Sector ETFs

Sector ETFs focus on groups of companies that are pursuing the same type of business, like energy, health care, utilities, or technology—just to name a few.

What are sector ETFs?

Sector ETFs (exchange-traded funds) track an index made up of companies offering similar or related products or services within a specific sector of the economy.

Some sector ETFs specialize even further by focusing on a specific industry subgroup within the sector or only including companies that meet particular size requirements.

Why have them in your portfolio?

Investing in a sector ETF allows you to gain exposure to a broad range of companies within this sector, rather than holding a single stock. This can reduce the risk that might be associated with holding a single specific stock.

What are common types of sector ETFs?

  • Health care ETFs

    Track indexes composed of companies engaged in the production and delivery of medicine and health care–related goods and services.

  • Real estate ETFs

    Track indexes composed of companies engaged in the real estate industry and other real estate–related investments.

  • Energy ETFs

    Track indexes composed of companies involved in the exploration, production, or management of energy resources.

  • Technology ETFs

    Track indexes composed of companies engaged in the research and development aspects of technology-based goods or services.

  • Consumer discretionary ETFs

    Track indexes composed of companies whose primary line of business is non-essential goods and services, including durable goods, apparel, entertainment and leisure, and automobiles.

  • Consumer staples ETFs

    Track indexes composed of companies whose primary lines of business are food, beverages, tobacco, and other household items.

  • Utilities ETFs

    Track indexes composed of companies engaged in the production and delivery of electric power, natural gas, water, and other utility services.

What are the pros and cons of Sector ETFs?

Sector ETFs have benefits that can be enticing for a portfolio, but there are risks to consider before selecting such an ETF.

  • Pros

    Select a specific sector
    Sector ETFs allow investors to express a view on a specific sector of the economy that may react beneficially to anticipated events.

     

    Portfolio diversification
    An investor with a concentrated position in a single stock may want to avoid duplicating sector exposure with a total market fund. In this case, holding sector ETFs from other sectors may help to round out the portfolio.
     

  • Cons

    Impact of outside influences
    When outside influences (culture, government, economy, resources, etc.) experience a shift, that shift can have a negative impact on all of the businesses within the sector. This may result in increased volatility.

What are other factors to consider when choosing sector ETFs?

  • Geography

    Is the ETF limited to holding only U.S. stocks, or does it provide exposure to companies in the same sector around the world?

  • Size

    Does the ETF restrict holdings based on the size of a company’s market capitalization (e.g., only small-cap or only large-cap)?

  • Number of holdings

    How many companies are classified within the particular sector and held by the ETF? Does the ETF further limit holdings to only a particular industry within the broader sector?

Take advantage of our ETF expertise

Your approach to ETF investing depends on what type of investor you are. At Schwab, we provide the help you need to build a strong ETF portfolio, whichever way you prefer to invest.

  • Person Image

    Choose your own

    You prefer to build and manage your own portfolios.

  • Tools Image

    Build a portfolio with our help

    You're a hands-on investor, but you'd like some guidance.

  • person and file image

    Get a managed portfolio solution

    You'd like a professional to help you define and pursue your goals.

Explore all our options for investing in ETFs.

Selecting ETFs

ETFs with Schwab

  • ETFs at Schwab

    Learn more

    Choose from 3,000+ commission-free listed ETFs*, including low-cost market cap index Schwab ETFs.

  • Ready to start investing?

    Already have an account? Get started. 

Need help understanding your ETF options?