ETF Education Center - FAQs
ETFs vs. Stocks
How are individual stocks different from ETFs?
While ETFs and individual stocks often trade along side one another on the various stock exchanges, they are not the same. ETFs are generally more diversified, since they are composed of groups or baskets of stocks, bonds, or commodities. Also, ETFs track specific indexes whereas individual stocks don’t.
Return To TopHow are individual stocks similar to ETFs?
Like individual stocks, ETFs can be leveraged with margin, shorted, or held long. Also, both are listed and traded on stock exchanges.
Return To TopAre individual stocks better than ETFs?
Not necessarily. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Any fair comparison should be done in the context of not just performance, but tax efficiency, fees/total ownership costs, risks, and if the fund or stock objectives match the financial objective(s) of a particular investor. Always refer to a prospectus for detailed information before investing.
Return To TopBrokerage Products and Services offered by Scottrade, Inc. - Member FINRA and SIPC
Online market and limit stock trades are just $7 for stocks priced $1 and above.
Any specific securities, or types of securities, used as examples are for demonstration purposes only. No information on this Web site should be considered a recommendation or None of the information provided should be considered a recommendation or solicitation to invest in, or liquidate, a particular security or type of security.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of an ETF carefully before investing. For a prospectus containing this, and other important information, contact the fund company. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of a mutual fund carefully before investing. A mutual fund's prospectus contains this and other information about the mutual fund. Prospectuses are available through our trading site or through a Scottrade branch office. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing. No transaction fee (NTF) funds are subject to the terms and conditions of the NTF funds program. Scottrade is compensated by the funds participating in the NTF program through recordkeeping, shareholder, or SEC 12b-1 fees.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, charges, expense, and unique risk profile of an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) carefully before investing. Leveraged and Inverse ETFs may not be suitable for long-term investors and may increase exposure to volatility through the use of leverage, short sales of securities, derivatives and other complex investment strategies. A prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF and should be obtained from the issuer. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.
Margin trading involves interest charges and risks, including the potential to lose more than deposited, or the need to deposit additional collateral in a falling market. Margin Disclosure Statement (PDF) is available for download, or it is available at one of our branch offices. It contains information on our lending policies, interest charges, and the risks associated with margin accounts.
Options involve risk and are not appropriate for all investors. Detailed information about the risks associated with options can be found in the Scottrade Options Application and Agreement, Brokerage Account Agreement, or by downloading the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options and Supplements (PDF) from The Options Clearing Corporation, or by requesting a copy from your local branch office. Supporting documentation for any claims will be supplied upon request.
Market volatility, volume, and system availability may impact account access and trade execution.
Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are no guarantee of future performance or success.