Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you expect small-cap companies to thrive in coming years, the iShares S&P Small Cap 600 Growth
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The iShares ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is a low 0.25%.
This ETF has performed well, outperforming 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.
What's in it?
Several of this ETF's components made strong contributions to its performance over the past year. TriQuint Semiconductor
Other companies didn't add quite as much to the ETF's returns last year but could have an effect in the years to come. Stifel Financial
The big picture
A well-chosen ETF can grant you instant diversification across an industry or market segment -- and can make investing in and profiting from it 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 ."