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Stocks and ETFs: Which is Better Investment?

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Finally, you’ve made your decision to enter into the investment world. And while you have shortlisted two final instruments - ETFs and Stocks but are not sure which one to choose? Well, just for the starters, both these instruments are good. However, they have their pros and cons and need some market knowledge and risk-aversing abilities before investing. Both: Stocks and ETFs are equity-emphasizing investments. They are known to bring high returns but with the same come high risks too. 

 

You may use both these instruments to make a well-diversified portfolio with reduced risks and better benefits. But still, wondering what makes both these instruments any different from one another. Worry not, and read on as we explore more about Stocks and ETFs, their meaning, the pros, and cons of their investment, and the very much-awaited topic: Stocks vs. ETFs.

What is Stock in Finance

Before we go any further, learn the differences between Stocks and ETFs, and start comparing, let's first know the meaning of a stock. What is stock? Well, to understand it most simply, stocks refer to the shares issued by a company when it goes public. These stocks, also popular as shares, help the company raise funds for their venture. But what do you get in exchange? What is the benefit that comes with investing in stocks? Simple! Shareholders then receive a certain portion of the ownership of the company. 

Based on what stocks you get, you also enjoy some privileges. These privileges may be related to enjoying dividend yield or getting voting rights in a company's crucial decisions. For example, if you are holding preferred stocks, then you don't get voting rights. Instead, you enjoy the preference of getting higher dividends with the company's earnings. 

If you're looking to invest in stocks, there are a variety of companies listed on the BSE and NSE. However, before you start investing in stocks, make sure to assess the financial health, company's performance and reputation, product quality and management, alignment with your financial goals, and other factors like these. 

Pros and Cons of Investing in Stocks

Now you already know what a stock is and what certain privileges you may get with this type of instrument. But are they worth investing in? Well, to come to a final decision, investors may need to understand the pros and cons of investing in stocks. Then, you may compare the same and make an informed decision accordingly. 

  • Pros of Investing in Stocks 

Here are some of the benefits of investing in stocks.

  • Enjoy Higher Returns

Over time, stocks have been seen as instruments that offer good returns over a longer time period. Let's understand this with an example. Say you invested ₹50,000 in a company's shares with a yearly return of 20%. This means by the end of the year, your investment would be somewhere close to ₹60,000. However, this doesn't mean you may close your eyes and invest in any stock. Instead, make sure to do thorough research and analysis before investing. And always remember no stock is risk-free. 

  • Dividend Benefits for the Brownie Points

With certain stocks, you also get to enjoy the benefit of earning dividends. This means you get an extra source of annual income. Plus, your overall returns on investment also increase. This makes stocks or shares an attractive investment option.

  • Diversification of Portfolio

By investing in stocks of several different companies, you can also diversify and build a well-rounded portfolio. This diversification of portfolio can be quite helpful in distributing the risk and thus, reducing the severe impact coming from a single stock. This means that if the stock of one company is doing badly, you may compensate it with the gains of stocks from other companies. 

  • Access to Ownership Rights

As mentioned earlier, investment in stocks comes with a variety of privileges. Ownership benefits are one of them. You get several rights like voting privileges, involvement in the company's decisions, and much more. 

  • Cons of Investing in Stocks

Though you enjoy a variety of benefits with investment in stocks, there still are some disadvantages. Here is a list. 

  • Volatile to Market Risks

The share market has a reputation for being quite volatile. This means that even if you're involved in long-term investments, your investments are going to see a lot of market ups and downs. This may lead to anxiety and stress in investors. 

  • Needs Meticulous Research

 As mentioned, before you start investing in stocks, you need to conduct research and analysis on different stocks of different companies. Reading about each of these shares, and doing separate research can be quite time taking and tiring. However, neglecting the same can lead to bad investment decisions, ultimately affecting your overall investments. 

  • Liquidity Concerns During Market Fluctuations 

Shares are generally liquid, meaning you can easily sell or buy them. However, with market fluctuations, when individuals are in state of panic, there may be liquidity issues. Meaning, you may face difficulties while looking for potential buyers for your shares in such a period. 

Types of Stocks in the Share Market 

As mentioned, stocks give you certain privileges. But what stocks are those? Well, from this, you may have realized that stocks are of different types. Here are two types of stocks. 

  • Common Stocks

With common stocks, comes a company's partial ownership. You get to enjoy a few privileges. This includes participation in the election of the board of directors. Additionally, you also get the privilege of having some control over the company's management and other policies. 

However, in case of a failure of the company, individuals with common stocks are out quite behind in the distribution of money. Priority is given to the lenders. Next comes individuals with preferred stocks, and only after that common stockholders can claim anything. 

  • Preferred Stocks 

One of the most prominent differences that make preferred stocks distinct from common stocks is that with preferred stocks, you don't get any right to vote. Individuals with preferred stocks enjoy the benefit of earning higher dividends. 

These preferred stocks are further classified into several types. For example, convertible preferred stocks, cumulative preferred stocks, and redeemable preferred stocks.

What are ETFs in Finance

A stock is a single instrument but about ETFs? What is an ETF? These can be understood as a basket of securities. This basket may consist of several instruments like bonds, stocks, and much more. These securities are referred to as holdings. These holdings are then managed and sold by a fund manager. 

Pros and Cons of Investing in ETFs

Similar to stocks, there are several benefits and risks involved with investing in ETFs. Let's understand the same. 

  • Pros of Investing in ETFs 

    • Portfolio Diversification

With ETFs, you get the benefit of investing in different securities across different industries and sectors. This comes in handy for portfolio diversification and risk management. 

  • Greater Liquidity

ETFs, like stocks, are also quite liquid and can be traded all day. This gives flexibility to the investors to trade in cases of market fluctuations. 

  • Professional Management

ETFs are managed professionally, majorly under expert guidance. This helps with portfolio management and diversification at the same time. You need not go through cumbersome research and analysis procedures. 

  • Cons of Investing in ETFs

    • Volatility in Prices

The trading of ETFs happens in real-time. This may lead to volatile returns. The same can also disrupt the financial strategies and goals of investors with low risk-bearing capacities. 

  • Limited Divided Earnings 

Though you may earn dividends via certain ETFs, they still do not match the level of return you receive from individual stocks. 

Similarities Between ETFs and Stocks 

Before we delve deep into stocks vs ETFs, let's see their areas of similarities. Here are some key points showcasing the same.

  • Both: stocks and ETFs are used by investors as a stream of revenue. 

  • Be it, stocks or ETFs, both are available in a variety of options you may choose from. 

  • Both: ETFs and stocks are taxable. 

  • Investors can trade both of these instruments in the stock market

Difference Between ETFs and Stocks   

Now that you know the meaning of stock and ETFs, their types, pros and cons of investing in them, let's move ahead. Let's focus on the stocks vs ETFs debate and see the major differences between the two. 

Features

Stocks

ETFs

Meaning 

It refers to the shares issued by a company to raise capital. 

It refers to a basket of different securities. This may include commodities, stocks, bonds, and more. 

Accessibility 

Investors get access to stocks of a particular industry or sector. 

With ETFs, investors get access to a variety of industries or sectors based on their financial goals and the objective of the fund. 

Risk involved

With individual stocks, the risks are related to the performance of your stocks. 

With ETFs, the risk is comparatively lower because of the diversification that it offers across different securities. 

Liquidity aspect 

The liquidity of the stocks depends very much on the stock’s nature. 

For ETFs, the liquidity may vary and depends very much on the composition of the portfolio 

Cost of Investment 

Stocks are a comparatively cost-effective form of investment since you may invest with lower brokerage charges and more. 

ETFs require professional management, thus the expense goes comparatively higher. 

Management 

Investors may self-manage their stocks based on market trends and research. 

ETFs are managed by expert fund managers who are responsible for the composition of the portfolio and much more. 

Diversification

For diversification of your portfolio, you may need to invest in several individual stocks.

Diversification is easy with different securities in the portfolio.

Portfolio control 

With self-management, you have better control over your stocks. 

It needs professional management; thus, the control is passive. 

Conclusion

Any important decision in your life needs careful planning and research. And investment is no different. Before you invest in ETFs, stocks, or any other financial instruments, make sure to carefully assess these instruments, compare their pros and cons, and only then form a conclusion. Also, make sure your investment aligns with your financial objectives and goals. You can also get professional help in case of need. 

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 key difference between ETFs and stocks?

Answer Field

There are several differences between stocks vs ETFs. For example, stocks refer to a company's shares going public. However, ETFs are a basket of securities consisting of different instruments, shares, bonds, etc.

How do ETFs and individual stocks perform in terms of risk and diversification?

Answer Field

With ETFs and stocks, both have their own set of risks. However, the risks with stocks are associated with investment in individual stocks. Alternatively, with ETFs, the risk is distributed with a diversified portfolio composition.

Can ETFs provide dividends like individual stocks?

Answer Field

Yes, ETFs may help you earn regular dividends. The same can be done using underlying stock held in the securities.

Which is more cost-effective: investing in ETFs or stocks?

Answer Field

Stocks and ETFs, both have their own sets of pros and cons. However, stocks are considered to be comparatively more cost-effective. This happens because you may self-manage them, and they don't require professional management like ETFs.

What are the tax implications of investing in ETFs versus stocks?

Answer Field

Both ETFs and stocks are taxable. ETFs are taxed at your applicable slab rate. However, there are different tax rules for short-term gains and long-term gains coming from stocks.

How does liquidity differ between ETFs and individual stocks?

Answer Field

Both stocks and ETFs are highly liquid and can be traded throughout the trading day. You simply need to have a demat and a trading account. However, with individual stocks, finding buyers for those specific stocks can be a bit of a hassle.

Which is better for long-term investing: ETFs or individual stocks?

Answer Field

According to experts, both stocks and ETFs are seen as potential instruments to help you earn well in the long run. However, with these investments, there are certain risks involved as well. You need to carefully assess your investments, risks related to market trends, fluctuations, and other factors to make an informed choice.

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