“Financials” is shorthand for the financial sector of the stock market, also called the banking sector. Here we’ll look at the best financials ETFs.
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Contents
Introduction – Why Financials ETFs?
Companies in the financial sector, as the name suggests, are banks, finance companies, investment companies, and insurance providers that offer financial products and services to commercial and retail customers. Many think of Wall Street, but the financial sector is much broader. Household names include Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, American Express, etc. Subtypes of financials include:
- Retail or consumer banks
- Commercial or business banks
- Investment banks
- Investment brokers
- Hedge funds
- Private equity firms
- Insurance providers
- Mortgage providers
- Tax services
- and more
The financial sector is intrinsically tied to the health of the economy, as a major aspect is providing mortgages and loans to customers. It is said that a healthy economy requires a healthy financial sector, and vice versa. A weak financial sector hurts consumers. The suffocation of these companies means fewer business loans, mortgages, and insurance, at higher prices.
Government regulation is also a big part of the financial sector. An obvious example is the huge blow to the financial sector – and the global economy as a whole – from the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. Following this, the financial sector saw restructuring and increased regulation, and rightfully so.
Below are some of the best Financials ETFs.
The 4 Best Financials ETFs
Below are the 4 Financials ETFs to access the banking sector:
XLF – Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund
The Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) is the most popular ETF for this sector, with over $18 billion in assets. The fund seeks to track the Financial Select Sector Index, providing broad, diversified exposure to the U.S. financial sector, touching every industry listed above. This ETF has 67 holdings and an expense ratio of 0.13%.
VFH – Vanguard Financials ETF
The Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) is next in popularity, with over $6 billion in assets. The fund seeks to track the MSCI US Investable Market Financials 25/50 Index. With over 410 holdings, this ETF provides much broader diversification and comparatively more mid- and small-cap exposure than XLF above. The fund is still market cap weighted but doesn’t have as much concentration in a small handful of companies. This ETF has an expense ratio of 0.10%.
KRE – SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF
Investors wanting to avoid big banks in favor of smaller regional banks will prefer the SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE). The fund seeks to track the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry, an equal weighted index of regional banks like First Republic Bank, Fifth Third Bancorp, PNC, and more. This ETF has 130 holdings and an expense ratio of 0.35%.
IXG – iShares Global Financials ETF
The above 3 ETFs only target U.S. financial stocks. Those desiring global diversification can do so with the iShares Global Financials ETF (IXG). The fund seeks to track the S&P Global Financials Sector Index. This ETF has 194 holdings and an expense ratio of 0.46%.
Where to Buy These Financials ETFs
All these financials ETFs should be available at any major broker. My choice is M1 Finance. The broker has zero trade commissions, zero account fees, fractional shares, dynamic rebalancing, and a modern, sleek, user-friendly interface and mobile app. I wrote a comprehensive review of M1 Finance here.
Canadians can find the above ETFs on Questrade or Interactive Brokers. Investors outside North America can use eToro or possibly Interactive Brokers.
Disclosures: None.
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Disclaimer: While I love diving into investing-related data and playing around with backtests, I am in no way a certified expert. I have no formal financial education. I am not a financial advisor, portfolio manager, or accountant. This is not financial advice, investing advice, or tax advice. The information on this website is for informational and recreational purposes only. Investment products discussed (ETFs, mutual funds, etc.) are for illustrative purposes only. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or otherwise transact in any of the products mentioned. Do your own due diligence. Past performance does not guarantee future returns. Read my lengthier disclaimer here.
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