By region
US ETFs
A simple way to hold a slice of America's biggest companies in one fund.
What US ETFs are
A US ETF is a fund that holds shares in many large American companies at once. An ETF (exchange-traded fund) trades on the stock market like a single share, so buying one gives you a small piece of everything inside it.
Most US ETFs follow a well-known index (a fixed list of companies). The S&P 500 tracks about 500 large US firms; the MSCI USA index tracks a similar large-and-mid-size group. When you buy the ETF, you roughly own a bit of each company on that list.
Beginners often like US ETFs because the companies are familiar and the fees are usually low. The thing to keep in mind: this is one country only. Everything you hold rises and falls with the US market, so it is less spread out than a whole-world fund.
At a glance
Why beginners look here
Familiar big companies
You are holding names most people already recognise, which can make the fund easier to understand.
Usually low fees
Large US index ETFs are among the cheapest funds to hold, often well under 0.20% per year.
One country, less spread
Everything moves with the US market, so it is more concentrated than a global fund — a trade-off to weigh.
What to look for
Popular US ETFs
A few of the largest, pulled live from the screener — an example, not a recommendation.
State Street® SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF
iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF
State Street® SPDR® Portfolio S&P 500® ETF
iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
Good to know
Is a US ETF the same as buying the whole world?
No. It holds US companies only. A world ETF spreads across many countries, while a US ETF concentrates on one — just a different level of spread.
Why is it so weighted towards tech companies?
Some of the largest US firms are technology companies, and index funds hold more of the bigger companies, so tech makes up a large share.
Do I need US dollars to buy one?
Usually no. Many US ETFs are listed in Europe and traded in euros, though the underlying value still moves with the US dollar.
Related topics
Finance Hamster provides educational information about ETFs and investing. It is not investment, tax, or legal advice, and not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Markets carry risk; do your own research or consult a licensed adviser.