Latest ETF research
Exchange Traded
Funds (ETFs)
ETFs can offer diversification and cost-effective investing.
Why ETFs?
Easy to invest
Easy to understand and trade with diversification benefits.
Access global markets
Invest in a variety of indexes and sectors with over 1,900 available with HL.
Low cost
Generally low charges can help ETFs track underlying indexes closely.
What is an ETF?
An Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) is a basket of investments usually made up of shares and/or bonds. They are traded on a stock exchange and most ETFs track the performance of an index. They provide access to a basket of investments for usually a much lower cost than purchasing the individual investments yourself.
There are many aspects of an ETF that can make them an attractive proposition for investors. They are a good diversifier, easily accessible and cost effective. ETFs have risen in popularity so that now nearly 2,000 ETFs are available through HL.
ETFs are part of the family of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs). Other ETPs give investors access to more types of investments. These include Exchange Traded Commodities/Currencies (ETCs) which follow the price of things such as metals, oils, agricultural products or currencies. There’s also Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs).
Which accounts can you invest in ETFs with?
Some Exchange Traded Products are complex and considered higher risk. For these more complex ETFs you may need to complete a form before dealing to prove you’re a knowledgeable investor once you’ve opened an account.
Fund and Share Account
- Free to hold ETFs
- Minimum £1 to open
- No investment limits. Tax charges could apply
Stocks and Shares ISA
- Invest free from UK income and capital gains tax
- £100 to open. 0.45% annual charge (max £45)
- Invest up to £20,000 this tax year*
Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)
- Get 20-47% tax relief on what you put in
- £100 to open. 0.45% annual charge (max £200)
- Invest up to £60,000 this tax year*
*Tax rules for ISA and SIPP can change and their benefits depend on your circumstances.
What are the charges?
Online dealing charges vary depending on how often you trade. This ranges from £11.95 for 0 to 9 deals per month, to £5.95 for 20 or more deals per month.
Charges differ for phone and postal deals, and there may be other charges, such as added spread depending on your dealing choices.
ETFs will also have their own charges. Please see the ETF's key investor information document for details.
Most popular ETPs held by HL clients
Some Exchange Traded Products are complex and considered higher risk. For these more complex ETPs you will need to complete a form before dealing to prove you’re a knowledgeable investor.
Based on HL client holdings, updated hourly Mon-Fri.
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Which accounts can you invest in ETFs with?
Fund and Share Account
- Free to hold ETFs
- Minimum £1 to open
- No investment limits. Tax charges could apply
Stocks and Shares ISA
- Invest free from UK income and capital gains tax
- £100 to open. 0.45% annual charge (max £45)
- Invest up to £20,000 this tax year*
Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)
- Get 20-47% tax relief on what you put in
- £100 to open. 0.45% annual charge (max £200)
- Invest up to £60,000 this tax year*
*Tax rules for ISA and SIPP can change and their benefits depend on your circumstances.
What are the charges?
Online dealing charges vary depending on how often you trade. This ranges from £11.95 for 0 to 9 deals per month, to £5.95 for 20 or more deals per month.
Charges differ for phone and postal deals, and there may be other charges, such as added spread depending on your dealing choices.
ETFs will also have their own charges. Please see the ETF's key investor information document for details.
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Help and support
If you have any questions about ETFs or HL investment accounts, you can speak to one of our UK-based client support experts.
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