What are some differences between Exchange-Traded Funds and Index Mutual Funds?
There are many factors to consider when comparing an exchange-traded fund (ETF) and an index mutual fund. An ETF is a marketable security that tracks an index, like an index fund. A Mutual Fund is an investment company that pools money from shareholders and invests in a variety of securities, including stocks, bonds and money market funds. A main difference between an ETF and an index mutual fund is an ETF trades continuously while the market is open, while the index mutual fund trades one time a day at market close.