Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): A Comprehensive Guide

Exchange-traded funds, commonly known as ETFs, have become increasingly popular in the Indian investment community over the past few years.

But what exactly is an ETF, and why has it garnered such attention? An ETF is an investment fund that holds multiple assets such as stocks, commodities, or bonds and trades on a stock exchange, much like individual stocks.

ETFs offer the diversification benefits of mutual funds while providing the real-time trading flexibility of stocks. In the Indian financial market, which is becoming more dynamic and complex, ETFs are an accessible and cost-effective investment vehicle.

What is an ETF?

An ETF, or Exchange-Traded Fund, is an investment fund that combines features of both mutual funds and individual stocks. To break it down, here’s what makes ETFs unique and particularly relevant for investors in India:

1. Diversification

   Similar to mutual funds, an ETF holds a diversified portfolio of assets. It may consist of a range of stocks, commodities, bonds, or a mix of these, offering investors a chance to diversify their investment with a single fund.

2. Liquidity

   ETFs trade on stock exchanges just like individual stocks. This provides high liquidity and allows investors to buy or sell ETF units throughout the trading day at market prices.

3. Transparency

   One of the key advantages of ETFs is their transparency. The constituents and their respective weightage in the fund are usually disclosed daily, giving investors a clear picture of what they own.

4. Low Costs

   ETFs generally have lower expense ratios compared to mutual funds. This is because most ETFs are passively managed, aiming to mimic the performance of an index rather than outperforming it. The low-cost structure makes it an attractive investment option, especially for retail investors in India.

5. Tax Efficiency

   ETFs are structured to allow investors more control over when they incur capital gains tax, providing tax efficiency compared to mutual funds.

6. Dividend Payment

   Many ETFs pay dividends based on the income generated from the underlying assets. These dividends can either be reinvested or paid out to investors.

7. Flexibility

   ETFs offer various investment strategies, including sector ETFs, thematic ETFs, and even leveraged ETFs for more experienced investors. The versatility of ETFs caters to a wide range of investment objectives.

8. Accessibility

   With the advent of online trading platforms in India, investing in ETFs has become increasingly accessible. Even novice investors can start investing in ETFs with a relatively small capital.

9. Regulatory Oversight

   In India, ETFs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ensuring they meet certain standards and disclosures to protect investors.

10. Innovation

    The ETF market in India is continually evolving, with new types of ETFs being introduced, such as smart-beta ETFs, commodity ETFs, and even ETFs focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria.

Types of ETFs

• Equity ETFs

  Equity ETFs primarily focus on investing in the stocks of various companies. In the diverse financial landscape of India, these ETFs have carved a niche for themselves, mainly due to the ease and accessibility they offer in equity investment. They come in variations — some are broad-based, covering many sectors like technology, healthcare, and infrastructure. In contrast, others are sector-specific, targeting real estate, energy, or finance industries.

  The most significant advantage of investing in equity ETFs is their exposure to the equity markets without the need to buy and manage individual stocks. This is particularly beneficial for investors who may not have the time, expertise, or resources to monitor individual stocks continuously. Equity ETFs pool in investments from multiple investors and deploy them in a diversified portfolio, thus reducing the investment risk.

  In India, equity ETFs have gained a considerable following. Popular options often track renowned indices like the Nifty 50 or Sensex. These indices help in tracking the trend of the Indian stock market. Investing in ETFs that track them provides investors with a snapshot experience of investing in the country’s top companies. Moreover, they are highly liquid, allowing investors to buy or sell these ETFs easily on stock exchanges, just like an individual stock.

• Bond ETFs

  Bond ETFs are another essential category of ETFs, investing in various fixed-income securities. These could range from government bonds and corporate bonds to municipal bonds.

  The primary appeal of bond ETFs lies in their ability to offer regular income through coupon payments, making them an ideal investment vehicle for conservative investors or those in the retirement phase looking for a stable income stream.

  In India, bond ETFs have become a go-to risk-mitigation tool, especially when building diversified portfolios. They are often used as a counterbalance to the volatility associated with equity investments.

  The Indian government and various corporate entities issue bonds considered relatively safe investments, and bond ETFs allow you to tap into this safety. These ETFs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ensuring security and transparency.

• Commodity ETFs

  Commodity ETFs offer an entirely different avenue for investment, focusing on commodities like gold, silver, or oil. These ETFs are a boon for investors keen on diversifying their investment portfolio beyond traditional equities and fixed-income securities.

  They provide a hedge against inflation and currency risks, making them an integral part of a balanced investment portfolio.

  In the Indian financial market, gold ETFs stand out in the commodity category, owing largely to the cultural significance of gold in the country. Gold is a valuable metal deeply ingrained in various traditions and ceremonies.

  This emotional attachment withto gold makes gold ETFs exceptionally popular as they offer an easier and more secure way to invest in gold without the hassles of storage and purity concerns. Other commodity ETFs, like those focusing on oil or agricultural products, are gradually gaining traction but are yet to reach the popularity levels of gold ETFs.

• Currency ETFs

  Currency ETFs serve a specialised role in Exchange-Traded Funds. They provide investors with an opportunity to gain exposure to foreign currencies without having to engage in complex forex trading.

  Currency ETFs typically invest in foreign currency assets or derivatives and aim to mimic the performance of a specific currency or a basket of currencies against the Indian Rupee or another base currency.

  In India, Currency ETFs are relatively less common than their equity or bond counterparts. However, they gradually gain attention as Indian investors become increasingly globalised and sophisticated. These ETFs are often used to hedge against currency risks, especially for investors with business interests or investments in other countries.

  They can also be used for speculating on currency movements. However, this comes with a higher risk and is generally not advised for novice investors. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates Currency ETFs, ensuring they meet the same stringent standards as other ETFs. This regulatory oversight adds an extra layer of safety. It should give potential investors more confidence in these specialised financial instruments.

• Sector and Industry ETFs

  Sector and Industry ETFs are designed for investors looking to concentrate their investments in specific sectors or industries like technology, healthcare, finance, or consumer goods.

  These ETFs offer a more focused investment strategy, allowing investors to capitalise on the growth and profitability of particular sectors.

  In the Indian context, Sector and Industry ETFs have gained considerable traction, especially those focusing on booming sectors like Information Technology (IT) and pharmaceuticals.

  India’s growing IT sector contributes significantly to the economy and shows tremendous growth potential. Similarly, the pharmaceutical sector has seen remarkable advancements, especially after increased healthcare spending.

  Investing in these sector-specific ETFs allows you to tap into these growth stories while diversifying your risk across multiple companies within the chosen sector. They offer a balanced approach for investors who have a strong conviction about the future prospects of specific industries but do not wish to put all their eggs in one basket by investing in individual stocks.

• Dividend ETFs

  Dividend ETFs are specifically designed to invest in companies known for paying high dividends consistently. These companies are generally stable and financially sound, often belonging to sectors like utilities and consumer goods, which have a history of consistent dividend payments. The primary allure of Dividend ETFs lies in their dual advantage: the potential for capital appreciation combined with regular income generation in the form of dividends.

  In the Indian investment landscape, Dividend ETFs have found favour among a broad range of investors. For young investors, the dividend income can be reinvested to harness the power of compounding, accelerating the growth of their investment.

  On the other hand, retired investors often use dividends as a supplementary income stream to support their post-retirement expenses. Given India’s growing middle class and increased financial literacy, the popularity of Dividend ETFs is expected to rise further.

  Like other types of ETFs, Dividend ETFs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which adds a layer of safety and ensures that these financial products meet specified criteria and standards.

• Leveraged and Inverse ETFs

  Leveraged and Inverse ETFs are specialised and complex financial instruments within the ETF universe.

  Leveraged ETFs aim to amplify the daily returns of an underlying index using financial derivatives, while Inverse ETFs seek to deliver the opposite performance of the index they track. These ETFs are primarily meant for short-term trading and are not advisable for long-term investments.

  Given their high-risk nature, Leveraged and Inverse ETFs are suited for experienced traders who have a deep understanding of market mechanisms and are comfortable with high levels of volatility.

  They require constant monitoring and are often used in sophisticated trading strategies involving hedging and arbitrage.

  In the Indian market, these types of ETFs are still underdogs, mainly due to the high risk and complexity involved. However, for those who know what they are doing, these ETFs offer a way to potentially earn high returns or protect their portfolios during market downturns.

  Regulated by SEBI, Leveraged and Inverse ETFs must adhere to specific guidelines that limit the extent of leverage and require daily resetting, thus offering some degree of investor protection despite their inherent risks.

• Thematic ETFs

  Thematic ETFs are a relatively new but fast-growing segment in the realm of ETFs, particularly in India. These ETFs are designed to capitalise on specific themes or macro-level trends, such as sustainability, automation, clean energy, or emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain. The idea is to invest in well-positioned companies or sectors to benefit from these long-term trends.

  Thematic ETFs are gaining rapid popularity in India as investors become more conscious of global issues and trends shaping the future. These ETFs offer a way to align investment choices with personal beliefs or perceptions about sectoral growth.

  For instance, with growing awareness about climate change, ETFs focusing on sustainability or renewable energy are attracting more investment. Like other ETFs, Thematic ETFs are also regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ensuring that they adhere to certain quality standards and disclosure norms, thereby safeguarding investor interests.

• Smart Beta ETFs

  Smart Beta ETFs represent a hybrid approach to index construction, blending active and passive management aspects. Unlike traditional ETFs weighted based on market capitalisation, Smart Beta ETFs use alternative index construction rules.

  These rules are based on quality, volatility, dividend yield, or momentum. The primary objective is to outperform traditional market-cap-weighted indices while providing better risk-adjusted returns.

  In India, Smart Beta ETFs are attracting attention from a wide range of investors, particularly those looking for more than just market replication from their investments. These ETFs offer the potential for higher returns without straying entirely into active management, thus keeping costs relatively low.

  Being regulated by SEBI, Smart Beta ETFs in India must adhere to the same regulatory framework as other ETFs, ensuring reliability and transparency for investors.

• ESG ETFs

  ESG ETFs, or Environmental, Social, and Governance ETFs, invest in companies that meet specific criteria in these three key areas.

  These criteria could range from a company’s carbon footprint and water usage to its labour practices and board diversity. The idea is to invest in profitable, socially responsible, and sustainable companies in the long run.

  Although ESG ETFs are relatively new in the Indian ETF landscape, they are quickly gaining traction. The younger generation, in particular, is keenly interested in responsible investing. As social responsibility becomes a significant concern for individual and institutional investors alike, ESG ETFs are expected to see increased inflows.

  As with other types of ETFs, ESG ETFs in India are regulated by SEBI. This ensures that the funds meet specific guidelines and disclosure requirements, offering additional protection for investors keen on aligning their investments with their ethical beliefs.

How do ETFs Work?

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are traded on stock exchanges, much like individual stocks. An ETF holds assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities and aims to replicate its underlying index or asset class returns. For example, an ETF tracking the Nifty 50 index would hold the 50 stocks that make up that index in the same proportion.

When an investor buys shares of an ETF, they are essentially buying a piece of a large portfolio representing a market segment. The ETF issues and redeems shares in large blocks, usually 50,000 to 200,000 shares, known as “Creation Units,” to authorised participants, typically large financial institutions.

These authorised participants interact directly with the ETF, exchanging shares of the underlying assets for ETF shares or vice versa, which they then sell to retail investors inon the open market.

The market determines the price of an ETF. It can fluctuate throughout the trading day based on supply and demand, unlike mutual funds, which are priced once at the end of each trading day.

This allows for real-time pricing and greater flexibility in trading, including the ability to place various types of orders, like limit orders and stop orders.

How to Buy ETFs?

Open a Demat and Trading Account

The first step to buying ETFs is to open a Demat account with a registered broker. This account will hold your ETF shares electronically and enable you to execute trades on stock exchanges.

Research and Choose the Right ETF

Before investing, conduct thorough research to identify an ETF that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Look for key parameters like expense ratio, tracking error, and past performance.

Place an Order

Once you choose an ETF, you can place an order through your trading account. You can use different orders, such as market orders for immediate execution or limit orders, to specify the price you are willing to buy or sell.

Advantages of ETFs

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have gained significant popularity in India and globally – thanks to their advantages over traditional investment vehicles like mutual funds or individual stocks.

One of the primary benefits is diversification. ETFs often track an index, exposing investors to a basket of stocks or bonds, thus spreading diversifying the risk. This is especially valuable for retail investors who may not have the resources to create a diversified portfolio.

ETFs offer high liquidity, as they can be bought and sold on stock exchanges at real-time prices throughout the trading day. This contrasts with mutual funds, which are only priced at the end of the trading day. This liquidity also allows for more sophisticated trading strategies, including short-selling and buying on margin.

In India, where the financial market is rapidly evolving, ETFs provide a simple and effective way for novice and experienced investors to participate in the market’s growth while managing risk.

Disadvantages of ETFs

Despite their numerous advantages, ETFs come with some drawbacks, and investors must be aware of these. One notable disadvantage is the trading costs associated with buying and selling ETFs.

Unlike mutual funds, where you can buy or sell units at no cost, ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, which means you’ll incur brokerage commissions and bid-ask spreads. This can eat into your returns, especially for those who trade frequently.

Another issue is the potential for tracking errors. An ETF aims to mimic the performance of its underlying index. Still, discrepancies can occur due to management fees or other operational factors. This means the ETF may only partially replicate the index it is supposed to track, leading to performance differences.

Additionally, while ETFs offer diversification, not all are diversified equally. Sector-specific or thematic ETFs can concentrate risk, making them more volatile than broad-market ETFs. Also, ETFs can be less tax-efficient in countries where dividend income is taxed, as they often pay out dividends that might be subject to taxation.

Risks Associated with ETFs

While ETFs offer a variety of benefits, they also come with inherent risks that investors should consider before diving in.

• Market Risk

  The most straightforward risk is market risk. If the market or sector that the ETF tracks performs poorly, the ETF’s value will also decline.

• Liquidity Risk

  Despite generally being highly liquid, some specialised or less popular ETFs might suffer from low trading volumes, making it difficult to buy or sell shares without impacting the market price.

• Currency Risk

  For International ETFs, changes in currency exchange rates can adversely affect returns, especially for Indian investors investing in foreign markets.

• Tracking Error

  As mentioned in the disadvantages, an ETF may not perfectly mimic its underlying index due to various factors, leading to a tracking error.

• Management Risk

  While ETFs are generally passively managed, poor index construction or sub-optimal portfolio management can lead to underperformance.

• Taxation Risk

  While ETFs are generally tax-efficient, changes in tax laws can affect after-tax returns, which is a concern for long-term investors.