Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you expect the consumer goods industry to thrive over time, the iShares Dow Jones US Consumer Goods
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The iShares ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is a relatively low 0.47%. (It sports a dividend yield near 2%, as well.)
This ETF has performed rather well, beating the world market 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.
With a low turnover rate of 6%, this fund isn't frantically and frequently rejiggering its holdings, as many funds do.
What's in it?
Plenty of consumer goods companies had strong performances over the past year. Tobacco giants Altria
Other companies didn't do as well last year, but could see their fortunes change in the coming years. Ford
Johnson Controls
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.
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