Sensex ETF
Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) are passively managed fundsthat track a benchmark index such as S&P BSE Sensex TRI, Nifty 50 TRI, etc. Essentially, an ETF constructs a portfolio that is similar to the index as a whole, subject to expense ratio
and tracking error.Their goal differs from that of actively managed funds, in which they don’t try to outperform the benchmark index. Their focus is on maintaining low tracking error, which is a standard deviation of the difference between
the returns of the ETF and the benchmark index over a period of time. Therefore, when you invest in an ETF,
you’ll generate returns similar to that of its underlying index, subject to expense ratio and tracking error.
Types of ETFs
1. Equity ETF
An Equity ETF invests in a basket of stocks identical to a particular index such as S&P BSE Sensex, Nifty 50, Nifty Bank, etc. An Equity ETF is suitable for investors who want to investpassively into the Indian stock market while keeping their
costs low.
2. Commodity ETF
Presently, under a commodity ETF segment, only Gold is a permissible commodity. A Gold ETF tracks the price of domestic physical gold. It also allows investors to invest in gold in paper form. Gold ETFs are a more efficient way of investing
in gold since you don’t pay making charges like you would on physical gold jewelry.
3. Fixed Income ETF
A Fixed Income ETF tracks an index of bonds, State Development Loans (SDLs), G-Secs, etc. such as the Nifty 5 Yr Benchmark G-Sec Index.Fixed Income ETFs aren’t as popular as the other two categories in India. However, a Fixed Income ETF does
offer a low-cost alternative for investing in bonds, SDLs, G-Secs, etc.
Sensex ETF
A Sensex ETF, as the name suggests, tracks theS&P BSE Sensex TRI. The portfolio of a Sensex ETF is composed of a basket of stocks that represents the S&P BSE Sensex Index. The index tracks 30 well-established, large cap companies listed on
the Bombay Stock Exchange. Therefore, a Sensex ETF will hold all 30 stocks in a similar proportion to the underlying index, i.e. S&P BSE Sensex.
Advantages of Investing in Sensex ETF
1. Exposure to Large Caps
By investing in Sensex ETF, an investor gets exposure to the top 30* large cap companies traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
*As per Index Methodology
2. Low cost
At the core of an ETF’s value proposition is a low expense ratio. Actively managed funds have relatively high expense ratios since the fees of the fund manager and other stock research related operations are charged against the scheme’s returns.
Since ETFs are passively managed,their expense ratio is significantly lower.
3. Traded on Exchange
Unlike other mutual funds, ETFs are traded on the exchange. ETFs are open-ended schemes and have no lock-in period. Collectively, these
factors allow investors to purchase or redeem their holdings, similar to any other stock on the stock exchange. You can trade ETFs at the prevailing market prices in the stock exchange hours, just like any other stock.
4. Risk Management
Investing in actively managed funds requires you to understand the fund’s risk profile, the fund manager’s style, and past performance. Investing in ETFs, on the other hand, reduces the non-systematic risks like stock picking or portfolio
manager selection.
Disadvantages of Sensex ETFs
1. Tracking error
ETF returns don’t deliver the exact returns as that of the index. It is fundamentally impossible to deliver exact returns because an ETF holds some cash to pay for administrative and other expenses, while the index doesn’t hold any cash.
2. Low trading volume
Not all ETFs available on the Indian exchanges have a high trading volume. ETFs with a low trading volume have a high bid-ask spread. For example,when a seller is ready to sell their units for a price lower than what a buyer is ready to pay
for it, the difference is known as a bid-ask spread. If you end up investing in an ETF with a low trading volume, you may find it hard to redeem your units at the desired price.
Bottom Line
ETFs area great, low-cost option of investment for passive investors who want to stay invested for a long time.If you plan on adopting a passive investment strategy, invest in an ETF directly or consult your financial advisor about investing
in an ETF, if you need help from an expert.