Here’s a clear breakdown of the differences between index funds and ETFs (even when tracking the same stocks), along with guidance on choosing the best option for your goals:
Feature | Index Fund (Mutual Fund) | ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) |
---|---|---|
Trading | Priced once daily (after market close). | Traded like stocks (intraday pricing). |
Minimum Investment | Often requires $1k–$3k initial buy-in. | Buy any number of shares (no minimum). |
Expense Ratios | Slightly higher (e.g., 0.04–0.15%). | Often lower (e.g., 0.03–0.10%). |