What is an ETF? Learn the basics about exchange-traded funds
Are you looking for targeted exposure to an investing sector? An ETF can help with that.
7 min read
Jul 17, 2024
James Royal, Ph.D.
Principal writer, Investing and wealth management
EXPERTISE
- Investing
- Wealth management
- Behavioral finance
- Stock analysis
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in management, University of Florida
- Master of Arts in English, University of Florida
- Doctorate in English, University of Florida
Our goal is to get wiser every day and avoid the mistakes of the past.
— James Royal, Ph.D.
About the author
Bankrate principal writer and editor James F. Royal, Ph.D. covers investing and wealth management. His work has been cited across major media, including CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times and the Associated Press. Royal believes in the power of education to help individuals make smart financial decisions that can positively and significantly improve their lives.
Experience
James is the author of The Zen of Thrift Conversions. He’s a veteran writer and stock analyst with a history of working in the financial-services industry, including at the Motley Fool and Bankrate.
Education
Royal has a bachelor’s degree in management as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in English earned at the University of Florida.
Media mentions
CNBC
Yahoo Finance
Reuters
Cheddar TV
Forbes
Barron’s
Our goal is to get wiser every day and avoid the mistakes of the past.
— James Royal, Ph.D.
James's latest articles
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What is a trust?
You don’t have to be a member of the Rockefeller or Gates families to benefit from a trust.
7 min read Jul 17, 2024 -
Understanding futures vs. options: Which is better for you?
Futures and options are financial contracts used to hedge against price changes.
8 min read Jul 15, 2024 -
What is a REIT and how does it work?
One way to start investing in real estate is to buy shares of a REIT.
6 min read Jul 12, 2024 -
The ultimate guide to stock market simulators and virtual trading
Learn what it’s really like to trade stocks, without the risk.
7 min read Jul 12, 2024 -
What is a crypto wallet?
Crypto wallets keep your cryptocurrency safe. Learn about the different types.
8 min read Jul 10, 2024 -
7 mindset shifts that can make you a millionaire
Here are seven key mindset shifts that you can make to help you become a millionaire
5 min read Jul 10, 2024 -
Survey: Best ways to play falling interest rates, elections and AI, according to investing pros
Bankrate’s Market Mavens survey asked experts about the key questions for investors
5 min read Jul 10, 2024
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9 biggest 401(k) mistakes to avoid
Don’t make these errors when using a 401(k) to save for retirement.
5 min read Nov 20, 2024 -
Stock market holidays in 2024: US markets are closed on these days
When is the stock market closed? Here’s a list of days when the major exchanges observe holidays.
1 min read Nov 11, 2024 -
What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average?
These companies make up the popular Dow Jones Industrial Average.
3 min read Nov 04, 2024 -
Elon Musk in 2024: What to know about the world’s richest person
Learn which investments helped make Elon Musk the richest person in the world.
8 min read Nov 04, 2024 -
What to do if your Social Security payment is late
Is your Social Security check late? Here’s what to do.
2 min read Oct 29, 2024 -
Best time of the year to retire for tax purposes
When you retire can potentially have a big impact on your retirement income and the taxes you owe.
4 min read Oct 24, 2024 -
Warren Buffett: Top investing lessons and advice from Berkshire’s legendary CEO
Here’s what else you should know about Warren Buffett, his investment approach and largest holdings.
8 min read Oct 22, 2024 -
What is Bitcoin mining and how does it work?
Here are the basics on how Bitcoin mining works and some key risks to be aware of.
5 min read Oct 21, 2024