Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you expect the copper industry to boom as the housing market eventually recovers and global infrastructure projects grow, the Global X Copper Miners ETF
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The copper ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is 0.65%. That's a bit higher than many ETFs, but also considerably lower than most stock mutual funds. The ETF is relatively small, 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.
This ETF doesn't have much of a performance to assess since it's very young. It underperformed the market significantly last year and is well ahead of it so far this year. 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 low turnover rate of 16%, this fund isn't frantically and frequently rejiggering its holdings, as many funds do.
What's in it?
Few copper-mining companies had strong performances over the past year, due to falling prices, some labor problems, and uncertainty over China's expected growth rate. But many still have bright futures.
Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold
Ivanhoe Miners
The big picture
Demand for copper 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. Give the Global X Copper Miners ETF some consideration -- and perhaps look at its peers, as well, such as the well-regarded First Trust ISE Global Copper Index Fund
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.