EconLearn
AP MacroeconomicsFinancial Markets & Investing

Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)

An ETF is a basket of securities that trades on a stock exchange like a single stock, often tracking an index.

ETFs give instant diversification at low cost and can be bought and sold throughout the trading day, unlike traditional mutual funds. Index ETFs that track the S&P 500 are a popular, low-fee way to invest.

Related terms

AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, EconLearn.