ETF vs. ETN: What's the Difference? (2024)

ETF vs. ETN: An Overview

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have grown in popularity since their introduction in the 1990s. They generally have lower fees than mutual funds and are easier to understand since most mirror stock indexes or other benchmarks. Best of all, they can be bought and sold on exchanges, like stocks.

But ETFs have a lesser-known cousin, the exchange-traded note (ETN). It has some of the characteristics of bonds but, like most ETFs, the underlying investments are chosen to mirror an index or other benchmark.

Key Takeaways

Both ETFs and ETNs are designed to mirror the investments tracked by an index or other benchmark.
When you invest in an ETF, you are investing in a fund that buys and holds shares of the assets in the benchmark it tracks.
An ETN is more like a bond. It's an unsecured debt note issued by an institution.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

ETFs and ETNs have similar characteristics. Both mirror the assets contained in an index or other benchmark. Both have lower expense ratios than actively managed mutual funds. And both trade on major exchanges like stocks.

When you invest in an ETF, you are investing in a fund that buys and holds the assets it tracks. If it's an S&P 500 Index, it invests its clients' money in all 500 of those stocks, in the same proportion in which they're represented in the index. It will gain (or lose) money from hour to hour in the market, just like the S&P. (There can be minor differences in the results. This is referred to as "tracking error.")

There's a huge variety of ETFs to choose from, including not just stock funds but funds that invest in bonds, gold or other commodities, futures, or a mix of assets. Many focus on a single industry or sector. In January 2024, the first bitcoin futures ETFs were added to the mix.

Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs)

An ETN also tracks an index, and the returns it pays out are based on the performance of that index. Like an ETF, an ETN can be bought or sold on an exchange.

However, the ETN does not own the underlying assets. An ETN is an investment in debt, similar to a bond. It's an unsecured debt note issued by a bank.

Just like a bond, an ETN can be held to maturity or bought and sold at will. If the underwriter (usually a bank) were to go bankrupt, the investor risks losing the entire investment.

For that reason, anyone considering investing in an ETN needs to check the credit rating of the underwriter. If the underwriter were to receive a credit downgrade, shares of the ETN would probably experience a downturn that is unrelated to the underlying index it's tracking.

Unlike many ETFs, an ETN does not pay dividends or interest on the earnings of the underlying index to its investors. It doesn't own those assets and therefore doesn't receive any dividends or interest.

Investors in ETNs get their profits when they sell the ETN or when it matures.

Key Differences

ETNs tend to have lower tracking errors than some ETFs.

These errors are caused by factors like illiquid components. Prices can simply move too fast to achieve a precise match.

Tracking error is virtually eliminated with ETNs. The issuer has agreed to pay the full value of the index (less the expense ratio) at maturity.

An ETN pays investors once the fund matures based on the price of the asset or index. There's no tracking error because the fund itself isn't actively tracking. Market forces will cause the fund to track the underlying instrument, but it's not the fund doing the tracking.

Tax Advantage of ETNs

ETNs have a tax advantage over many other investments, including ETFs, because they do not pay taxable dividends and interest. This is a trade-off. Some investors are better off only owing the taxes due when the ETN is sold or reaches its maturity.

That said, ETNs are a relatively new investment vehicle and there isn't a long history of IRS treatment of special cases to rely upon. Investors in ETNs would be wise to consult a tax professional about any specific exceptions to the rules or changes in their interpretation that may affect their holdings.

Niche Access

One of the guiding principles behind ETNs is to give investors a shot at niche investing areas such as commodities, currencies, and emerging markets.

There are plenty of niche products available as ETFs as well. But the overwhelming favorite among ETF investors remains the old reliable S&P 500 Index tracking ETF.

Which Is Better?

If you follow the age-old rule that says you should invest only in what you understand, ETFs are a better choice. The ETN is a relative newcomer to the investing world, and it's complicated.

Are ETNs a Risky Investment?

ETNs have the same risks as bonds. There is the risk of default by the issuer. In that respect, an ETN is like an unsecured bond. If the institution goes down in flames, so does your investment.

The performance of an ETN is tied to a specific index. The ETN's value fluctuates with that index. In this respect, an ETN is like an ETF.

Nevertheless, the ETN's performance can be affected from two distinct directions: the market direction of the underlying index and the fortunes of the institution that issues the ETN.

Are ETNs Riskier Than ETFs?

Generally, ETNs are considered riskier than ETFs because they combine default risk and market risk.

An ETF can decline sharply if the market tanks, but it would take a genuine catastrophe to render it worthless. If an ETN's issuer defaults, the ETN is worthless.

Does an ETN Own the Assets in the Index?

An ETN owns nothing but an IOU. It is a promise to repay a loan after a set time period, typically 20 or 30 years. If an investor sells the IOU earlier than the maturity date, the seller receives an amount that is based on the index that the ETN tracks.

The Bottom Line

ETFs reward their investors when the underlying index or benchmark rises in value. The same goes for ETNs. An investor in either can watch their assets fluctuate in value from day to day, and can pull the trigger to sell at will.

There are differences, however. ETNs do not own the underlying assets that they track. They are bond-like investments and their risks are tied to the health of the institution that issues them.

I am an expert in the field of financial instruments, particularly exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs). I have a deep understanding of the concepts and intricacies involved in these investment vehicles, and I can provide valuable insights into the key differences between ETFs and ETNs, their characteristics, and the considerations investors should take into account when choosing between them.

First and foremost, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:

1. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs):

ETFs were introduced in the 1990s and have gained popularity for their lower fees compared to mutual funds.
They are designed to mirror the investments tracked by an index or benchmark.
ETFs can be bought and sold on exchanges, similar to stocks.
When investing in an ETF, you are essentially investing in a fund that holds shares of the assets in the benchmark it tracks.

2. Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs):

ETNs are a lesser-known cousin of ETFs and also track an index or benchmark.
Unlike ETFs, an ETN is more like a bond. It is an unsecured debt note issued by an institution, usually a bank.
The returns of an ETN are based on the performance of the index it tracks.
ETNs can be bought or sold on an exchange, similar to ETFs.
However, ETNs do not own the underlying assets; they are investments in debt.

3. Key Similarities:

Both ETFs and ETNs mirror the assets contained in an index or benchmark.
Both generally have lower expense ratios than actively managed mutual funds.
Both trade on major exchanges like stocks.

4. ETF Characteristics:

ETFs buy and hold the assets they track, offering investors a stake in a broad range of companies or assets.
They come in various forms, including stock funds, bond funds, commodity funds, and more.
Tracking error, a measure of deviation from the benchmark, may occur in ETFs.

5. ETN Characteristics:

ETNs are debt notes issued by a bank and do not own the underlying assets.
Investors in ETNs receive profits when selling the ETN or upon maturity.
ETNs do not pay dividends or interest on the earnings of the underlying index.

6. Key Differences:

ETNs tend to have lower tracking errors than some ETFs due to the issuer agreeing to pay the full value of the index at maturity.
ETNs do not pay taxable dividends and interest, providing a tax advantage over many other investments.

7. Risks and Considerations:

ETNs have default risk, similar to bonds, as the investor may lose the entire investment if the issuer goes bankrupt.
ETNs are considered riskier than ETFs due to the combination of default risk and market risk.

8. Niche Access:

ETNs provide investors with opportunities for niche investing areas, such as commodities, currencies, and emerging markets.

9. Which Is Better?:

ETFs are generally considered a better choice for investors who prefer a more straightforward investment.
ETNs may appeal to those interested in niche areas, but they come with additional complexity and risks.

10. Tax Advantage of ETNs:

ETNs have a tax advantage over many other investments, as they do not pay taxable dividends and interest.

In conclusion, both ETFs and ETNs offer unique advantages and considerations. ETFs are widely popular, especially for broad market exposure, while ETNs may appeal to investors seeking niche opportunities, despite their additional complexities and risks. Investors should carefully assess their risk tolerance, investment goals, and the specific characteristics of each instrument before making a decision.