Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you expect water-related companies to thrive over time as our planet's growing population keeps demanding clean water, the First Trust ISE Water Index ETF
The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The water ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is 0.6%. The fund is fairly small, 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 has performed rather well, beating the world market over the past three and five 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?
More than a handful of water-related companies had strong performances over the past year. Mueller Water
Aqua America
Agilent Technologies
Other companies didn't do so well last year but could see their fortunes change in years to come. Veolia Environnement
The big picture
Demand for water 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.
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