Morningstar Database User's Guide: ETFs

What Is an ETF?

An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a type of security that involves a collection of securities—such as stocks—that often tracks an underlying index, although they can invest in any number of industry sectors or use various strategies. ETFs are in many ways similar to mutual funds; however, they are listed on exchanges, and ETF shares trade throughout the day just like an ordinary stock.