I've noticed that there really aren't a whole lot of threads dedicated to ETFs on Elite Trader. Most ETF threads are concerning one ETF in particular, or a general question about how ETFs function. I decided to start this thread as a resource for anything related to Exchange Traded Funds. Have a general question about a particular function of ETFs? Post it here. Want to discuss an individual ETF? Discuss away. Looking for a thread concerning new ETFs just being introduced? (hopefully you'll need to...) Look no further. So if my new thread takes off, a large resource of information and knowledge will be readily available to any Elite Trader who is looking for anything related to ETFs. Thank you in advance to any and all experienced ETF traders/investors who post their extensive knowledge here. And to any beginner, or anyone else inexperienced with ETFs, don't be shy. Ask away. The key to success is attainment of knowledge.
First Question? I think a pretty good place to start off an ETF resource would be here: What is an (ETF) Exchange Traded Fund? An ETF is a security that tracks an index, a commodity or a basket of assets like an index fund, but trades like a stock on an exchange, thus experiencing price changes throughout the day as it is bought and sold. Because it trades like a stock whose price fluctuates daily, an ETF does not have its net asset value (NAV) calculated every day like a mutual fund does. By owning an ETF, you get the diversification of an index fund as well as the ability to sell short, buy on margin and purchase as little as one share. Another advantage is that the expense ratios for most ETFs are lower than those of the average mutual fund. When buying and selling ETFs, you have to pay the same commission to your broker that you'd pay on any regular order. One of the most widely known ETFs is called the SPDR (Spider), which tracks the S&P 500 index and trades under the symbol SPY. As defined by http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/etf.asp
Yes, etfconnect is a website specializing in ETF information. Thank you for providing the link. However, they're message boards, private messaging, and user base are a bit lacking... ...because they don't have any users posting on message boards, sending each other pm's, or anyone addressing new questions or concerns from beginners. Elite Trader is the best Trader resource and message board on the internet, imho. Why not provide a thread here that anyone can easily participate in, or search through, that specifically addresses ETFs? http://www.barchart.com/ (MARKETS OVERVIEW/ETF Funds) http://www.etfconnect.com/ http://etf.seekingalpha.com/ http://www.etftrends.com/ http://finance.yahoo.com/etf http://www.investopedia.com/search/results.aspx?q=etf http://www.investors.com/etf/default.asp?tn=left http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/etfs/html-home.asp http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/research/etfwelcome.asp?ETF=true http://money.cnn.com/pf/funds/etf/ http://www.smartmoney.com/etf/?nav=dropTab
Anyone trading any of the new ProShares ETFs? The shorts: PSQ = short Qs SH = short SPY DOG = short Dow 30 MYY = short MidCap 400 The doubles: QLD = double leverage Qs SSO = double leverage SPY DDM = double leverage Dow 30 MVV = double leverage MidCap 400 As far as what I've read, the shorts are bought long by traders/investors, but the funds are actually short the indices. The only major advantage I can see is the ability to short cash accounts and the like? The doubles are apparently double leveraged long their respective indices. Anyone out there have more information on them they want to share?
How about the new Currency ETFs? FXA FXB FXC *FXE* FXF FXM FXS Electric & Mrs. trade retail forex right? No leverage, if I'm not mistaken. I'm curious what their thoughts are on these.