What is an ETF? Watch to Learn
This concise video explains the fundamental structure of ETFs, their core benefits, and the key differences between passive and active management approaches.
What types of ETFs are there?
There are two main types of ETFs. The majority are 'passive' and track an existing stock market index, like the S&P 500, for example. The ETF will hold shares of the businesses that are in this index. Actively managed ETFs have portfolio managers who actively buy and sell stocks to try to outperform a benchmark.
These ETFs are often built around investment theses such as AI infrastructure or clean energy. Both types can hold equities, bonds, commodities, or multi-asset blends.
Why can active ETFs be attractive?
Rather than just blindly following the market index, active managers use their own investment process to Rank, Research and Rebalance the portfolio of stocks that they have strong conviction in. They offer the potential for higher returns through active management that can react quickly to events and have flexibility in asset selection.
Why are ETFs important in modern portfolios?
ETFs are versatile instruments that combine flexibility, efficiency, and transparency in modern investing.
Combine the diversification benefits of mutual funds with the trading flexibility of individual securities, ETFs can be bought and sold daily, just like a stock.
They are cost efficient and have lower fees than most other managed funds.
ETFs help spread investment risk because they can invest in a range of global investments.
ETFs are also very transparent, you can see what's held in the portfolio.
What fees do ETFs charge?
There is a charge by the ETF provider for management and administration, expressed as a percentage of assets. Fees generally range from 0.03% for passive index-tracking ETFs to over 1% for actively managed or specialised ETFs.
Are active ETFs expensive?
While active ETFs do carry higher fees than passive ETFs, they typically cost substantially less than traditional actively managed mutual funds. Their simpler operational structures and trading through stock platforms drives down costs while maintaining active management capabilities. This makes professional active management accessible at more reasonable price points than historically available. Active ETFs may also benefit from structural tax advantages in many jurisdictions.
The ETF Market in Numbers
The ETF industry continues its remarkable growth trajectory, driven by investor recognition of the structure's advantages.
Active vs. Passive ETF Management
The ETF universe encompasses both passive index-tracking strategies and actively managed approaches. Understanding their distinct characteristics helps investors select appropriate tools for portfolio construction.
The Active Management Resurgence
Active ETFs have experienced significant momentum, with assets growing at 39% annually since 2019. This acceleration reflects several factors: improved ETF regulatory frameworks enabling sophisticated strategies, active managers converting mutual funds to the ETF structure for its tax advantages, and investor demand for strategies that can navigate market dispersion. In 2024, active ETFs attracted nearly one-quarter of industry flows despite representing less than one-tenth of assets, signaling a structural shift in how active strategies are accessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ETF investing and how Fiducial Communications supports investment managers in communicating their ETF strategies.
What exactly is an ETF and how does it differ from a mutual fund?
An Exchange-Traded Fund trades on stock exchanges throughout the day like individual shares. While both ETFs and mutual funds pool investor capital for diversified portfolios, ETFs trade continuously at market-determined prices during trading hours. Mutual funds execute all transactions at a single price calculated after market close, giving ETFs enhanced trading flexibility and typically superior tax efficiency.
Why are ETFs generally more cost-efficient than mutual funds?
ETF cost efficiency stems from their in-kind creation and redemption process, where authorized participants exchange baskets of securities rather than cash. This reduces transaction costs and enhances tax efficiency. Additionally, with thousands of ETFs available and transparency around fees, providers face competitive pressure that benefits investors through ongoing fee compression.
Should I choose active or passive ETFs for my portfolio?
The optimal mix depends on your investment philosophy and market outlook. Passive ETFs excel as core portfolio holdings, providing low-cost broad market exposure. Active ETFs may add value in inefficient markets or specialized sectors. Many professional investors use both strategically: passive ETFs for efficient markets and selective active strategies where manager skill might add value.
Why are ETFs considered tax-efficient investments?
ETFs' tax efficiency stems from their in-kind creation and redemption mechanism. When shares are created or redeemed, baskets of securities are exchanged rather than cash, allowing ETFs to transfer low-cost-basis securities without triggering taxable events. This structural advantage enhances after-tax returns over time, especially for investors in higher tax brackets.
How does Fiducial Communications support ETF providers?
Fiducial Communications specializes in creating marketing collateral and educational content for investment managers offering ETF products. We develop comprehensive content including fact sheets, investment commentaries, video explainers, digital landing pages, and presentation materials that balance technical accuracy with accessibility.
Sources & References
The statistics and insights presented in this educational resource are drawn from authoritative industry sources to ensure accuracy and relevance for professional investors. All data represents the most recent available information as of late 2024 and early 2025.
Market Data & Statistics
Bank of America (December 2024)
Global ETF market analysis reporting $15.1 trillion in assets under management and $1.6 trillion in net inflows for 2024, representing record-breaking industry performance.
Source: "ETF Market Tops $15T on Active Management Boom" - ETF.com, December 2024
PwC Global ETF Survey (2024)
Annual industry survey tracking active ETF growth at 52% year-over-year, with active ETF assets reaching $1.03 trillion globally and projections for continued expansion to $3 trillion by 2029.
Source: "ETFs 2029: The path to $30 trillion" - PwC
American Century Investments (January 2025)
Analysis of U.S. ETF market showing over $10 trillion in assets and highlighting that 723 new ETF launches occurred in 2024, with 77% being actively managed strategies.
Source: "ETFs Defying Gravity: 2024 Flows Surpassed the $1 T Mark" - American Century Investments
EY Global (2025)
Comprehensive analysis of ETF trends showing European ETF assets approaching $2.3 trillion and U.S. market exceeding $10 trillion, with projections for European ETF assets to reach $4.5 trillion by 2030.
Source: "2025 ETF Trends: Shaping market growth and innovation" - EY Global
Morningstar Direct (2024-2025)
Active versus passive fund performance analysis covering approximately $23 trillion in U.S. fund assets, showing that less than 22% of active funds survived and outperformed their passive peers over a 10-year period through 2024.
Source: "Active vs. Passive Funds: Performance, Fund Flows, Fees" - Morningstar
Note on Data Currency
The ETF industry evolves rapidly, with new products launching regularly and asset flows changing with market conditions. The statistics presented here represent the most current available data as of early 2025. Professional investors should verify specific figures with primary sources and current market data when making investment decisions.
Additional Resources
For deeper analysis of specific ETF strategies, regulatory updates, and ongoing market developments, professional investors may wish to consult:
- ETF provider fact sheets and prospectuses for specific product details
- Industry publications including ETF.com and Morningstar for ongoing market analysis
- Regulatory filings and fund documentation for due diligence purposes
- Academic research on passive versus active management performance
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