Exchange traded funds (ETFs) might all seem the same to a new investor, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. For example, an ETF in the real estate sector, such as SPDR S&P Homebuilders (XHB), might be down sharply, while another ETF invested in the energy sector, such as iShares Dow Jones U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Index (IEO), could be riding high. This example illustrates why having a diversified portfolio is helpful. It also emphasizes why trend following is important. We follow trends (whether an ETF is moving up or down) to determine when to buy and/or sell ETFs, and we follow our investment strategy rigidly.
Also remember that just because certain ETFs are up or down now, they won’t necessarily stay that way. Gary Gordon for ETF Expert did a great post that shows how much ETFs and different types of investments (equity, bond, currency, and gold) can fluctuate over the years.
The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.