Course index:
- Basic Concepts of Money and Personal Finance
Introduction to the value of money, the importance of saving, and spending control. - Budgeting and Financial Planning
Create a personal budget, manage income and expenses, and set financial goals. - Inflation and Purchasing Power
Explanation of how inflation affects the value of money over time. - Interest Rates and Time in Finance
Differences between simple and compound interest rates and their importance in investments. - How to protect your savings. Protect yourself from scams.
How to protect your money from the scams that abound today - Basic Savings Instruments
Explanation of savings accounts, term deposits, and how they work. - Introduction to the Stock Market
Basic concepts of the stock market and its role in the global economy. - Actions: What They Are and How They Work
Explanation of stocks, types (common and preferred), and how to invest in them. - Bonds: What They Are and How They Work
Differences between corporate and government bonds, and their importance in diversification. - Risk vs. Return on Investments
Concept of risk and how it affects investment choices. - Diversification and Creation of Basic Portfolios
Basic diversification principles to reduce risk in an investment portfolio. - What is an ETF and How Does it Work <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Introduction to ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and how they track market indices. - Introduction to Mutual Funds
An explanation of mutual funds and their benefits for beginners. - Financial education for the family.
- Economic Cycle and its Impact on Investments
How the stages of expansion and contraction in the economy affect investments. - Growth Stocks vs. Value Stocks
Differences between these types of actions and when each is appropriate. - Fundamental Analysis of Stocks
Explanation of how to analyze a company's value based on its fundamentals. - Basic Technical Analysis: Charts and Patterns
Introduction to basic technical analysis tools, such as trend lines and candlestick patterns. - Options: What They Are and How They Work
Basic concepts of call and put options and their uses in investments. - Futures: What They Are and How They Work
Introduction to futures contracts and their application in investment and speculation. - Introduction to Cryptocurrencies
What is digital money, how it was created, and the characteristics of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. - Blockchain and its Importance in Finance
How the technology behind cryptocurrencies works and their applications in finance. - Risks in Cryptocurrency Trading
Volatility, fraud, and regulations in the cryptocurrency market. - Leverage Principles and its Risk
What it means to trade with leverage and the associated risks. - Investor Psychology and Emotion Management
How emotions influence investment decisions and tips for managing them. - What is Algorithmic Trading
Basic explanation of the use of algorithms to perform operations in the financial market. - Financial Analysis of Companies
Introduction to basic financial statements and their interpretation for valuing companies. - Investing in Commodities: Gold, Oil, and Other Goods
How commodity investments work and their role in diversification. - Advanced Investment Strategies: Hedging and Derivatives
Introduction to strategies for managing risks through financial derivatives. - Creating and Managing a Complete Portfolio
Practical application of prior knowledge to build and manage a diversified portfolio.
Imagine you like a ton of pizza flavors: you love mozzarella, but also fugazzetta, Neapolitan, and ham and peppers. Instead of ordering just one pizza of one flavor and having to go through the hassle of choosing, you go to the pizzeria and order half of each, with several flavors combined. With a single order, you get a little piece of everything you like. Well, ETFs are something similar, but in the world of investments.
ETF stands for "Exchange Traded Fund."It's like a basket containing bits of many different things, like company stocks, gold, or bonds. For example, it might include a bit of Mercado Libre, a bit of YPF, and a bit of Coca-Cola. You buy that basket in one go, and you have a bunch of different things without having to choose them one by one.
The great thing about ETFs is that they're easy to understand and use, even if you don't know much about investing. They're bought and sold on the stock exchange, just like a company's shares, allowing you to enter or exit whenever you want, without too much hassle.
How do ETFs work? Step by step
Let's say you have 100,000 pesos to invest. If you wanted to buy shares in a single company, like Adidas, you might have enough for just a few shares. But if that company has a bad run and loses value, your money suffers. With an ETF, those 100,000 pesos are spread across many companies. If one doesn't perform well, the others can compensate and balance things out.
ETFs are created by experts who are responsible for putting together the basket. They decide what to include (company stocks, metals like gold, or bonds) and then offer pieces of that basket to the public. You don't have to worry about analyzing each company or monitoring the market all the time; they've already done that for you.
Furthermore, ETF pricing is transparent. When you log into the exchange (nowadays, you can do so from a computer or mobile device), you see how much a piece of the ETF costs and decide whether to buy it or not. It's a clear and straightforward process.
Some examples of well-known ETFs
Now that we know what ETFs are, let's look at some popular examples that are widely used in the investment world.
- SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF)
This ETF tracks the S&P 500, an index that includes the 500 largest companies in the United States, such as Microsoft, Google, and Walmart. By buying SPY, you own a small stake in all of these companies. It's a reliable and stable option, ideal for those looking for something solid. - QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF)
The QQQ tracks the Nasdaq 100, which includes the 100 leading technology companies, such as Apple, Amazon, and Tesla. If you're interested in innovative companies working in technology and the future, this ETF may be a good choice. However, its ups and downs may be a bit more pronounced. - GLD (SPDR Gold Shares ETF)
This ETF allows you to invest in gold without having to physically buy it. When the price of gold rises, the value of GLD also increases. It's a popular option for those looking to protect their money in times of uncertainty. - IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF)
The IWM tracks the Russell 2000, an index of 2,000 smaller US companies. They aren't as well-known as the larger companies, but they have growth potential. It's an alternative for those looking to diversify. - VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF)
This ETF covers almost all publicly traded companies in the United States, both large and small. It's a way to invest in the entire market without having to choose between specific options.
Why are ETFs a great option for hassle-free investing?
ETFs have several advantages that make them an attractive alternative for investing money without going crazy. Here's why:
- You don't need to be an expert
Investing can seem complicated, with charts, news, and numbers everywhere. But ETFs simplify everything: specialists have already put together the basket, and you just have to buy it. It's ideal for those just starting out or who don't have time to study the market in depth. - They reduce the risk
If you put all your money in a single company and that company fails, you lose a lot. With an ETF, the risk is spread across many companies. If one does poorly, the others can maintain their value. It's a safer way to invest. - They are economical
Buying shares in several companies on your own means paying commissions every time you make a trade. With an ETF, you pay only once for the entire basket. Plus, the maintenance costs (called "expense ratios") are typically low, leaving more money working for you. Compared to mutual funds, they're much cheaper (we'll talk about these in the next lesson). - You can start with little
You don't have to be a millionaire to invest in ETFs. Some cost less than 10,000 pesos per unit, and on many platforms you can buy fractions. This makes it accessible to anyone, even if you only have a few pesos saved. - Easy to buy and sell
ETFs are traded on the stock exchange, so you can buy or sell them at any time while the market is open. It's a streamlined process, with no lengthy paperwork or delays. - You have a variety to choose from
There are all kinds of ETFs: technology companies, gold, bonds, foreign markets. You decide what interests you and choose the one that best suits your tastes or expectations. - They grow in the long term
Many ETFs, such as the SPY or VTI, track the broader market, which tends to rise over time, even during temporary dips. If you're patient, your investment can grow significantly, making it perfect for saving for the future.
How to start investing in ETFs?
If you're interested in trying ETFs, here are some simple steps to get started:
- I opened an investment account
Find a reliable platform, such as Balanz, Inviú, Eco Valores, or Invertir Online Pago, or international apps like Interactive Brokers or Fidelity. It's similar to opening a bank account, but for investing. - Define how much you want to invest
It doesn't take much. You can start with 5,000 or 10,000 pesos, or whatever you have available. The important thing is to take the first step. Keep in mind that abroad the amount will likely be higher. - I chose an ETF
Check out options like SPY, QQQ, or GLD, and think about what you'd like: technology? Gold? The entire market? Do some research to find the one that suits you best. - Buy the ETF
On the platform, search for the ETF name (for example, "SPY"), indicate how much you want to spend, and make your purchase. It's quick and easy. - Let it grow and check it from time to time.
You don't have to keep an eye on them all the time. ETFs are designed for the long term, but you can check how they're doing whenever you want.
A practical example
To see this in action, let's imagine Lucía, an employee who saves 10,000 pesos a month. She doesn't know much about investments, but she wants her money to grow. She decides to try the SPY. She opens an account, invests her first 10,000 pesos, and adds a little more each month. After five years, she checks and sees that her money has grown to 750,000 pesos, thanks to the SPY companies' appreciation. She didn't have to do anything complicated, just buy and wait.
Final tips
Before closing, I leave you with some useful recommendations:
- Don't worry about temporary dips: The market sometimes falls, but it usually recovers over time. Patience is the key.
- Invest only what you can afford to risk: Use money you don't need for essential expenses, like rent or food.
- Learn more if you want: Over time, you can learn more about investing, but ETFs are easy to use even if you don't know much.
Conclusion: ETFs, a simple way to invest
In short, ETFs are a practical, affordable, and safe way to invest without complicating your life. They're like a basket already filled with goodies, and you just have to choose the one you like. With options like SPY, QQQ, or GLD, there's something for everyone, whether you're interested in technology, gold, or the market in general. You don't need to be an expert or have a lot of money to get started, and over the long term, your investment can yield great results.
So, if you want your money to work for you without giving you headaches, ETFs are a great option. Are you up for trying them? It's easier than it seems!
Next course date
Questions for you to reflect on
Why is investing in ETFs arguably the simplest and most profitable method available?
What advantages does it have over the FCI? (You may have to wait for the next lesson.)
Why might it be a good idea to diversify between ETFs?
A brief overview of The Pocket Investor
The Pocket Investor is a project that combines experience and passion for financial education to help you transform your relationship with money. Through personalized mentoringWe help you design investment strategies tailored to your goals and needs, optimizing your portfolio to address challenges like inflation and the dollar.
The books on finance and investment, including the popular The Argentine Pocket Investor - El Inversor de Bolsillo argentino, are practical tools that explain complex concepts in a simple way, bringing the world of investments closer to anyone interested in financial growth.
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