Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you expect the social media industry to keep growing and prospering around the world, the Global X Social Media Index ETF
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The social media ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is 0.65%, which is a bit steeper than many ETFs', but still considerably lower than most stock mutual funds'.
This ETF doesn't have much of a performance record yet, as it's just a few months old. It's extremely small, too, so if you're thinking of buying, beware of occasionally large spreads between its bid and ask prices. You might want to just keep an eye on it as it matures a bit, or you might want to be an early investor. Remember that as with most investments, 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 the companies this ETF owns shares of have been strong performers over the past year. China-based NetEase, for example, gained about 18%, partly on profits from distributing the World of Warcraft video game in China. Indian Internet portal Rediff.com
Other companies didn't do as well last year but could have positive performance in the years to come. Renren
Mobile app maker Sky-mobi
The big picture
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 ."