funds can be less tax-efficient.

ETFs are tax efficient as they have lower capital gains tax

Diversification

Mutual funds are known for providing exposure to a broader range of securities.

ETFs are more diverse than stocks but less than mutual funds.

Investment Approach

Mutual funds are actively managed by fund managers who invest the investor’s money in different types of securities based on their market analysis and understanding.

Exchange traded funds is a basket of securities structured either by tracking price change or large securities etc to mimic market trends for profit. 

Minimum Investment

Typically mutual funds require a rather large amount from the investors.

Investors can start investing in ETFs even with a small capital.

Similarities between ETFs and Mutual Funds 

Now that you have understood the differences between ETFs and mutual funds, let’s take a look at the similarities between both investments:

  • Both Promises Diversification: Investing in ETFs and mutual funds promises portfolio diversification. There might be differences in the level of diversification of each fund.

  • Professionally Managed Investments: Both types of investments are managed by professional fund managers that allows some degree of relaxation for the investor. These investments don’t require constant market monitoring like stock investments.

  • Variety of Choice: Remember that both ETFs and mutual funds are a basket of securities that allows investors to put their money in different types of securities with just one investment. 

Types of ETFs and mutual funds

To further simplify the similarities and differences, let’s understand the different types of ETFs and mutual funds in detail.   

  • Types of ETFs 

Take a look at different types of ETF investment options: 

Type of ETF

Description

Bond ETFs

Bond ETFs are extremely popular ETFs in India representing investment in fixed-income securities like government bonds, corporate bonds or municipal bonds. Bond ETFs are known for steady income generation.

Equity ETFs

Equity ETFs represent investments made in a basket of company stocks known as equities or shares. What makes them popular is that investors can own part of hundreds of companies through a single trade. 

Sector ETFs

As the name suggests, sector ETFs are securities of a particular sector like healthcare, technology, agriculture etc. 

International ETFs

International ETFs, as the name suggests, are stocks or bonds of companies situated outside the territorial boundaries of the investor’s country. This kind of ETF provides a chance to make a profit from global markets.

Commodity ETFs

Investing in commodity ETFs refers to investment in physical commodities like gold, silver, petrol etc. This type of ETF is great for earning profit from direct market demand.  

  • Types of Mutual Funds

Here’s a detailed list of types of mutual funds that you can explore before investing:

Type of Mutual Fund

Description

Equity Funds

Equity fund is a type of mutual fund that primarily makes investments in equity stocks. According to the mutual funds regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, equity fund schemes must invest at least 65% of the scheme’s assets in equity instruments.

Index Funds

Index fund is a type of mutual fund that aims at mimicking the performance of a specific market index by making an investment in the same proportion as Index components. There are different types of index funds like broad market index fund, equal weight index fund, strategy index fund etc. 

Hybrid Funds

Hybrid funds are also known as balanced funds as they focus on investing in both stocks and bonds. These funds invest in multiple asset classes and some examples are equity and debt, equity and gold etc.

Tax-Saving Funds (ELSS)

Tax-saving funds or equity linked savings schemes that offer tax benefits under section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Additionally, there is potential to earn from long-term capital appreciation.

Debt Funds 

Debt funds are investments made in fixed-income securities like government bonds, corporate bonds etc. 

Mutual Fund vs. ETF Redemption Example 

Redemption methods are key to any investment you would make therefore the differences in the way ETFs and mutual funds can be redeemed is a crucial aspect that you must understand.

Investments made in mutual funds can be redeemed only at the end of the day based on the Net Asset Value that is calculated every day. In case you wish to make redemption at an early hour, the transaction will be executed only at the end of the trading day. Remember that mutual funds have fixed end-of-the-day prices.

Under ETFs, redemptions are allowed throughout the day. ETFs are known for allowing real-time redemption. Let’s say you want to sell ETF shares early in the day, the transaction will be executed immediately. The price of ETFs keeps fluctuating throughout trading hours. 

ETF or Mutual Fund: Which is the Right Investment for You?

Choosing between ETFs and mutual funds can be challenging given their long list of similarities. However, the right way to make decisions is to decide what aligns with your investment plans and goals.

For instance, if you prefer flexibility in your investments then ETFs make for a smart choice as they are traded just like stalks. If you do not want to deal with market fluctuations and constant gauging then mutual funds make for a reliable choice.   

Key Takeaways

  • Mutual funds and ETFs are fund investments with both similarities and differences that investors must understand.

  • Both mutual funds and ETFs are investments made in a basket of different types of securities and are professionally managed.

  • ETFs are traded just like stocks throughout the day whereas mutual funds can be traded only once at the end of the day. Additionally, the former is passively managed by creating a structure to track price range etc while the latter is actively managed by selling and buying securities.

  • There are different types of ETFs that you can explore like bond ETFs, commodity ETFs, sector ETFs etc. Similarly, mutual funds also offer options like equity funds, index funds, debt funds etc. 

  • The right way of choosing between ETFs and mutual funds investment is to pick the one that aligns with your investment goals. 

Conclusion

ETFs are mutual funds are both lucrative investment opportunities that promise portfolio diversification. However, to make the right choice it is crucial to understand the ways these investments are managed. As a beginner in the market, choosing what aligns with your investment goals should be the focus. Choosing a reliable portal to open a trading account can help you analyse investment opportunities better.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ETFs and mutual funds?

Answer Field

ETFs and mutual funds primarily differ in the way they are traded and managed. The former can be traded throughout the day and are passively managed by creating a stricture to track price change or large securities while the latter is actively managed by professional fund managers and can be traded only at the end of each trading day. Their trading methods make ETFs more liquid compared to mutual funds. Additionally, the cost involved with ETF investments is less than that of mutual funds.

Which is better for beginners: ETFs or mutual funds?

Answer Field

ETFs and mutual funds are both lucrative investment options. However, for beginners, mutual funds appear to be a reliable option as it does not require constant market monitoring and the investment is managed by professional fund managers. Beginners who are interested in getting familiar with market trends and sentiments can invest in exchange-traded funds as well.

How are ETFs and mutual funds managed, and what are the costs involved?

Answer Field

ETFs are passively managed funds that make them cost-effective. Mutual funds are actively managed by professional fund managers which makes it less cost-effective than ETFs.

Can ETFs and mutual funds be traded like stocks?

Answer Field

No, only ETFs can be traded like stocks. Mutual funds can be traded only at the end of each trading day and not in between trading hours.

What are the tax implications of investing in ETFs versus mutual funds?

Answer Field

Both mutual funds and ETFs come with certain tax implications. ETFs are considered tax efficient owing to the fact there are limited capital gains from ETFs.

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