Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you expect the oil and gas industry to keep generating profits as our global economy keeps demanding its energy, the iShares Dow Jones U.S. Energy ETF
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The energy ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is a relatively low 0.47%.
This ETF has performed well, beating the S&P 500 handily over the past 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 6%, this fund isn't frantically and frequently rejiggering its holdings, as many funds do.
What's in it?
This ETF's components were a mixed bag when it came to performance in 2011. Marathon Petroleum
Chesapeake Energy
Falling 38% was Transocean
The big picture
Demand for energy 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 best dividend ETFs. And if you're looking for some great investments beyond ETFs, consider these 10 Stocks for Your Retirement Portfolio.