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Nov 08
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An ETF is similar to an open-end mutual fund in that they both offer investors a pool of securities that consist of stocks or bonds.
But the difference between ETFs and Mutual funds is like day and night
ETF Vs Mutual Funds – Difference in How they trade
The first difference between ETF and mutual funds is in how they trade. ETFs trade like a normal stock in the stock exchange. Their prices move up and dwon throughout the day, allowing ETF investors to buy and sell anytime the markets are open.
Mutual funds, on the other hand, settle at the close of business, meaning that investors must wait to redeem or buy based on a mutual fund’s net asset value after the close of business.
Tax Efficiency
ETFs also tend to be more tax-efficient because they typically generate relatively low capital gains from fund distributions. ETFs usually have lower turnover of securities because they are not required to sell securities to meet investor redemptions, like mutual funds. When a mutual fund sells securities, it must pass along the capital gains to shareholders, even though the shareholders have not redeemed their shares.
Difference In Fees
ETFs do not charge redemption fees, and typically have lower expense ratios than mutual funds. However, every time an investor buys or sells an ETF, he or she pays a brokerage commission. For aggressive traders, these brokerage fees can quickly exceed the lower annual fees that ETFs usually charge.
Mutual funds on the other hand charge a redemption fees, they also charge annual fees which can be based on your invested amount plus a share of your profits.