Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst and co-host of the Trillions podcast, dives into the fascinating world of exchange-traded funds. He shares the iconic story of the first ETF's creation, sparked by a desperate situation at an exchange. The conversation explores the staggering growth of ETFs—what makes them tax-efficient, user-friendly, and increasingly popular among investors. From niche markets like cryptocurrencies to the quirky idea of a podcast-themed ETF, Balchunas highlights the innovative ways ETFs are reshaping investment strategies.
ETFs have gained immense popularity due to their lower fees, transparency, and favorable tax treatment compared to traditional funds.
While the ETF market is rapidly expanding with various niche options, investors must exercise caution to avoid high-risk investments.
Deep dives
The Rise of ETFs
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have rapidly gained popularity in the investment world since their inception over three decades ago. They were first introduced in the wake of Black Monday in 1987 as a response to the need for more resilient investment vehicles. The S&P Depository Receipts ETF, or SPYDER, was the first ETF created and allowed investors to gain exposure to a market basket of stocks. As a result of their transparent structure and lower fees compared to mutual funds, the adoption of ETFs has soared, culminating in trillions of dollars worth of investments across thousands of different funds.
ETFs vs. Traditional Investment Options
ETFs offer distinct advantages over traditional investment options like mutual funds and index funds, making them attractive to investors. They are typically less expensive due to lower management fees, and their daily transparency allows investors to know exactly what assets are held within the fund at any given moment. Moreover, taxation on ETFs is more favorable, as investors only pay taxes upon selling their shares rather than annually. The ease of purchasing ETFs online has also contributed to their growing popularity, likening the process to the simple act of shopping on platforms like Amazon.
The Future and Risks of ETFs
The ETF industry is expected to continue growing, with some analysts suggesting the potential for including private assets in ETFs. However, the market is also seeing a rise in unconventional and complex ETFs, introducing a level of risk for uninformed investors. ETFs featuring niche assets or strategies may not cater to the average investor's needs and could resemble a gambling mindset. The caution around such 'Franken ETFs' echoes the concerns previously raised by investment luminaries like Jack Bogle, highlighting the importance of understanding the inherent risks while navigating this evolving market landscape.
There is nearly $13 trillion invested in exchange-traded funds, or ETFs. ETFs that mirror the S&P 500. ETFs for gold. ETFs for bitcoin. There’s even a Vegan ETF. How did this market get so big and varied? And just what goes into one?
On today’s podcast, our Bloomberg Explains series continues with Bloomberg Intelligence senior ETF analyst and co-host of the Trillions podcast Eric Balchunas. He tells host David Gura about the unlikely duo who created the first-ever ETF in a last-ditch bid to save a struggling exchange. And Bloomberg ETF IQ and Money Stuff co-host Katie Greifeld breaks down the current booming market, and outlines which ETFs are safe investments – and which are better left alone.