These niche ETFs, by their nature, tend to produce very volatile returns – and usually charge higher fees than broad-based ETFs. Figures from researcher Morningstar show the worst offenders among these ETFs are so-called “inverse” funds, which seek to profit from falling sharemarkets, much like traditional ‘short’ trading positions.
While share prices are volatile over the short and medium term, they tend to rise more than they fall over the long term. The recommended minimum time frame for sharemarket investments is five years, preferably longer. The Global X Palladium ETF is third with an average annual compound return of 17.1 per cent over the five years and 9 per cent over the past year. The price of palladium, a metal used in car catalytic converters and in electronic devices, has increased over much of the 5-year period.
Chris Brycki, founder of Stockspot, an online investment adviser, says the best way to avoid big losses is to stay clear of “exciting” ETFs, which can be launched at the peak of interest in the theme.