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Not investment advice. Educational reading. See Disclaimer.
L.5 · BEGINNER · 2 MIN

Comparing ETFs: Making the Right Choice

When comparing similar ETFs, five factors determine which is the better choice for your portfolio.

Quiz · 5 questions ↓
§ 01
FactorWhy It MattersHow to Check
Expense RatioLower = more of the return stays with youListed in fund details
Tracking ErrorHow closely it follows the indexCompare 1-year return to benchmark
LiquidityHigher volume = tighter spreadsCheck daily average volume
Holdings CountBroader = more diversifiedListed in holdings breakdown
Total AssetsLarger funds are more stableListed in fund details
§ 02
Compare SPY vs VOO. Both track the S&P 500. Look at expense ratio, volume, and total assets. Which would you choose?
§ 03
ETF A has 0.03% expense ratio and $300B in assets. ETF B has 0.75% expense ratio and $5B in assets. Both track the same index. Which is likely better?
§ 04

For broad market exposure, the cheapest, most liquid ETF almost always wins. There is no advantage to paying more for the same index.

Five questions · AI feedback

Sit with the ideas.

Two ETFs track the S&P 500. ETF A has an expense ratio of 0.03%, tracks the index within 0.04%, and trades $30B per day. ETF B has an expense ratio of 0.20%, tracks within 0.25%, and trades $100M per day. For a long-term buy-and-hold investor, which is likely better?

Why:
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