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01International Limitations
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02Low Trading Volumes
The advantage of purchasing an ETF over an index or equity diminishes when ETFs demonstrate low trading volumes, because the bid-ask spread can be too wide to be cost-effective. Barring any unforeseen news or circumstances, market makers tend to be tighter on securities that are more liquid.
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03Long Investment Horizon
While intra-day trading opportunities created by ETFs might benefit short-term ETF traders, they night not serve a long-term investor’s strategic outlook.
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04Inactivity
Some ETFs aren’t as actively traded as others. This might occur because of sector or regional issues. Consequently, it may be prudent for some investors to consider managed funds, where trading activity levels are typically higher.
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05Tax Implications
While some U.S. ETFs carry negative tax implications, certain foreign ETFs can offer tax advantages to an international portfolio, because tax laws vary from country to country. Therefore it might be beneficial to your tax situation, to contemplate foreign investments.
Why Exchange-Traded Funds May Not Be Right for You
The Disadvantages of ETFs
Although exchange-traded funds have many advantages, like most investments, they carry disadvantages as well. The following disadvantages of ETFs will give you some added clarity on these vehicles, before taking the plunge.