{"id":336677,"date":"2020-09-21T17:22:30","date_gmt":"2020-09-21T16:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?p=336677"},"modified":"2024-12-09T16:48:31","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T16:48:31","slug":"etfs-vs-index-funds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/invest-in\/exchange-traded-funds-etfs\/etfs-vs-index-funds","title":{"rendered":"ETFs vs index funds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Exchange-traded funds and index funds are both types of funds, as you can probably guess from their names. While they have plenty of similarities, they\u2019re actually very different investment types with different investment strategies. Here are some of the key similarities and differences between ETFs and index funds.<\/p><ul class=\"luna-accordionGroup accordionGroup\"><li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n    <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n      <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion0000000000\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#accordion0000000000\">\n        <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">What are index funds?<\/span>\n        <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"accordion0000000000\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n    <div class=\"accordionContent\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/how-to-invest-in-index-funds\">Index funds<\/a> are a type of fund that aims to replicate the performance of an index, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/invest-in\/stock-market-indices\/sp-500\">S&amp;P 500<\/a>. They can do this with either physical replication or synthetic replication. With physical replication, the index fund holds the same stocks as the index in question. Synthetic replication aims to replicate the performance using other methods, sometimes with derivatives or swaps. <\/p><p>Index funds are open-ended, which means that changes can be made at any time. As they don\u2019t trade on stock exchanges, the shares are priced daily based on their current net asset value. This means that the net asset value always reflects the price of the underlying assets, unlike closed-ended funds that may trade at a discount or premium to net asset value.<\/p><p>You can buy index funds with an <a href=\"#compare\">investment platform<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n    <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n      <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion0000000001\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#accordion0000000001\">\n        <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">What are ETFs?<\/span>\n        <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"accordion0000000001\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n    <div class=\"accordionContent\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/exchange-traded-funds-etfs\">ETFs<\/a> are a type of fund that\u2019s listed on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/how-do-stock-exchanges-work\">stock exchange<\/a>. This means that their price is live, so you can make a purchase while the stock market is open for the listed price. As with funds, ETFs are collections of investments. The investments within an ETF might have a connecting factor, such as all being in the same sector or linked to a specific commodity. You can get index ETFs, which are exchange traded funds that track an index, like index funds. These are essentially index funds that are priced live and are traded on a stock exchange. <\/p><p>ETFs are generally cheap and liquid (meaning they can be bought and sold easily). There\u2019s loads of choice \u2013 you can get ETFs for a vast range of indices, commodities and other asset classes.<\/p><p>ETFs generally have a broader range of investment options than index funds, incorporating currencies, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/invest-in\/commodities\">commodities<\/a> and interest rates. They can also incorporate leverage and it is possible to buy \u201cshort\u201d ETFs, where investors can benefit from the falling price in an index. This makes them popular with traders taking short-term positions in markets or looking for nuanced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/stock-portfolio\">portfolio<\/a> positioning.<\/p><p>Like index funds, you can typically buy ETFs with an investment platform.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li><\/ul><h3 id=\"vs\">ETFs vs index funds: At a glance<\/h3><table class=\"luna-table luna-table--responsiveList luna-table--fixedColumns has-margin-bottom\"><thead class=\"luna-table__header\"><tr><th><\/th><th>ETFs<\/th><th>Index funds<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody class=\"luna-table__body\"><tr><th scope=\"row\">Listed on a stock exchange?<\/th><td data-title=\"ETFs\"><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--success\"><use xlink:href=\"#check\"><\/use><\/svg><\/td><td data-title=\"Index funds\"><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--error\"><use xlink:href=\"#close\"><\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Diversification<\/th><td data-title=\"ETFs\">Medium<\/td><td data-title=\"Index funds\">Medium<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Liquidity<\/th><td data-title=\"ETFs\">Liquid<\/td><td data-title=\"Index funds\">Liquid<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Type of fund<\/th><td data-title=\"ETFs\">Passive<\/td><td data-title=\"Index funds\">Passive<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Investment options<\/th><td data-title=\"ETFs\">Broad \u2013 commodities, sectors and indices<\/td><td data-title=\"Index funds\">Narrow \u2013 indices only<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Priced<\/th><td data-title=\"ETFs\">Instantly<\/td><td data-title=\"Index funds\">At the end of the day<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><h4>Our top picks for where to buy ETFs<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>\n.newpicks.topPicksF1 .topPicks__card { border: 2px solid #232320; border-radius: 1rem; -webkit-box-shadow: 4px 6px 0 0 #232320; box-shadow: 4px 6px 0 0 #232320; margin-right: 4px; }\n.pickfor { line-height: 20px; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; background-color: #e5f7ff; border-radius: 0.9rem 0.9rem 0 0; min-height: 58px; }\n.pickpros, .gxfcydsc { font-size: 14.75px; letter-spacing: -0.1px; line-height: 21px; }\n.topPicks__card { overflow: visible !important; }\n.topPicks__card figure.award { padding-bottom: 20px; margin: -3px auto 3px auto; }\n.topPicks__card span.gx-badge__body { box-sizing: border-box !important; }\n.topPicks__card figure.noward { padding: 10px; }\n.newpicks.flex { display: flex; flex-wrap: nowrap; overflow: auto; }\n.newpicks .flex-item { flex: 0 0 auto; margin-right: 10px !important;  width: calc((100% - 20px) \/ 3) !important; max-width: 280px; }\n.topPicks__optionalLabel span.table-popover::before { margin: 0px 0px -2px 2px; }\n.topPicks__card .text-small.dsclmr { font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -.28px; }\n@media only screen and (min-width: 960px) { .newpicks { -webkit-box-pack: center; -webkit-justify-content: center; -ms-flex-pack: center; justify-content: center; } }\n@media only screen and (max-width: 960px) { .newpicks .flex-item { min-width: 270px; } }\n.newpicks .pick { line-height: 1.4em; min-height: 3.3em; }\n.newpicks .flex-item article { border-radius: 0.7em; }\n.standardMasthead.standardMasthead--widget, .standardMasthead__widgetSection { display: block !important }.newpicks .topPicks__optionalLabel { font-weight: 600; padding: 0.5em 0.65em 0.6em; width: auto; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 0px !important; }\n@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { .newpicks.flex { flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; } .newpicks .flex-item { width: 100% !important; max-width: 375px; margin-right: 0px !important; } .pickpros { text-align: center !important; } }\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"toppicks\" class=\"newpicks impression__toppicks-container u-grid u-grid--alignStretch u-grid--gutterCollapse flex has-padding-top-xsmall topPicksF1\" data-count-items=\"3\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"u-grid__col flex-item has-margin-bottom-small\">\n<article class=\"luna-card luna-card--stretch luna-card--shadow topPicks__card\">\n<div class=\"pickfor text-center has-padding-xsmall u-font--bold u-italic\">\nBest for cheap ETF investing <\/div>\n<div class=\"luna-card__block luna-card__topPick text-center\">\n<figure class=\"luna-card__figure noward\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/677e7bbbb2d57.png\" class=\"topPicks__image\" alt=\"InvestEngine ETFs logo\" width=\"97\" height=\"60\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/677e7bbbb2d57.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/677e7bbbb2d57.png?fit=291 291w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" loading=\"lazy\">\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-xxsmall\"><a class=\" luna-button luna-button--success  luna-button--fluid  impression__toppicks-cta\" style=\"text-wrap: wrap;\" title=\"Go to InvestEngine\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/redirect\/uk\/share-trading\/investengineetfs-uk-secure.html?nb=1&amp;src_country=uk&amp;redirect_tracking_params=%7B%22placement_type%22%3A%22nb-product%22%2C%22product_id%22%3A%22e762c42b-ce82-4745-81b9-721ff498d232%22%2C%22product_name%22%3A%22InvestEngine%2BETFs%22%2C%22offer_id%22%3A%2219092%22%2C%22decorator%22%3A%22GLOBAL.PRODUCT.CTA_UKFIN_REDIRECT_BUTTON%22%2C%22niche_code%22%3A%22UKFST%22%2C%22position%22%3A%221%22%2C%22post_id%22%3A%22336677%22%2C%22post_path%22%3A%22share-trading%252Finvest-in%252Fexchange-traded-funds-etfs%252Fetfs-vs-index-funds%22%2C%22post_country%22%3A%22uk%22%2C%22partial%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A486358%2C%22name%22%3A%22ukfin-masthead-top-picks%22%2C%22country%22%3A%22uk%22%7D%7D\"> \r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to Site\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"has-padding-bottom-small text-small dsclmr\">Capital at risk. T&amp;Cs apply.<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ukfin_offrpll\">\n<div class=\"topPicks__optionalLabel aligncenter box u-rounded--lg\" style=\"background: #e5ffed; border: 1px solid #1dd751;\"><svg class=\"luna-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Special offer\" style=\"width: 17px; height: 17px; margin-right: 3px;\"><path fill=\"#1dd751\" d=\"M208 128v72a8 8 0 0 1-8 8H56a8 8 0 0 1-8-8v-72Z\"><\/path><path fill=\"#232320\" d=\"M216 72h-35.08q.6-.49 1.17-1A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 192 49.57 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 158.44 16 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 137 25.91a55 55 0 0 0-9 14.48 55 55 0 0 0-9-14.48A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 97.56 16 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 64 49.57 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 73.91 71q.58.49 1.17 1H40a16 16 0 0 0-16 16v32a16 16 0 0 0 16 16v64a16 16 0 0 0 16 16h144a16 16 0 0 0 16-16v-64a16 16 0 0 0 16-16V88a16 16 0 0 0-16-16m-67-35.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10-4.5h.49A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 176 49.08a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5 10c-9.49 8.4-25.24 11.36-35 12.4 1.2-10.59 4.5-25.98 12.5-34.97m-64.09.36A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 96.59 32h.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10 4.5c8.39 9.48 11.35 25.2 12.39 34.92-9.72-1-25.44-4-34.92-12.39a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5-10 16.6 16.6 0 0 1 4.82-12.16ZM40 88h80v32H40Zm16 48h64v64H56Zm144 64h-64v-64h64Zm16-80h-80V88h80z\"><\/path><\/svg>\u00a3200 welcome bonus. T&amp;Cs apply.<span class=\"table-popover\" data-placement=\"top\" rel=\"popover\" data-content=\"Get a Welcome Bonus of up to \u00a3200 when you invest at least \u00a3100 with InvestEngine. T&amp;Cs apply.\" title=\"\" data-original-title=\"More info\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"has-margin-bottom-xsmall text-left pickpros\">\n<svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Choose from 600+ ETFs<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Investing tools and resources<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Fractional investing<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"u-grid__col flex-item has-margin-bottom-small\">\n<article class=\"luna-card luna-card--stretch luna-card--shadow topPicks__card\">\n<div class=\"pickfor text-center has-padding-xsmall u-font--bold u-italic\">\nBest for overall trading platform <\/div>\n<div class=\"luna-card__block luna-card__topPick text-center\">\n<figure class=\"luna-card__figure noward\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/673228119114f.png\" class=\"topPicks__image\" alt=\"XTB logo\" width=\"97\" height=\"60\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/673228119114f.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/673228119114f.png?fit=291 291w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" loading=\"lazy\">\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-xxsmall\"><a class=\" luna-button luna-button--success  luna-button--fluid  impression__toppicks-cta\" style=\"text-wrap: wrap;\" title=\"Go to XTB\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/redirect\/uk\/share-trading\/xtb-uk-secure.html?nb=1&amp;src_country=uk&amp;redirect_tracking_params=%7B%22placement_type%22%3A%22nb-product%22%2C%22product_id%22%3A%220af9c8e6-66b4-4b08-b6f5-27a4c39e2764%22%2C%22product_name%22%3A%22XTB%22%2C%22offer_id%22%3A%2223483%22%2C%22decorator%22%3A%22GLOBAL.PRODUCT.CTA_UKFIN_REDIRECT_BUTTON%22%2C%22niche_code%22%3A%22UKFST%22%2C%22position%22%3A%222%22%2C%22post_id%22%3A%22336677%22%2C%22post_path%22%3A%22share-trading%252Finvest-in%252Fexchange-traded-funds-etfs%252Fetfs-vs-index-funds%22%2C%22post_country%22%3A%22uk%22%2C%22partial%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A486358%2C%22name%22%3A%22ukfin-masthead-top-picks%22%2C%22country%22%3A%22uk%22%7D%7D\"> \r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to Site\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"has-padding-bottom-small text-small dsclmr\">Capital at risk. T&amp;Cs apply.<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ukfin_offrpll\">\n<div class=\"topPicks__optionalLabel aligncenter box u-rounded--lg\" style=\"background: #e5ffed; border: 1px solid #1dd751;\"><svg class=\"luna-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Special offer\" style=\"width: 17px; height: 17px; margin-right: 3px;\"><path fill=\"#1dd751\" d=\"M208 128v72a8 8 0 0 1-8 8H56a8 8 0 0 1-8-8v-72Z\"><\/path><path fill=\"#232320\" d=\"M216 72h-35.08q.6-.49 1.17-1A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 192 49.57 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 158.44 16 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 137 25.91a55 55 0 0 0-9 14.48 55 55 0 0 0-9-14.48A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 97.56 16 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 64 49.57 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 73.91 71q.58.49 1.17 1H40a16 16 0 0 0-16 16v32a16 16 0 0 0 16 16v64a16 16 0 0 0 16 16h144a16 16 0 0 0 16-16v-64a16 16 0 0 0 16-16V88a16 16 0 0 0-16-16m-67-35.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10-4.5h.49A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 176 49.08a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5 10c-9.49 8.4-25.24 11.36-35 12.4 1.2-10.59 4.5-25.98 12.5-34.97m-64.09.36A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 96.59 32h.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10 4.5c8.39 9.48 11.35 25.2 12.39 34.92-9.72-1-25.44-4-34.92-12.39a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5-10 16.6 16.6 0 0 1 4.82-12.16ZM40 88h80v32H40Zm16 48h64v64H56Zm144 64h-64v-64h64Zm16-80h-80V88h80z\"><\/path><\/svg>Earn up to 4% on uninvested cash<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"has-margin-bottom-xsmall text-left pickpros\">\n<svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Commission-free trades<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Fractional shares<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> 8,400+ stocks\/ETFs<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"u-grid__col flex-item has-margin-bottom-small\" style=\"margin-right: 0px !important;\">\n<article class=\"luna-card luna-card--stretch luna-card--shadow topPicks__card\">\n<div class=\"pickfor text-center has-padding-xsmall u-font--bold u-italic\">\nBest for 0% commission stocks <\/div>\n<div class=\"luna-card__block luna-card__topPick text-center\">\n<figure class=\"luna-card__figure noward\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/66fa7d773a3be.png\" class=\"topPicks__image\" alt=\"eToro logo\" width=\"97\" height=\"60\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/66fa7d773a3be.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/66fa7d773a3be.png?fit=291 291w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" loading=\"lazy\">\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-xxsmall\"><a class=\" luna-button luna-button--success  luna-button--fluid  impression__toppicks-cta\" style=\"text-wrap: wrap;\" title=\"Go to eToro\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/redirect\/uk\/share-trading\/etorofreestock-uk-secure.html?nb=1&amp;src_country=uk&amp;redirect_tracking_params=%7B%22placement_type%22%3A%22nb-product%22%2C%22product_id%22%3A%221080735a-7036-42d6-b09e-b8d8b6224438%22%2C%22product_name%22%3A%22eToro%22%2C%22offer_id%22%3A%225767%22%2C%22decorator%22%3A%22GLOBAL.PRODUCT.CTA_UKFIN_REDIRECT_BUTTON%22%2C%22niche_code%22%3A%22UKFST%22%2C%22position%22%3A%223%22%2C%22post_id%22%3A%22336677%22%2C%22post_path%22%3A%22share-trading%252Finvest-in%252Fexchange-traded-funds-etfs%252Fetfs-vs-index-funds%22%2C%22post_country%22%3A%22uk%22%2C%22partial%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A486358%2C%22name%22%3A%22ukfin-masthead-top-picks%22%2C%22country%22%3A%22uk%22%7D%7D\"> \r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to Site\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"has-padding-bottom-small text-small dsclmr\">Capital at risk. T&amp;Cs apply.<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ukfin_offrpll\">\n<div class=\"topPicks__optionalLabel aligncenter box u-rounded--lg\" style=\"background: #e5ffed; border: 1px solid #1dd751;\"><svg class=\"luna-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Special offer\" style=\"width: 17px; height: 17px; margin-right: 3px;\"><path fill=\"#1dd751\" d=\"M208 128v72a8 8 0 0 1-8 8H56a8 8 0 0 1-8-8v-72Z\"><\/path><path fill=\"#232320\" d=\"M216 72h-35.08q.6-.49 1.17-1A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 192 49.57 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 158.44 16 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 137 25.91a55 55 0 0 0-9 14.48 55 55 0 0 0-9-14.48A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 97.56 16 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 64 49.57 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 73.91 71q.58.49 1.17 1H40a16 16 0 0 0-16 16v32a16 16 0 0 0 16 16v64a16 16 0 0 0 16 16h144a16 16 0 0 0 16-16v-64a16 16 0 0 0 16-16V88a16 16 0 0 0-16-16m-67-35.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10-4.5h.49A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 176 49.08a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5 10c-9.49 8.4-25.24 11.36-35 12.4 1.2-10.59 4.5-25.98 12.5-34.97m-64.09.36A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 96.59 32h.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10 4.5c8.39 9.48 11.35 25.2 12.39 34.92-9.72-1-25.44-4-34.92-12.39a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5-10 16.6 16.6 0 0 1 4.82-12.16ZM40 88h80v32H40Zm16 48h64v64H56Zm144 64h-64v-64h64Zm16-80h-80V88h80z\"><\/path><\/svg>Copy picks from top traders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"has-margin-bottom-xsmall text-left pickpros\">\n<svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Commission-free trades<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Fractional shares<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Free to open an account<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>@media only screen and (min-width: 601px) { .ukfin_offrpll { min-height: 46px; } }<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3>What\u2019s the difference between an index fund and an ETF?<\/h3><p>These are simply two different types of fund that are traded slightly differently. Both of them will offer you good diversification and low costs. The main difference is that ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, so they may be more accessible than index funds. You are able to get index ETFs, if you\u2019re interested in tracking a stock market index. <\/p><p>Both index funds and ETFs are liquid, meaning they\u2019re easy to sell, and both are passive, meaning they need little intervention.<\/p><p>If you\u2019re trying to choose between index funds and ETFs, you could always choose both \u2014 invest in an index fund that tracks an index that you\u2019re a fan of and an ETF for a sector or country that wouldn\u2019t be widely covered by your index fund. This would give you better diversification. <\/p><h3>ETFs vs index funds: Fees<\/h3><p>You\u2019ll encounter fees with most investments \u2014 here are some of the fees you\u2019ll come across with index funds and ETFs.<\/p><ul><li><strong>Broker fees<\/strong><\/li><p>Because ETFs trade like normal shares, investors need to pay a broker fee each time they make a transaction. Depending on the platform, this can mount up, which can make them a poor choice for regular savers trying to put small amounts to work every month \u2013 the dealing costs can end up being a disproportionate amount of the overall investment.<\/p><li><strong>Bid-offer spread<\/strong><\/li><p>With ETFs, investors also need to factor in the bid-offer spread (the gap between the price at which the broker is prepared to buy and sell). This is usually very small for large, liquid ETFs based on major indices, but can widen out for smaller ETFs.<\/p><li><strong>Annual management fee<\/strong><\/li><p>For both ETFs and index funds, investors will pay a small annual management fee plus any fee for holding the funds on an investment platform.<\/p><p>The difference in the annual management fee between ETFs and their index fund equivalent is relatively small.<\/p><li><strong>Rebalancing costs<\/strong><\/li><p>Open-ended funds need to rebalance constantly to adjust for inflows and outflows. This creates some trading costs. This doesn\u2019t happen with ETFs, which have a unique process called creation\/redemption in-kind where shares of ETFs are created and redeemed with a like-for-like basket of securities. This means ETFs don\u2019t have these transaction costs.<\/p><li><strong>Cash drag<\/strong><\/li><p>Open-ended funds need to hold some cash to meet redemptions. This is cash that is not at work in the market and not earning dividends at any given moment. While this may benefit an index fund at times when the market is falling, for the most part, it will exert a small drag effect on returns.<\/p><li><strong>Dividend policy<\/strong><\/li><p>Index funds reinvest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/dividends\">dividends<\/a> immediately (unless the unitholder is holding income units, in which case they are paid out). The nature of ETFs means that dividends need to be held in cash until the end of the quarter. This can make a difference if dividends are high and shares prices are rising quickly.<\/p><\/ul><h3>ETFs vs index funds: Which is for me?<\/h3><p>Neither of these is necessarily better than the other. The right option will depend on you, your circumstances and your investment ambitions. However, it is possible to make some general points:<\/p><h3>Which should I choose: Index funds or ETFs?<\/h3><div class=\"u-grid\"><div class=\"u-grid__col u-1\/2@s\"><h4>ETFs will tend to suit:<\/h4><ul class=\"list-10\"><li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><li>An investor who wants to move in and out of the market quickly<\/li><li>Those who want to trade short-term movements or with leverage<\/li><li>Those who want the widest possible choice of asset classes<\/li><li>Those with small amounts to invest<\/li><li>Those who want fully transparent pricing<\/li><\/ul><p><a class=\"more-link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/exchange-traded-funds-etfs\/best-etfs\">See best performing ETFs<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"u-grid__col u-1\/2@s\"><h4>Index funds will tend to suit:<\/h4><ul class=\"list-10\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/long-term-investments\">Long-term investors<\/a> or those saving small amounts regularly<\/li><li>Those investing in higher dividend areas<\/li><li>Those with larger amounts to invest<\/li><li>Those looking to invest in mainstream indices<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><h3>Bottom line<\/h3><p>ETFs and index funds are two different types of fund, so both let you invest in a range of investments in one go. Index funds track a specific stock market index, while ETFs have the possibility for broader investment types, and therefore better diversification. In practice, the difference between the returns from an ETF and from an index fund from the same provider is likely to be minimal. Costs and performance are likely to be similar. The real decision is on the type of investor you are and on how the fund will be bought and sold.<\/p><article class=\"luna-card luna-card--alt\"><div class=\"luna-card__block has-padding-small\"><p>All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you\u2019re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.<\/p><\/div><\/article><br>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ETFs and index funds might appear to be exactly the same, but they have some key differences. Find out what they are and how they&#8217;re traded. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":885,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[129335],"tags":[129852],"asset_tag":[],"class_list":["post-336677","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-exchange-traded-funds-etfs","tag-etfs-hub"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.9 (Yoast SEO v24.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>ETFs vs index funds | Similarities and differences - Finder UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"ETFs and index funds might appear to be exactly the same, but they have some key differences. 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