Investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is a great way to get exposure to various assets without having to pick and choose individual stocks. But with so many ETFs on the market, it can be tricky to know which ones to choose.

 

Here are 10 ETFs that can help you trade smarter:

 

SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

The SPDR S&P 500 ETF is one of the most popular ETFs on the market and for a good reason. It tracks the performance of the S& P 500 index, which is made up of 500 of the largest US companies. It makes it an excellent choice for investors who want broad exposure to the US stock market. And because the S&P 500 is a well-established and widely-followed index, it’s easy to find information and analysis on this ETF.

 

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA)

The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF provides exposure to large and mid-sized companies in developed international markets, excluding the US and Canada. It makes it an excellent choice for investors who want to diversify their portfolios beyond the US. And because EFA tracks a widely- followed index, it’s easy to find information and analysis on this ETF.

 

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO)

The Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF exposes large and mid-sized companies in emerging markets. This ETF is an excellent choice for investors who want to get exposure to high-growth markets. However, because VWO tracks a less well-known index, it may be harder to find information and analysis on this ETF.

 

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

The SPDR Gold Shares ETF provides exposure to gold, which is often seen as a safe-haven asset. It makes it an excellent choice for investors looking for a way to hedge their portfolios against market volatility. However, because gold can be a volatile asset, it’s essential to do your research before investing in this ETF.

 

iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT)

The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF provides exposure to US government bonds with maturities of 20 years or more. It makes it an excellent choice for investors looking for a way to hedge their portfolios against market volatility. However, because bond prices can be volatile, it’s essential to do your research before investing in this ETF.

 

iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEF)

The iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF provides exposure to US government bonds with maturities of 7-10 years. It makes it an excellent choice for investors looking for a way to hedge their portfolios against market volatility.

 

PowerShares QQQ Trust (QQQ)

The PowerShares QQQ Trust tracks the performance of the Nasdaq 100 index, which is made up of 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

It makes it an excellent choice for investors who want exposure to the tech sector.

 

Vanguard REIT Index ETF (VNQ)

The Vanguard REIT Index ETF provides exposure to real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies that own and operate income-producing real estate. It makes it an excellent choice for investors looking for a way to diversify their portfolios beyond stocks and bonds. However, because REITs can be volatile, it’s essential to do your research before investing in this ETF.

 

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG)

The iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF provides exposure to high yield corporate bonds, which are bonds issued by companies with below-average credit ratings.

It makes it an excellent choice for investors looking for a way to diversify their portfolios beyond stocks and bonds. However, because high-yield corporate bonds can be volatile, it’s essential to do your research before investing in this ETF.

 

SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF (JNK)

The SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF provides exposure to high-yield corporate bonds, which are bonds issued by companies with below-average credit ratings.

It makes it an excellent choice for investors looking for a way to diversify their portfolios beyond stocks and bonds. However, because high-yield corporate bonds can be volatile, it’s essential to do your research before investing in this ETF.