What is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) and how is it traded?

I see we're getting some strong perspectives here, which is awesome. But I'm curious, do you guys think ETFs might be a bit less risk-tolerant than individual stocks? We've talked about how they're traded, but how do they perform in unstable or volatile markets? You know, when things get a bit shaky. What's the strategy there?

Interesting takes, but have we considered the tax efficiency of ETFs? Let's not leave that on the back burner.

Isn't it also worth discussing how the dividends from ETFs are handled? How frequently are they, typically, distributed?

You know, between all the talk about how ETFs work, we almost forgot about the essential part – they're the mixed tape of the investing world. So, who's up for creating the ultimate ETF playlist, any takers?

Has anyone delved into how ETFs handle rebalancing and whether this affects their overall performance and risk profile?

What about the impact of market liquidity on ETFs, especially during high volatility? How does that play out?

Unfortunately, liquidity can be a real pain sometimes for ETFs during turmoil, leading to wider spreads. Not ideal when you're trying to make swift moves.

Keep in mind, while those spreads can be wider, if we stick with the major, highly-traded ETFs, the impact's often less severe. Navigating the markets is never a cakewalk, but these funds usually bounce back alright.

So, diving into the whole ETF saga, have we discussed their supernatural ability to diversify a portfolio at warp speed? It\'s like having your financial cake and eating it too—diversity with a cherry on top! Just wondering if anyone else has tried to capitalize on this without getting their financial fingers sticky?