Lessons In ETF Trading For Beginners

By Patrick Deaton

There will be a learning curve involved in becoming a successful ETF trader. A person will want to do the necessary research, take classes, and follow the websites, blogs, and forums of successful traders to learn the intricacies of ETF trading. When a person is learning to trade they will want to have a solid understanding of ETF and what to expect when they begin trading.

There are many Internet sites that offer information, materials, and courses on ETF trading. Some of these courses can be beneficial. However, it is important to do the research necessary to assure that the company or individual offering the book, course, or training is legitimate and has a history with ETF trading that will make the strategy or method they are teaching consistently effective.

The ETF industry is gaining popularity at a very fast rate. As more people and companies have learned of the many benefits and advantages of ETF training the industry has grown to almost twice the size it was in 2008. The flexibility offered to traders and the lower fees are just two of the benefits to traders in this market.

ETFs can be traded throughout the trading day. Unlike with mutual funds which can only be traded at the end of the day, this gives ETF traders a tremendous advantage and opportunity. Changes happen in fifteen second increments on the stock index. This means that a great deal of activity can happen during the day. This activity can provide a trader with opportunities to increase the gains and sell when it is most advantageous for them to do so.

Tracking an index like the S&P500 or MSCI EAFE makes ETFs very easy to work with. A unique symbol is given to each basket in ETF so that they can be easily identified. ETF values are based on the weighted average or price of the combined stocks and bond of the companies within a basket or sector. This can confuse some people who expect larger gains because they have not included the calculation for all stocks and bonds in their figures.

ETF traders are able to use all of the same orders as with other stocks. A trader can use a limit order, bracketed buy order, stop-loss order, etc. A great benefit of ETFs is the ability to short sell at any time. Stocks may not be sold short is the price of the stock is below it's last price. ETF traders can take advantage of a drop with a short sell when the trade is warranted without worrying about the last price of the stock.

Some people who are just learning about ETF trading have had an option for ETF included in their retirement portfolio. Many large companies are finding that long term ETF trading provide a steady growth at a low risk to the portfolio of the investor. Some of these companies are buying creation units to allow for more diversification within their programs.

Learning about ETF before one begins ETF trading will be very advantageous. An individual will find that the structure, methods and strategies for trading will be much easier to navigate with a solid foundation of knowledge regarding ETF. Talking with an individual who knows ETF, ETF trading, and the various types, methods, and strategies of ETF will help a person to move through their learning curve more quickly and begin successful trading. - 29971

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