Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you expect U.S. consumer services companies to thrive as our economy inevitably starts heating up again, the iShares Dow Jones US Consumer Services ETF
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The iShares ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is a fairly low 0.47%.
This ETF has performed rather well, beating the S&P 500 over the past three, five, and 10 years. 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 an ultra-low turnover rate of 4%, this fund isn't frantically and frequently rejiggering its holdings, as many funds do.
What's in it?
Several of this ETF's components made strong contributions to its performance over the past year. priceline.com
Las Vegas Sands
Other companies didn't add as much to the ETF's returns last year, but could have an effect in the years to come. Food distribution giant Sysco
The big picture
Demand for consumer services isn't going away anytime soon. A well-chosen ETF can grant you instant diversification across any industry or group of companies -- and make investing in and profiting from it that much easier.