How to choose & compare ETFs
How to read an ETF, compare two of them, and judge what actually matters.
Choosing an ETF comes down to a few things you can check on its factsheet: which index it tracks, how big and easy to trade the fund is, its ongoing cost, and how closely it follows that index. Comparing two ETFs is mostly comparing those same numbers side by side.
How to read an ETF factsheet (and KID) in 2 minutes
Every ETF publishes a short factsheet and a key information document. Here are the handful of lines that actually matter.
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Read them in any order — each one takes a few minutes.
Common questions
What should I look at first on a factsheet?
The index it tracks, the ongoing charge, the fund size, and how closely it has followed its index.
Is a bigger fund always better?
Not automatically, but larger funds tend to be easier to trade and less likely to close. It is one factor among several.
What does it mean for an ETF to track an index?
It tries to copy a published list of investments as closely as it can, rather than a manager picking winners.
Key terms on this page
Where to go next
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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.