Invest in ETFs - Low-cost Diversified Investments

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What is an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund)?

ETFs are market-traded investment funds that hold a basket of securities like stocks, bonds, or commodities. They offer the diversification of mutual funds with the flexibility of stock trading — all at low cost and high liquidity.

How Do ETFs Work?

ETFs are created and redeemed by institutional investors through in-kind transactions. They are traded on stock exchanges in real-time, allowing investors to buy and sell ETF units like regular stocks — offering price transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency.

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ETF vs Mutual Funds

Both ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) and mutual funds help investors diversify, but they work differently in terms of cost, trading flexibility, and transparency.
Feature
ETFs
Mutual Funds
Trading
Traded live on stock exchanges
Bought/sold at end-of-day NAV
Pricing
Price fluctuates throughout market hours
Fixed once daily at closing NAV
Transparency
Daily disclosure of holdings
Periodic (monthly/quarterly) portfolio updates
Expense Ratio
Generally lower (especially passive ETFs)
Usually higher, especially actively managed ones
Tax Efficiency
Higher (due to in-kind redemptions)
Less efficient – more capital gain distributions
Minimum Investment
Just the price of 1 ETF unit
Often has a set minimum (e.g., ₹500 or ₹1,000)
Liquidity
High — buy/sell anytime during trading hours
Lower — redeem via fund house

Which is Better for You?

  • Choose ETFs if you want lower costs, real-time trading, and transparency.

  • Choose Mutual Funds if you prefer SIPs with NAV-based pricing and fund manager expertise.

Types of ETFs in India

1. Index ETFs

Track major indices like Nifty 50, Sensex, and Bank Nifty. These offer broad exposure to India’s top companies and are ideal for long-term, low-cost investing.

2. Thematic ETFs

Focused on megatrends like Artificial Intelligence, Clean Energy, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). They allow investors to align portfolios with high-growth themes.

3. Gold & Commodity ETFs

Offer exposure to physical gold and other commodities — without the hassle of storage. A convenient way to hedge against inflation or diversify into raw materials.

4. Bond ETFs

Invest in government or corporate bonds, ideal for conservative investors seeking regular income with lower volatility than equities.

5. Passive vs Active ETFs

  • Passive ETFs: Track indices with low costs and no active stock picking.

  • Active ETFs: Managed by fund managers aiming to beat the benchmark.
    Motilal Oswal offers both styles, combining flexibility with strategic exposure.

6. Leveraged & Inverse ETFs (Advanced)

These amplify returns or move opposite to market indices using derivatives. Designed for experienced investors, these ETFs carry higher risk and require careful handling.

7. Cryptocurrency ETFs (Emerging)

Globally popular as a gateway to digital assets. In India, crypto ETFs are not yet widely available due to regulatory caution — but the space continues to evolve.

Benefits of Investing in ETFs

1. Instant Diversification

ETFs offer exposure to multiple stocks or bonds through a single investment — reducing risk and improving portfolio balance.

2. Low Cost & High Efficiency

Most ETFs have lower expense ratios than mutual funds. That means more of your money stays invested, helping you build long-term wealth.

3. Real-Time Liquidity

ETFs trade live on stock exchanges, letting you buy and sell throughout the day — unlike mutual funds that settle once daily.

4. Transparent Portfolio

ETF holdings are disclosed daily, so you always know exactly where your money is invested.

5. Tax Efficiency

In India, ETFs can offer tax advantages like reduced capital gains due to in-kind redemptions and greater clarity on dividend taxation.

6. Suitable for All Investors

ETFs are ideal for new investors, professionals, and long-term planners alike. You can start small and grow with SIPs or lump-sum investments.

Invest in ETFs with Motilal Oswal

Trade top-performing ETFs across Nifty, Sensex, Gold, and global indices via our award-winning platform. Access tools like:
Research-Driven ETF Recommendations
Get access to proprietary ETF research built for Indian investors. Our team evaluates ETFs based on cost, tracking error, liquidity, and long-term portfolio suitability — helping you pick smart, aligned options.
Smart Tools for ETF Selection
Use our easy-to-navigate ETF Screener to compare ETFs across risk, returns, cost, and strategy. Portfolio tracking tools simplify monitoring and rebalancing — even for first-time investors.
Expert Webinars & Market Insights
Stay ahead with exclusive access to Motilal Oswal’s market webinars, ETF guides, and educational videos. Learn directly from experts and decode investment trends with ease.
Trusted Platform & Seamless Experience
With over 35 years of expertise, Motilal Oswal brings a secure and seamless platform for ETF investing — supported by advanced tech, personalized advisory, and easy onboarding.

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FAQs on Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)

What is an ETF and how does it differ from a mutual fund?

ETFs are baskets of securities traded like stocks on exchanges, unlike mutual funds which are bought and sold at daily NAV prices.

Are ETFs a safe investment for beginners in India?

Yes, ETFs offer diversification and transparency, making them a suitable choice for investors starting out.

What are the main types of ETFs available on Indian stock exchanges?

Index ETFs, thematic ETFs, gold and commodity ETFs, bond ETFs, and increasingly, active ETFs.

How do currency fluctuations affect returns on international ETFs?

Currency strength or weakness can impact returns, especially for unhedged international ETFs.

What tax implications should Indian investors consider when investing in ETFs?

Capital gains tax and dividend distribution taxes apply, with favorable rules for long-term holdings.

How can I buy or sell ETFs through Motilal Oswal’s platform?

Using your Demat and Trading account, you can trade ETFs like stocks on NSE and BSE via our seamless platform.

What are the common risks associated with ETFs and how to manage them?

Market risk, tracking error, liquidity, and structural risks exist; diversification and understanding the products help manage these.

What is tracking error in ETFs?

Tracking error is the difference between an ETF’s returns and the index it aims to replicate. It can occur due to fund expenses, transaction costs, or imperfect portfolio matching.

What are currency risks in international ETFs, and how can they be managed?

When you invest in international ETFs, changes in foreign exchange rates can affect your returns. Hedged ETFs aim to reduce this risk but may come with higher costs.

How can ETFs be used in retirement or goal-based investing?

ETFs can be included in systematic investment plans (SIPs) to build long-term wealth and later be structured for systematic withdrawals, making them useful for retirement or specific financial goals.

How can I use ETFs for portfolio diversification?

ETFs provide instant diversification by spreading your investment across multiple securities in a single trade, helping reduce exposure to individual stock risk.

What factors should I check before choosing an ETF?

Look at expense ratio, tracking error, liquidity (average daily volume), and how well it aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

How does Motilal Oswal help investors choose the right ETFs?

Motilal Oswal provides proprietary ETF research and ratings that evaluate funds on key parameters like cost, tracking error, liquidity, and portfolio alignment, helping investors make informed choices.

Does Motilal Oswal offer tools to compare different ETFs?

Yes. Its ETF Screener and portfolio tools allow side-by-side comparison of ETFs based on factors such as risk, returns, and expense ratios.