Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you're interested in the waste management industry because of its seemingly inevitable growth due to a growing population, the Global X Waste Management ETF
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The waste-focused ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is 0.65%, which is a bit higher than many ETFs, but also considerably lower than the typical stock mutual fund.
This ETF doesn't have much of a performance to assess, as it's extremely young. Year to date, it's ahead of the S&P 500, but 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.
The ETF is very tiny, too, so if you're thinking of buying, beware of occasionally large spreads between its bid and ask prices. Consider using a limit order if you want to buy in. Or just keep it on your watchlist for a while.
What's in it?
Several waste-management companies had strong performances over the past year. Clean Harbors
Darling International
Other companies didn't do as well last year, but they could see improvement in the years to come. EnergySolutions
The big picture
Demand for waste management 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.
Learn about the 5 ETFs That Could Soar in 2012. And if you're looking for some great investments beyond ETFs, consider these 12 Dividend Stocks for 2012.