Exchange-Traded Funds for Dummies

Become an ETF expert with this up-to-date investment guide

Want to expand your portfolio beyond stocks and mutual funds? (Of course you do, you smart investor you.) Then take a look at exchange-traded funds (ETFs)! A cross between an index fund and a stock, they're transparent, easy to trade, and tax-efficient. They're also enticing because they consist of a bundle of assets (such as an index, sector, or commodity), so diversifying your portfolio is easy. You might have even seen them offered in your 401(k) or 529 college plan.

Exchange-Traded Funds For Dummies is your primer on ETFs. It gives you an insider (the legal kind!) perspective on the investment process, starting with an overview of ETFs and how they differ from stocks and mutual funds. The book also helps you measure risk and add on to your portfolio, and offers advice on how to avoid the mistakes even professionals sometimes make. Throughout, you'll also find plenty of tips, tricks, and even sample portfolios to set you up on the right path for investment success.

With Exchange-Traded Funds For Dummies, you will:
* Find out exactly what exchange-traded funds are and why they make good investments
* Mix and match stock portfolios to diversify yours
* Go beyond stocks for maximum diversification: bonds, real estate, and commodity ETFs
* Maintain your portfolio for future growth

With the tricks of the trade in Exchange-Traded Funds For Dummies, you can easily apply the knowledge you gain to turn good investments into great ones. Happy earning!

Introduction 1
Part 1: The ABCs of ETFs 7
Chapter 1: No Longer the New Kid on the Block 9
Chapter 2: What the Heck Is an ETF, Anyway? 23
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Players 47
Part 2: Building the Stock (Equity) Side of Your Portfolio 69
Chapter 4: Risk Control, Diversification, and Some Other Things You Need to Know 71
Chapter 5: Large Growth: Muscular Money Makers 91
Chapter 6: Large Value: Counterintuitive Cash Cows 103
Chapter 7: Small Growth: Sweet Sounding Start-ups 113
Chapter 8: Small Value: Diminutive Dazzlers 123
Chapter 9: Going Global: ETFs without Borders 129
Chapter 10: Sector Investing: ETFs According to Industry 151
Chapter 11: Real Estate Investment Trusts: Becoming a Virtual Landlord 169
Chapter 12: Dividend Funds: The Search for Steady Money 179
Part 3: Adding Bonds (Fixed Income) to Your Portfolio 185
Chapter 13: For Your Interest: The World of Bond ETFs 187
Chapter 14: Your Basic Bonds: Treasuries, Agency Bonds, and Corporates 201
Chapter 15: Moving Beyond Basics into Municipal and Foreign Bonds 219
Part 4: Specialized ETFs 231
Chapter 16: All That Glitters: Gold, Silver, and Other Commodities 233
Chapter 17: Investing for a Better World 249
Chapter 18: Going Active with ETFs 261
Chapter 19: All-In-One ETFs: For the Ultimate Lazy Portfolio 271
Chapter 20: Proceed-with-Caution ETFs 281
Part 5: Putting It All Together 295
Chapter 21: Sample ETF Portfolio Menus 297
Chapter 22: Exercising Patience: The Key to Any Investment Success 317
Chapter 23: Exceptions to the Rule (Ain't There Always) 333
Chapter 24: Using ETFs to Fund Your Fun (Retirement) Years 351
Chapter 25: Marrying ETFs and Non-ETFs to Make an Optimal Portfolio 369
Part 6: The Part of Tens 379
Chapter 26: Ten FAQs about ETFs 381
Chapter 27: Ten Mistakes Most Investors (Even Smart Ones) Make 387
Chapter 28: Ten Forecasts about the Future of ETFs and Personal Investing 393
Part 7: Appendixes 401
Appendix A: Great Web Resources to Help You Invest in ETFs 403
Appendix B: Glossary 409
Index 415