3 Ways to Build an All-ETF Portfolio (2024)

There are plenty of advantages in using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to fill gaps in an investment portfolio, and lots of investors mix and match ETFs with mutual funds and individual stocks and bonds in their accounts. But it's equally possible to build a complete portfolio out of nothing but ETFs, which in most cases track indexes for a variety of asset classes. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits and trade-offs to consider when building an ETF-only portfolio using index ETFs. (While actively managed ETFs do exist, in this article an all-ETF portfolio refers specifically to using index ETFs only.)

How can you tell if an all-ETF portfolio makes sense for you? For the most part, it comes down to what your goals are—and your preferences. As a general rule, ETFs provide excellent diversification at a low operating expense ratio (OER) since many are passive funds that track a certain benchmark index. Because of this, they typically offer transparency—it's easy to see what stocks, bonds, or other investments the ETF holds each day. If these are top characteristics you look for in your investments, owning nothing but ETFs may be a straightforward yet flexible solution worth a closer look.

There are some trade-offs to think through. An all-ETF portfolio means giving up actively managed mutual funds, which have the potential to outperform index ETFs through professional selection of stocks and bonds. You'll also leave behind the control that comes with a portfolio composed solely of individual securities you have selected. Some people won't want to give these things up, even though these approaches have specific disadvantages as well (see table below). You'll also need to be comfortable with the risks that come with any ETF, including market risk and liquidity risk, as well as the expenses of the ETFs.

A portfolio of index mutual funds, meanwhile, would be very similar to an all-ETF portfolio with two main exceptions: ETFs trade differently than index mutual funds, and for certain niche asset classes, you can find ETFs but very few or no index mutual funds.

Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling Schwab at 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when rebalancing a non-retirement account, taxable events can be created that may affect your tax liability.

Some specialized exchange-traded funds can be subject to additional market risks. Investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor's shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Shares of ETFs are bought and sold at market price, which may be higher or lower than the net asset value (NAV).

All ETFs are subject to management fees and expenses. Please see Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for additional information.

Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks, including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. The lower rated securities in which high yield funds invest are subject to greater credit risk, default risk and liquidity risk.

Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are inflation-linked securities issued by the U.S. government whose principal value is adjusted periodically in accordance with the rise and fall in the inflation rate. Thus, the dividend amount payable is also impacted by variations in the inflation rate as it is based upon the principal value of the bond. It may fluctuate up or down. Repayment at maturity is guaranteed by the U.S. government and may be adjusted for inflation to become the greater of either the original face amount at issuance or that face amount plus an adjustment for inflation. TIPS generally have lower yields than conventional fixed rate bonds and will likely decline in price during periods of deflation, which could result in losses.

International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.

Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) may be more sensitive to interest rate changes. They are subject to extension risk, where borrowers extend the duration of their mortgages as interest rates rise, and prepayment risk, where borrowers pay off their mortgages earlier as interest rates fall. These risks may reduce returns.

Small-cap stocks have historically been more volatile than the stocks of larger more established companies.

Micro-cap stocks have a market capitalization between approximately $50 million and $300 million. They tend to have greater volatility and less publicly available information. As a result, they are riskier than larger-cap stocks.

Sector investing may involve a greater degree of risk than an investment with broader diversification.

Commodity-related products, including futures, carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, illiquid and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations and economic conditions, regardless of the length of time shares are held. Investments in commodity-related products may subject the fund to significantly greater volatility than investments in traditional securities and involve substantial risks, including risk of loss of a significant portion of their principal value.

Risks of real estate investment trusts (REITs) are similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, such as changes in real estate values and property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, supply and demand and the management skill and credit worthiness of the issuer. Investing in REITs may pose additional risks, such as real estate industry risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk.

Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.