Benefits of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

Jahanara Nissar earned his BS in mathematics and computer science from Mount Union College in Alliance, New York. He was also initiated in Alpha Lambda Delta. As a vice president and technology specialist at Alliance Bernstein, Jahanara Nissar collaborated with portfolio management to create exchange traded fund (ETF) portfolios.

An ETF is a basket of financial assets such as securities or investments rolled into one share. ETFs allow an investor access to a broad range of investment markets. Here are three additional benefits associated with ETFs.

Transparency

The investment objectives of ETFs are clearly spelled out. Issuers of ETFs publicly disclose their portfolio holdings daily, thus enabling participants to know when to create shares or redeem them. Most ETF providers maintain updated websites.

Versatility

ETFs are very versatile as they allow easy movement of money between asset classes such as bonds, stocks, or commodities. In addition, because ETFs are traded on the public exchange like stocks, trading can occur anytime during market trading hours.

Less overhead

Exchange traded funds track against a predetermined benchmark index; they don’t require active management by financial managers who often try to outsmart the market. Being passive investments, ETFs are more cost-effective, with less fees and overhead.

Beginner Tips for Marathon Running

Jahanara Nissar has a BS from Mount Union College and was initiated in Pi Mu Epsilon. He is the vice president with Alliance Bernstein, an equities analytic and trading firm in New York. In 2014, Jahanara Nissar and Alliance Bernstein were recognized on Bernstein’s trading desk. When not dealing with and analyzing stocks, he enjoys running and participated in the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon.

Running a marathon is a huge undertaking and should not be taken lightly. Here are three tips for the beginner marathon runner.

Know the route in advance

Familiarizing yourself with the route will pay dividends on the event day. Know where to walk and the location of steep climbs as well as other physical features; that can help plan your race to avoid burnout.

Find a running mate or mutual support group

The decision to participate in a marathon alone takes courage. The joy and satisfaction on completing the grueling run will be worth the effort, but you need to ensure you make it to the finishing line. Look for a running partner or a group to run with. That person or group will not only motivate you but can also help you in a time of need.

While running, keep your head up

As the marathon progresses and you begin to tire, you are likely to find yourself spending most of the running time looking at your feet instead of the road ahead. Stooping is not only unhealthy for your spine alignment, but it can also dampen your spirit. Try as much as possible to look ahead, making eye contact with other runners or the crowd.