Bitesize: Stock vs ETF vs LIC: Understanding the Differences

You may have heard of stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and listed-investment companies (LICs), but what exactly are these options and how do they differ? In this Bitesize, Alec and Bryce define the terms for you - so you won't ever be confused again! Stocks represent ownership in individual companies. When you invest in stocks, you become a shareholder in that company and have an interest in its success. Historically, stocks have been one of the best-performing asset classes, but they are also known for their volatility. An ETF is a basket of securities, such as stocks or bonds, that trade on an exchange like a stock. When you invest in an ETF, you are buying a share of the entire portfolio, rather than investing in individual securities. This diversification helps to mitigate risk in your portfolio, and is one of the reasons ETFs have become increasingly popular. LICs, also known as closed-end funds in America, are similar to ETFs in that they offer diversification by investing in a portfolio of securities. However, LICs are actively managed, which means they are managed by a professional fund manager who makes decisions about which securities to buy and sell. Listen (or watch) the full episode here: Website | Apple | Spotify Make sure you don’t miss anything about Equity Mates – visit this page if you want to support our work. Want more Equity Mates? Come to our website and explore! You’ll find information on our full network of shows, including our Equity Mates Investing Podcast, book recommendations, blogs, news, and more. ***** In the spirit of reconciliation, Equity Mates Media and the hosts of Get Started Investing acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today. ***** Get Started Investing is a product of Equity Mates Media. All information in this podcast is for education and entertainment purposes only. Equity Mates gives listeners access to information and educational content provided by a range of financial services professionals. It is not intended as a substitute for professional finance, legal or tax advice. The hosts of Get Started Investing are not financial professionals and are not aware of your personal financial circumstances. Equity Mates Media does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any information or advice given. Before making any financial decisions you should read the Product Disclosure Statement and, if necessary, consult a licensed financial professional. Do not take financial advice from a podcast. For more information head to the disclaimer page on the Equity Mates website where you can find ASIC resources and find a registered financial professional near you. Get Started Investing is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.