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Benefits & Risks of ETPs

Lesson 2 of 6
Duration 3:19
Level Beginner
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This lesson highlights some of the opportunities and risks presented by ETPs.

Contributed By: WisdomTree Europe

Study Notes:

Benefits & Risks of ETPs

Before deciding if exchange-traded products (ETPs) are the right type of investment for your portfolio, you should explore the facts.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of using ETPs include:

  • Flexibility

ETPs are flexible. They can provide access to an entire index, or alternative asset classes, with a single trade.

  • Accessibility

ETPs are accessible and can be bought and sold whenever the stock exchange is open.

  • Affordability

The relatively low costs associated with managing ETPs, compared to other investments, make them a cost-effective way for investors to gain access to a wide range of asset classes.

  • Transparency

ETPs are transparent. ETP constituents are published on a daily basis, making it easier for investors to see exactly what they own.

  • Simplicity

ETPs are simple. They are listed on an exchange and traded in a similar way as shares.

Risks

But as with all investments, there are risks. It is important to distinguish what risks an ETP is subject to before making an investment.

Market Risk

The objective of ETPs is to replicate the performance of an underlying benchmark minus fees. They are therefore exposed to market risks driven by price movements in the underlying.

  • Costs

All ETPs incur costs, whether ongoing charges – a measure of recurring costs in an ETP, which represent the cost of managing a product, also referred to as the Total Expense Ratio.

Portfolio transaction costs, which include variable fees associated with the buying and selling of securities in an ETP by the ETP issuer. And trading and post-trading costs incurred by the end investor when trading an ETP.

  • Tracking Difference

The structure and cost of an ETP means it may not track its underlying exactly. This is referred to as tracking difference.

  • Tax Considerations

And as with all investments, ETPs will usually incur some form of taxation. Investors should therefore consider obtaining independent tax advice before investing in ETPs.

  • FX Risk

Plus, any investment based in a non-local currency will be affected by exchange rate fluctuations. Currency hedged ETPs can mitigate this risk, providing exposure to the underlying without an additional currency risk.

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Disclosure: WisdomTree Europe

This material is prepared by WisdomTree and its affiliates and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed are as of the date of production and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by WisdomTree, nor any affiliate, nor any of their officers, employees or agents. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

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Jurisdictions in the European Economic Area (“EEA”): This content has been provided by WisdomTree Ireland Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Jurisdictions outside of the EEA: This content has been provided by WisdomTree UK Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority.

Disclosure: Interactive Brokers

Information posted on IBKR Campus that is provided by third-parties does NOT constitute a recommendation that you should contract for the services of that third party. Third-party participants who contribute to IBKR Campus are independent of Interactive Brokers and Interactive Brokers does not make any representations or warranties concerning the services offered, their past or future performance, or the accuracy of the information provided by the third party. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This material is from WisdomTree Europe and is being posted with its permission. The views expressed in this material are solely those of the author and/or WisdomTree Europe and Interactive Brokers is not endorsing or recommending any investment or trading discussed in the material. This material is not and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security. It should not be construed as research or investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security or commodity. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

Disclosure: Complex or Leveraged Exchange-Traded Products

Complex or Leveraged Exchange-Traded Products are complicated instruments that should only be used by sophisticated investors who fully understand the terms, investment strategy, and risks associated with the products.  Learn more about the risks here: https://gdcdyn.interactivebrokers.com/Universal/servlet/Registration_v2.formSampleView?formdb=4155

Disclosure: Forex

There is a substantial risk of loss in foreign exchange trading. The settlement date of foreign exchange trades can vary due to time zone differences and bank holidays. When trading across foreign exchange markets, this may necessitate borrowing funds to settle foreign exchange trades. The interest rate on borrowed funds must be considered when computing the cost of trades across multiple markets.

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