Expert Insight & Commentary
Exchange-Traded Funds Article Library
Target Maturity Bond ETFs: Diversified Baskets, Single-Year Maturity
by Michael Iachini
May 15, 2013
Find out about ETFs that offer diversification benefits and a set maturity date.
by Michael Iachini
May 15, 2013
Find out about ETFs that offer diversification benefits and a set maturity date.
Finding Income With ETFs
by Michael Iachini
March 28, 2013
We explore bond ETFs, REIT ETFs and dividend stock ETFs as income investments.
by Michael Iachini
March 28, 2013
We explore bond ETFs, REIT ETFs and dividend stock ETFs as income investments.
The Difference Between ETF Indexes
by Michael Iachini
March 27, 2013
Not all ETF indexes are built the same. Does it matter?
by Michael Iachini
March 27, 2013
Not all ETF indexes are built the same. Does it matter?
ETF Investment Strategies: How to Pick an ETF
by Michael Iachini
February 13, 2013
Learn how to select exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that are consistent with your investment strategies.
by Michael Iachini
February 13, 2013
Learn how to select exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that are consistent with your investment strategies.
3 Ways to Build an All-Index ETF Portfolio
by Michael Iachini
February 7, 2013
An index ETF-only portfolio can be a straightforward yet flexible investment solution.
by Michael Iachini
February 7, 2013
An index ETF-only portfolio can be a straightforward yet flexible investment solution.
ETF Index Structures: How Weighting Matters
by Michael Iachini
February 7, 2013
How indexes are built can have an impact on your ETFs' returns. Learn various ways stock indexes are constructed and how to choose among ETFs that track these indexes.
by Michael Iachini
February 7, 2013
How indexes are built can have an impact on your ETFs' returns. Learn various ways stock indexes are constructed and how to choose among ETFs that track these indexes.
ETF Closures: What Can You Do?
by Michael Iachini
December 5, 2012
Innovation in the ETF market has led to tremendous growth and occasional failure. Learn more about what your options may be in the unlikely event of an ETF closure.
by Michael Iachini
December 5, 2012
Innovation in the ETF market has led to tremendous growth and occasional failure. Learn more about what your options may be in the unlikely event of an ETF closure.
ETFs: How Much Do They Really Cost?
Schwab Center for Financial Research
October 8, 2012
We'll help you understand four potential ETF costs: commissions, operating expenses, bid/ask spreads, and changes in discounts and premiums to net asset value.
Schwab Center for Financial Research
October 8, 2012
We'll help you understand four potential ETF costs: commissions, operating expenses, bid/ask spreads, and changes in discounts and premiums to net asset value.
ETFs and VIX: The Facts and the Risk
by Michael Iachini
October 3, 2012
Investing in exchange-traded products that use volatility-index futures to help shield your portfolio from a potential large stock-market drop might not be the wisest move.
by Michael Iachini
October 3, 2012
Investing in exchange-traded products that use volatility-index futures to help shield your portfolio from a potential large stock-market drop might not be the wisest move.
Bond ETFs: What You Need to Know
by Michael Iachini
September 24, 2012
What bond ETFs are, how they work and what to look for when selecting them.
by Michael Iachini
September 24, 2012
What bond ETFs are, how they work and what to look for when selecting them.
Choosing Between ETFs and Mutual Funds
by Michael Iachini
September 21, 2012
Do you need active trading, niche exposure, or the broadest selection of funds? Learn about pros and cons of ETFs, and index or actively managed mutual funds.
by Michael Iachini
September 21, 2012
Do you need active trading, niche exposure, or the broadest selection of funds? Learn about pros and cons of ETFs, and index or actively managed mutual funds.
Getting Started With Commodity ETFs
by Michael Iachini
September 17, 2012
A low-cost way to invest in commodities - and help hedge against inflation.
by Michael Iachini
September 17, 2012
A low-cost way to invest in commodities - and help hedge against inflation.
ETFs: Beyond the Hype
by Michael Iachini
September 13, 2012
Are ETFs right for you? Here are smart ways you might use them in your portfolio.
by Michael Iachini
September 13, 2012
Are ETFs right for you? Here are smart ways you might use them in your portfolio.
Invest Intelligently in ETFs
by Michael Iachini
September 13, 2012
Learn about the three main types of ETFs: traditional, niche and exotic. What are they, and when might they be right for you?
by Michael Iachini
September 13, 2012
Learn about the three main types of ETFs: traditional, niche and exotic. What are they, and when might they be right for you?
ETF Premiums and Discounts: Friend or Foe?
by David Suarez
September 12, 2012
Exchange-traded funds sometimes trade at a discount or premium compared to the value of their holdings, potentially adding to your trading costs.
by David Suarez
September 12, 2012
Exchange-traded funds sometimes trade at a discount or premium compared to the value of their holdings, potentially adding to your trading costs.
What Makes ETFs Tax-Efficient?
by Michael Iachini
September 12, 2012
We explain tax-efficiency, and look at how exchange-traded funds and mutual funds stack up.
by Michael Iachini
September 12, 2012
We explain tax-efficiency, and look at how exchange-traded funds and mutual funds stack up.
Exchange-Traded Notes: The Facts and the Risks
by Michael Iachini
July 5, 2012
It's important to understand that exchange-traded notes are not the same as exchange-traded funds, and that they carry some important risks.
by Michael Iachini
July 5, 2012
It's important to understand that exchange-traded notes are not the same as exchange-traded funds, and that they carry some important risks.
What to Know About Actively Managed ETFs
by Michael Iachini
May 18, 2012
Actively managed ETFs work differently from traditional ETFs. Learn how they function and when they might or might not make sense for you.
by Michael Iachini
May 18, 2012
Actively managed ETFs work differently from traditional ETFs. Learn how they function and when they might or might not make sense for you.
What to Know About ETFs and Taxes
by Michael Iachini
March 30, 2012
Different ETF structures have different tax implications. Learn how to be tax-smart with ETFs and avoid unpleasant surprises.
by Michael Iachini
March 30, 2012
Different ETF structures have different tax implications. Learn how to be tax-smart with ETFs and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Tax-Loss Harvesting with ETFs
by Michael Iachini
November 25, 2011
Learn how ETFs may help reduce the tax bite on your portfolio.
by Michael Iachini
November 25, 2011
Learn how ETFs may help reduce the tax bite on your portfolio.
Currency ETFs: The Facts and the Current Dollar Outlook
by Michael Iachini and Tatjana Michel
October 31, 2011
ETFs can be a practical way to diversify and/or hedge the currencies in your portfolio. Find out how they work and Schwab's current dollar outlook.
by Michael Iachini and Tatjana Michel
October 31, 2011
ETFs can be a practical way to diversify and/or hedge the currencies in your portfolio. Find out how they work and Schwab's current dollar outlook.
Leveraged and Inverse ETFs: Not Right for Everyone
by Michael Iachini
October 20, 2011
Both of these strategies have costs and risks of their own. See examples, and learn why you should be cautious in up and down markets.
by Michael Iachini
October 20, 2011
Both of these strategies have costs and risks of their own. See examples, and learn why you should be cautious in up and down markets.
Investing Tactically with ETFs
by Michael Iachini
October 6, 2011
If you have short-term market views, ETFs may be your tool of choice.
by Michael Iachini
October 6, 2011
If you have short-term market views, ETFs may be your tool of choice.
Trading Tips for ETFs
by Michael Iachini
August 26, 2011
In many ways, ETFs trade like stocks; what do you need to know before you start placing trades?
by Michael Iachini
August 26, 2011
In many ways, ETFs trade like stocks; what do you need to know before you start placing trades?
Video | What Makes ETFs Tax-Efficient?
with Michael Iachini
Learn the three reasons why a stock ETF will tend to have lower taxable capital gains payouts than an actively managed stock fund.
with Michael Iachini
Learn the three reasons why a stock ETF will tend to have lower taxable capital gains payouts than an actively managed stock fund.
Commodity ETFs: Spot and Futures Prices
by Michael Iachini
January 28, 2011
Knowing whether an ETF tracks spot prices or futures prices will help you better understand its performance.
by Michael Iachini
January 28, 2011
Knowing whether an ETF tracks spot prices or futures prices will help you better understand its performance.
Webcast: Understanding ETFs: The Nuts and Bolts
with Michael Iachini
November 19, 2010
In this video, get the basics of ETFs, from how they work, including the benefits and risks, to how they differ from mutual funds.
with Michael Iachini
November 19, 2010
In this video, get the basics of ETFs, from how they work, including the benefits and risks, to how they differ from mutual funds.
Around the World With International Stock ETFs
by Michael Iachini
September 27, 2010
Diversify across world markets with just a few trades and at little ongoing expense.
by Michael Iachini
September 27, 2010
Diversify across world markets with just a few trades and at little ongoing expense.
On Your Mind: Latest Questions on Exchange-Traded Funds
by Michael Iachini
July 22, 2010
SPDRs? Derivatives? Cheaper than index mutual funds? We answer your questions about ETFs.
by Michael Iachini
July 22, 2010
SPDRs? Derivatives? Cheaper than index mutual funds? We answer your questions about ETFs.
Trading Covered Calls on ETFs
by Randy Frederick
May 21, 2010
How to sell covered calls against ETFs to help generate income and partially offset potential losses.
by Randy Frederick
May 21, 2010
How to sell covered calls against ETFs to help generate income and partially offset potential losses.
Commodity ETFs and Schedule K-1: What You Need to Know
by Michael Iachini
May 4, 2010
The fact that commodity ETFs typically generate a K-1 tax form instead of a 1099 is generally no cause for alarm.
by Michael Iachini
May 4, 2010
The fact that commodity ETFs typically generate a K-1 tax form instead of a 1099 is generally no cause for alarm.
Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling Schwab at 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
Some specialized exchange-traded funds can be subject to additional market risks. Investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Multiple-leg options strategies will involve multiple commissions. Covered calls provide downside protection only to the extent of the premium received and limit upside potential to the strike price plus premium received. Please read the options disclosure document titled Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before considering any option transaction.