ETFs and Mutual Funds Articles
Customizing Your Mid-Cap Allocation With ETFs and Mutual Funds
August 2026 by Charles Rotblut, Sam Levine
An examination of the ETF and mutual fund options that can fill the mid-cap domestic equity portion of a portfolio.
August 2026 by Charles Rotblut, Sam Levine
An examination of the ETF and mutual fund options that can fill the mid-cap domestic equity portion of a portfolio.
Semiconductors Process Big Second-Quarter Gains
August 2026 by Charles Rotblut, Tudor Pop, Michael Rose
The top 25 and bottom 25 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds for the second quarter of 2026.
August 2026 by Charles Rotblut, Tudor Pop, Michael Rose
The top 25 and bottom 25 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds for the second quarter of 2026.
Customizing Your Fixed-Income Allocation With ETFs and Mutual Funds
June 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Selecting bond ETFs and mutual funds with varying levels of category risk, duration and yield can help align your portfolio with changing investing goals.
June 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Selecting bond ETFs and mutual funds with varying levels of category risk, duration and yield can help align your portfolio with changing investing goals.
Active Multisector Bond ETF Maintains Resilience Through Diversification
May 2026 by Charles Rotblut, Cynthia McLaughlin, Sonali Pier
A key tenet of PIMCO’s multisector portfolio is emphasizing diversification using a full macroeconomic toolkit.
May 2026 by Charles Rotblut, Cynthia McLaughlin, Sonali Pier
A key tenet of PIMCO’s multisector portfolio is emphasizing diversification using a full macroeconomic toolkit.
Energy and Commodities Dominate in First-Quarter 2026
May 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds for the first quarter of 2026.
May 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds for the first quarter of 2026.
Tapping Into Natural Resources With ETFs and Mutual Funds
April 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
ETFs and mutual funds in the natural resources sector, especially those that focus on rare metals and elements, require special considerations.
April 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
ETFs and mutual funds in the natural resources sector, especially those that focus on rare metals and elements, require special considerations.
Customizing Your Large-Cap Allocation With ETFs and Mutual Funds
March 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
An examination of the ETF and mutual fund options that can fill the large-cap domestic equity portion of a portfolio.
March 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
An examination of the ETF and mutual fund options that can fill the large-cap domestic equity portion of a portfolio.
How to Pinpoint the Right Fund for Your Needs
February 2026 by Charles Rotblut
Easily identify the perfect fund for your portfolio with these tips and tools.
February 2026 by Charles Rotblut
Easily identify the perfect fund for your portfolio with these tips and tools.
The Great Migration: What’s Behind ETF Asset Growth
January 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
A growing number of asset managers are converting traditional mutual funds into ETFs or preparing to offer ETFs as a mutual fund share class.
January 2026 by Cynthia McLaughlin
A growing number of asset managers are converting traditional mutual funds into ETFs or preparing to offer ETFs as a mutual fund share class.
Precious Metals Join Digital Assets on Top in Third-Quarter 2025
November 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds for the third quarter of 2025.
November 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds for the third quarter of 2025.
Do Low Volatility Funds Offer Smoother Rides Through Rough Markets?
September 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Low volatility funds aim to reduce risk and deliver stronger results during market downturns or periods of slowing economic growth.
September 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Low volatility funds aim to reduce risk and deliver stronger results during market downturns or periods of slowing economic growth.
How a Fidelity Fund Manager Blends Growth With Income
August 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin, Matt Fruhan
Why earnings growth, yield and valuation are the critical components of stock performance.
August 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin, Matt Fruhan
Why earnings growth, yield and valuation are the critical components of stock performance.
Top Funds in Second-Quarter 2025 Led by Digital Assets and Technology
August 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETF) for the second quarter of 2025.
August 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETF) for the second quarter of 2025.
Are You Fully Covered? Not If Your Portfolio Is Wearing Buffer ETFs and Mutual Funds
June 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
These nontraditional equity funds use options contracts to offer downside protection, but potential gains are limited.
June 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
These nontraditional equity funds use options contracts to offer downside protection, but potential gains are limited.
Freedom-Focused Emerging Markets Fund Taps Into Local Growth
May 2025 by Charles Rotblut, Cynthia McLaughlin, Perth Tolle
Freedom weighting results in lower autocracy risk and more sustainable growth in emerging markets.
May 2025 by Charles Rotblut, Cynthia McLaughlin, Perth Tolle
Freedom weighting results in lower autocracy risk and more sustainable growth in emerging markets.
Gold and Precious Metal Funds Are First-Quarter 2025 Winners
May 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for the first quarter of 2025.
May 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for the first quarter of 2025.
Building Bond Ladders With Mutual Funds and ETFs
April 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Quasi-bond ladders can be created with mutual funds or ETFs instead of individual bonds by choosing funds with differing durations.
April 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Quasi-bond ladders can be created with mutual funds or ETFs instead of individual bonds by choosing funds with differing durations.
How Dividend-Paying Mutual Funds and ETFs Differ
March 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Yield-producing funds provide a steady income source, making them attractive for retirees and income-focused investors.
March 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Yield-producing funds provide a steady income source, making them attractive for retirees and income-focused investors.
Choosing the Right Mutual Fund or ETF for You
February 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Suggestions and tools to help you identify the perfect fund for your portfolio.
February 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Suggestions and tools to help you identify the perfect fund for your portfolio.
Where to Find the Best Yields in Active Bond Mutual Funds and ETFs
January 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Active bond mutual funds and ETFs can be an effective part of an investor’s fixed-income toolkit.
January 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Active bond mutual funds and ETFs can be an effective part of an investor’s fixed-income toolkit.
China and Precious Metal Funds on Top in Third-Quarter 2024
November 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for the third quarter of 2024.
November 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for the third quarter of 2024.
Should You Consider a Weighting in Gold?
November 2024 by Thomas Winmill, Cynthia McLaughlin
Ideally, a gold allocation should change based on where gold equities are in the valuation cycle.
November 2024 by Thomas Winmill, Cynthia McLaughlin
Ideally, a gold allocation should change based on where gold equities are in the valuation cycle.
Mutual Funds Converting to ETFs for Tax Efficiency and Convenience
October 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Conversions of mutual funds into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been a growing trend.
October 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Conversions of mutual funds into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been a growing trend.
The Truth About High-Yield Mutual Funds and ETFs
September 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Some high-yield equity funds use derivative income or covered calls to produce extra income. See how these riskier funds compare to high-yield equity funds that use conventional strategies.
September 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Some high-yield equity funds use derivative income or covered calls to produce extra income. See how these riskier funds compare to high-yield equity funds that use conventional strategies.
Understanding and Evaluating Digital-Asset Mutual Funds and ETFs
July 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
ETFs, and mutual funds to a limited extent, pave the way for individual investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrency and other securities in the digital-asset ecosystem.
July 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
ETFs, and mutual funds to a limited extent, pave the way for individual investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrency and other securities in the digital-asset ecosystem.
Active Strategies That Have Fared Well Among Mutual Funds and ETFs
June 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
When evaluating active strategies, consider manager tenure, differentiated strategies and segments with less competition for active managers.
June 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
When evaluating active strategies, consider manager tenure, differentiated strategies and segments with less competition for active managers.
Growth and Digital Assets Stood Tall in First-Quarter 2024
May 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETF) for the first quarter of 2024.
May 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The top 25 and bottom 25 mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETF) for the first quarter of 2024.
Customize Your Fixed-Income Strategy With Defined-Maturity Bond Funds
April 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Funds classified as defined-maturity seek to strike a middle ground between bonds and bond funds.
April 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Funds classified as defined-maturity seek to strike a middle ground between bonds and bond funds.
Using Alerts to Keep Tabs on Securities
April 2024 by AAII Staff
Alerts notify you of changes to your investments based on parameters you determine. All AAII members have access to these alerts through My Portfolio.
April 2024 by AAII Staff
Alerts notify you of changes to your investments based on parameters you determine. All AAII members have access to these alerts through My Portfolio.
Gaining Small-Cap Exposure Via Mutual Funds and ETFs
March 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
How small-cap mutual funds and ETFs can add diversification to your domestic stock investments.
March 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
How small-cap mutual funds and ETFs can add diversification to your domestic stock investments.
How to Find Funds Suitable for You
February 2024 by Charles Rotblut
Tips and tools to help you define your needs and make more informed decisions when looking at funds.
February 2024 by Charles Rotblut
Tips and tools to help you define your needs and make more informed decisions when looking at funds.
Decoding Tech Funds and ETFs to Make the Best Choice
January 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Technology mutual funds and ETFs are highly thematic and come in many flavors. In addition, what counts as “technology” varies by fund.
January 2024 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Technology mutual funds and ETFs are highly thematic and come in many flavors. In addition, what counts as “technology” varies by fund.
Changing of the Guard: Energy Powers Third-Quarter Returns
November 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Fifteen of the top 25 ETFs for the third quarter of 2023 are focused on energy, and 10 of the top mutual funds.
November 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Fifteen of the top 25 ETFs for the third quarter of 2023 are focused on energy, and 10 of the top mutual funds.
Comparing the Tax-Efficiency of High-Yielding Funds and ETFs
October 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Some mutual funds and ETFs distribute potential tax headaches along with income to shareholders, while others are more tax efficient.
October 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Some mutual funds and ETFs distribute potential tax headaches along with income to shareholders, while others are more tax efficient.
Why ETFs Can Trade at Premiums and Discounts to Their Net Asset Value
September 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
ETFs trade at prices either above or below their net asset value due to supply and demand imbalances that are influenced by a variety of factors.
September 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
ETFs trade at prices either above or below their net asset value due to supply and demand imbalances that are influenced by a variety of factors.
Tech and Global Action Drive Second-Quarter Returns
August 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Investors breathed a sigh of relief as equity mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) landed in positive territory for the third consecutive quarter.
August 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Investors breathed a sigh of relief as equity mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) landed in positive territory for the third consecutive quarter.
Going Global: Mutual Funds and ETFs Targeting Regions and Countries
July 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
International equity mutual funds and ETFs can offer geographical, currency and sector diversification and dampen risks related to a single stock or the instability of a single country.
July 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
International equity mutual funds and ETFs can offer geographical, currency and sector diversification and dampen risks related to a single stock or the instability of a single country.
Comparing and Contrasting Real Estate Funds
June 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Mutual funds and ETFs provide a low-cost entry point to real estate and allow investment in a variety of real estate markets.
June 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Mutual funds and ETFs provide a low-cost entry point to real estate and allow investment in a variety of real estate markets.
Growth and Technology Mutual Funds and ETFs Exert Muscle in First Quarter
May 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The first quarter of 2023 arguably left investors with whiplash, from March’s banking havoc to vast changes in expectations about the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves.
May 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The first quarter of 2023 arguably left investors with whiplash, from March’s banking havoc to vast changes in expectations about the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves.
High-Yield Mutual Funds and ETFs: Greater Potential Return but More Risk
April 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The crucial risk and return figures to examine when considering high-yield bond funds or ETFs.
April 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
The crucial risk and return figures to examine when considering high-yield bond funds or ETFs.
A Checklist for Choosing Between Active and Passive Funds
March 2023 by Charles Rotblut
One of the challenges for investors in ETFs and mutual funds is deciding whether to use an actively managed (“active”) or a passively managed (index) fund.
March 2023 by Charles Rotblut
One of the challenges for investors in ETFs and mutual funds is deciding whether to use an actively managed (“active”) or a passively managed (index) fund.
Diversify Tax-Exempt Interest Income With Muni National Bond Funds
March 2023 by John Bajkowski
If you are in a higher tax bracket and your portfolio generates significant income from fixed-income investments such as bonds that are not held in tax-deferred accounts, then you might consider using tax-exempt income sources such as municipal bond funds.
March 2023 by John Bajkowski
If you are in a higher tax bracket and your portfolio generates significant income from fixed-income investments such as bonds that are not held in tax-deferred accounts, then you might consider using tax-exempt income sources such as municipal bond funds.
Tips for Choosing the Right Funds for Your Needs
February 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Simple guidelines for deciding which funds are right for you. Plus, AAII’s tools and resources that can make your decision a cinch.
February 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Simple guidelines for deciding which funds are right for you. Plus, AAII’s tools and resources that can make your decision a cinch.
Tidying Up Your Fund Portfolio
January 2023 by John Bajkowski
If you have been investing for some time you likely have an assortment of funds that were reasonable investments at the time but may no longer fit your investment objectives or compare favorably to their peers.
January 2023 by John Bajkowski
If you have been investing for some time you likely have an assortment of funds that were reasonable investments at the time but may no longer fit your investment objectives or compare favorably to their peers.
Manage the Impact of Taxes on Your Stocks and Funds
December 2022 by Derek J. Hageman
You can control the impact that taxes have on your stocks, funds and ETFs to avoid letting taxes drive your investing decisions.
December 2022 by Derek J. Hageman
You can control the impact that taxes have on your stocks, funds and ETFs to avoid letting taxes drive your investing decisions.
Most Mutual Funds and ETFs Bleed Red in the Third Quarter
November 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
There is probably little cause for joy initially in reviewing the third-quarter performance results for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds across most asset types.
November 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
There is probably little cause for joy initially in reviewing the third-quarter performance results for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds across most asset types.
Emerging Markets Funds Offer Diversification Plus Growth
October 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
A look at what’s on offer in the realm of diversified emerging markets mutual funds and ETFs.
October 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
A look at what’s on offer in the realm of diversified emerging markets mutual funds and ETFs.
Owning the Market Through Large-Cap Stock Mutual Funds and ETFs
September 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
A large-cap mutual fund or ETF can represent an individual investor’s general buy-and-hold-the-market equity portion of their diversified portfolio.
September 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
A large-cap mutual fund or ETF can represent an individual investor’s general buy-and-hold-the-market equity portion of their diversified portfolio.
Fund Returns Still Affected by Inflation and War Halfway Through the Year
August 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
The focal points of economic concern during the first quarter of 2022 haven’t shifted in the second quarter of 2022, affecting performance for many fund and ETF categories.
August 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
The focal points of economic concern during the first quarter of 2022 haven’t shifted in the second quarter of 2022, affecting performance for many fund and ETF categories.
How Individual Investors Use Mutual Funds and ETFs
August 2022 by Charles Rotblut, Jean Henrich, Anine Sus, Issac Deleon
Insights from experienced AAII members on what kinds of funds they choose and why. Plus, lessons they’ve learned along the way.
August 2022 by Charles Rotblut, Jean Henrich, Anine Sus, Issac Deleon
Insights from experienced AAII members on what kinds of funds they choose and why. Plus, lessons they’ve learned along the way.
The Benefits and Risks of Short-Term Bond Funds
July 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
Short-term bonds can act as a buffer against volatility, preserving capital, and as such can be buckets to dip into when you want to buy riskier assets at a discount during down markets.
July 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
Short-term bonds can act as a buffer against volatility, preserving capital, and as such can be buckets to dip into when you want to buy riskier assets at a discount during down markets.
A Happy Medium: Mid-Cap Mutual Funds and ETFs
June 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
Mid caps have the appeal of providing both diversification and growth through capital appreciation and dividends.
June 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
Mid caps have the appeal of providing both diversification and growth through capital appreciation and dividends.
Finding ESG Mutual Funds and ETFs
May 2022 by Wayne A. Thorp
Investors are increasingly applying nonfinancial environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors to their investment analysis to identify material risks and growth opportunities. AAII.com shows you which funds have an ESG focus.
May 2022 by Wayne A. Thorp
Investors are increasingly applying nonfinancial environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors to their investment analysis to identify material risks and growth opportunities. AAII.com shows you which funds have an ESG focus.
War and Inflation Impact First-Quarter Mutual Fund and ETF Returns
May 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
All of the funds that AAII uses to track the categories of the AAII Asset Allocation Models posted negative three-month returns for the first quarter. These losses were indicative of the broader equity and fixed-income markets. Generally, this past quarter was the worst investors have faced since the early negative effects of the pandemic in 2020.
May 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
All of the funds that AAII uses to track the categories of the AAII Asset Allocation Models posted negative three-month returns for the first quarter. These losses were indicative of the broader equity and fixed-income markets. Generally, this past quarter was the worst investors have faced since the early negative effects of the pandemic in 2020.
The Benefits and Risks of International Stock Funds
April 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
International stock funds have the potential to offer greater capital appreciation than domestic stock funds. However, that increased potential comes with greater risk.
April 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
International stock funds have the potential to offer greater capital appreciation than domestic stock funds. However, that increased potential comes with greater risk.
The Benefits and Risks of Intermediate Bond Funds
March 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
Intermediate-term bonds are less sensitive to interest rate changes than long-term bonds and typically provide a greater yield than short-term bonds.
March 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
Intermediate-term bonds are less sensitive to interest rate changes than long-term bonds and typically provide a greater yield than short-term bonds.
Simple Guidelines for Finding the Funds That Fit Your Needs
February 2022 by Charles Rotblut
How to decide which funds are right for you. Plus, which AAII tools and resources can make your decision a cinch.
February 2022 by Charles Rotblut
How to decide which funds are right for you. Plus, which AAII tools and resources can make your decision a cinch.
The Benefits and Risks of Small-Cap Funds
January 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
Because small caps make up only one part of a diversified approach to asset allocation, consider your tolerance for risk when deciding how much exposure to them you want.
January 2022 by Matthew Bajkowski
Because small caps make up only one part of a diversified approach to asset allocation, consider your tolerance for risk when deciding how much exposure to them you want.
Monitoring Your Tax Exposure With Stocks and Funds
December 2021 by Charles Rotblut
Taxes are an unavoidable cost with an investment portfolio. While they shouldn’t drive your decisions, you can manage their impact.
December 2021 by Charles Rotblut
Taxes are an unavoidable cost with an investment portfolio. While they shouldn’t drive your decisions, you can manage their impact.
Suggestions for Analyzing Mutual Fund and ETF Performance
November 2021 by Charles Rotblut
How to more effectively use return data to help determine whether a fund is a worthy investment.
November 2021 by Charles Rotblut
How to more effectively use return data to help determine whether a fund is a worthy investment.
Third-Quarter Mutual Fund and ETF Update
November 2021 by Charles Rotblut, Matthew Bajkowski
With the quarterly performance update of mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for the third quarter of 2021, we are debuting changes to our regular coverage of funds in the AAII Journal.
November 2021 by Charles Rotblut, Matthew Bajkowski
With the quarterly performance update of mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for the third quarter of 2021, we are debuting changes to our regular coverage of funds in the AAII Journal.