Passive stock exchange traded funds generally follow a simple formula to reflect the performance of an underlying benchmark Index, but not all Indices are created alike. The varying indexing methodologies can generate different returns.
Most ETFs use a type of indexing or passive investment methodology that adjusts the weightings on component holdings within its investment portfolio to reflect that of an underlying index. Additionally, fund providers may use a sampling technique to select a few securities from an overall Index.
The majority of stock-related ETFs employ a market-cap weighted methodology where each stock component is weighted by their market capitalization in the original index.
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