What is the difference between a mutual fund and an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund)?

A mutual fund and an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) are both investments that are designed to pool money from many investors and invest it in a variety of assets. However, there are some key differences between the two. A mutual fund is a type of investment vehicle managed by a professional investment manager. A mutual fund allows investors to invest in a diversified pool of assets without taking on the risks associated with investing in individual stocks. Mutual funds are usually actively managed by a fund manager who will make decisions about which investments to add or remove from the mutual fund. ETFs, or Exchange Traded Funds, are similar to mutual funds in that they are designed to invest in a variety of assets, but differ in that they are traded on an exchange like stocks. This means that ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the day at prices that reflect their underlying value. ETFs are usually passively managed, meaning that the fund manager will not be making decisions about which investments to add or remove from the fund. In conclusion, the main differences between a mutual fund and an ETF are that mutual funds are actively managed and ETFs are passively managed, and mutual funds are not traded on an exchange like stocks. Additionally, the fees associated with mutual funds are typically higher than with ETFs. It is important to research and understand the differences between a mutual fund and an ETF before investing in either product.

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