What is the key difference between an ETF and a mutual fund?

The key difference between an ETF and a mutual fund is that ETFs trade on an exchange like a stock. This means they can be bought and sold throughout the trading day at market prices, similar to how individual stocks are traded. This intraday trading capability allows investors to react to market changes more quickly and provides the opportunity for price fluctuations throughout the day.

In contrast, mutual funds do not trade on an exchange. Instead, they are purchased directly from the fund company at the end of the trading day at the net asset value (NAV). This means that all buy and sell orders for mutual funds are executed at the same price after the market closes, which is determined based on the NAV at that time.

This distinction in trading methods affects how investors use these types of funds for their investment strategies. Additionally, the ability to trade ETFs like stocks offers greater liquidity and flexibility for investors compared to mutual funds, which can only be traded once a day.