ETF INVESTING: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE

iShares ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) offer a simple and cost-effective way to invest broadly across global markets. Learn the basics and start your ETF investing journey with confidence.

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

WHAT IS AN ETF?

An ETF is a collection of investments like stocks and bonds bundled together in a single fund. There are many different types of ETFs, but they’re primarily designed to provide exposure to a specific market or track a particular index like the FTSE or S&P 500.

ETFs are easy to trade – investors can buy and sell them on the stock market much like an individual stock.

WHY INVEST IN ETFs?

ETFs have many benefits that might make them a particularly good choice for beginner investors.

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LOWER FEES

With iShares ETFs, you can invest in a variety of assets through one fund, making it easier and more cost-effective than picking individual investments.1

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LESS RISK

ETFs provide diversification and are often less risky to own than an individual stock.*

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EASY TO TRADE

You can buy and sell ETFs on an exchange throughout trading hours, just like a stock.

*Risk: Diversification and asset allocation may not fully protect you from market risk.

ETFs EXPLAINED

HOW TO GET STARTED

You can’t invest directly with us, but we can guide you through the steps to get started.

1

OPEN A BROKER ACCOUNT

To invest in iShares ETFs, you'll need a brokerage account with a bank or an online trading platform. You can easily set this up online, similar to opening a bank account.

2

SELECT THE FUNDS

Next, you can evaluate funds and learn more about the ETFs that could help you meet your financial goals. You might be interested in investing in a certain industry, region or theme.

3

DECIDE HOW TO INVEST

Determine how much and how often you want to invest. You can set up a regular investment plan or make a one-time investment.

WHY iSHARES ETFS?

Our broad range of cost-efficient ETFs is designed to help you build a portfolio that fits your needs.

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ACCESS

iShares is Europe’s largest ETF provider, offering more than 1,400 products worldwide.3

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EXPERIENCE

iShares has been a leader in the ETF marketplace for more than two decades.

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QUALITY

Our team is made up of industry experts who continuously innovate to meet the ever-changing needs of investors.