Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you expect the metals and mining industry to thrive as the global economy recovers and starts growing at a brisker pace, the SPDR S&P Metals and Mining
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The metals and mining ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is a low 0.35%.
This ETF has performed reasonably in its relatively short history. It underperformed the S&P over the past three years, but has outperformed it handily over the past five. As with most investments, of course, we can't expect outstanding performances in every quarter or year. Investors with conviction need to wait for their holdings to deliver. With a turnover rate of 43%, this fund isn't rejiggering its holdings quite as frantically and frequently as many funds do.
What's in it?
Several of this ETF's components made strong contributions to its performance over the past year. Rare-earth element miner Molycorp
Hecla Mining
Other companies didn't add as much to the ETF's returns last year, but could have an effect in the years to come. Titanium Metals
The big picture
Demand for metals isn't going away anytime soon. A well-chosen ETF can grant you instant diversification across the industry -- and make investing in and profiting from the sector that much easier.
ETFs can help you find the way to better investing results. To find some great ETF investing ideas, take a look at The Motley Fool's special free report, " 3 ETFs Set to Soar During the Recovery ."