What are technology ETFs?

With the tremendous growth of the technology industry, tech stocks have established a solid footing in the stock market, making it an attractive yet challenging place for first-time investors.  

ETFs (exchange-traded funds) can significantly simplify the investing process. ETFs tempt investors who want to minimize the risk of engaging in individual securities while generating income over time.  

Tech industry exchange-traded funds (ETFs) trade in shares of electronics and information technology manufacturers and service providers, which make up the technology sector.  

This industry’s technological solutions vary from consumer items to enterprise software. These companies’ stocks often trade at high earnings multiples compared to other sectors and have a history of driving market cycles.  

Small-cap and microcap companies, as well as large-cap and microcap companies like Apple Inc. (AAPL), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), and Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), contribute to the sector’s outlook and growth. 

What are technology ETFs?

Technology ETFs could be an excellent place to start for market players interested in investing in this industry. Continue reading to learn more about what you should know before buying a technology ETF. 

There are roughly 110 technology ETFs in the United States, according to ETF.com. Some are focused on specific sectors, like artificial intelligence ETFs or fintech ETFs, but the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF is the largest technology ETF with remarkable capital gains (NASDAQ: QQQ).  

It had US $195.26 billion in assets under management as of February 4, 2022

Despite the generic nature of most tech ETFs, investors still have the option of selecting the market that most interests them. Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: FB) are among the most crucial tech businesses tracked by the iShares US Technology ETF (ARCA: IYW)

The PureFunds ISE Mobile Payments ETF (ARCA: IPAY), which tracks the mobile payments industry, is another ETF that monitors a specific market within the tech sector. PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL), Mastercard (NYSE: MA), and Visa are among its top holdings (NYSE: V). 

There are several high-performing options for investors wishing to obtain exposure to the lucrative semiconductor business, including the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ: SOXX) the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ: SMH), and the Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3x Shares (NYSE AMERICAN: SOXL). 

technology ETFs
Source: pixabay

Based on data obtained from the ETF database as of February 2022, some of the better ETFs are

ParameterTechnology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK)First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV)ProShares S&P Technology Dividend Aristocrats Fund (TDV)
IssuerState StreetFirst TrustProShares
Performance Over One-Year12.6%11.8%10.5%
Expense Ratio0.10%0.50%0.45%
Annual Dividend Yield 0.67%1.78%1.11%
Three-Month Average Daily Volume13,524,775106,04812,147
Assets Under Management$45.9 billion$1.8 billion$110.7 million
Inception DateDec. 16, 1998Aug. 13, 2012Nov. 5, 2019

XLK tracks the Technology Select Sector Index, broadly indicative of the S&P 500 Index’s technology sector.  

Companies involved in technology hardware, storage, peripherals; software; communications equipment; semiconductors and semiconductor equipment; and various related services are the focus of the fund. 

TDIV follows the NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index, an index of technology and communications businesses listed on the NASDAQ, NYSE, or NYSE Amex.  

Companies must meet minimum market capitalization, average daily dollar trading volume, and yield standards to be included in the index and have paid an ordinary dividend in the previous 12 months. 


how etfs are differenct from mutual funds

How ETFs are different from mutual funds?


TDV invests in the S&P Technology Dividend Aristocrats Index, which comprises well-established technology companies that have grown their dividends for at least seven years.  

The index’s companies have solid fundamentals and a successful growth and profitability track record. The data processing and outsourced services firms, semiconductors, and tech hardware, storage, and peripheral companies are the significant holdings of the large-cap growth fund. 

Even if investors are unsure about market intricacies, tech ETFs can help them get started. They’re seen as a safe and straightforward method to start in the industry, with a better chance of making a profit.  

Market participants who want more control over their technology stock investments should go elsewhere. ETF shares don’t provide much flexibility because they simply track an index or commodity.

FAQs

What are technology ETFs?

Technology ETFs could be an excellent place to start for market players interested in investing in this industry. Continue reading to learn more about what you should know before buying a technology ETF. 

There are roughly 110 technology ETFs in the United States, according to ETF.com.

Are ETFs a good investment for a new investor?

Exchange Traded Funds are usually considered to be low-risk investments as not only are they low-cost but also hold various stocks and securities, thus increasing diversification.

How to invest in ETFs?

You can invest in ETFs using the EduFund App. All you need is a US account to start investing. Get started using this link – https://www.edufund.in/us-market