What is an ETC?
An ETC is an 'exchange traded commodity’. ETCs track the price of an underlying commodity or basket of commodities, and are listed and traded on a stock exchange.
Where and how do I buy or sell ETCs?
You may trade ETCs as you would buy any other stock, through any stockbroker. You can locate a stockbroker who is a London Stock Exchange member firm using our ‘Locate a Broker’ service.
How are ETCs priced?
As ETCs track the performance of a particular commodity or commodity index, their pricing is derived either from the spot price of a commodity (ie the cash price you would pay to purchase the commodity today) or the futures price of a commodity (ie the price for a commodity you would commit today to pay in the future).
What benefits do ETCs offer investors?
- Comprehensible & Easy to Use
As index ETCs mirror the market as a whole there is no need to investigate individual commodities thus simplifying investment decisions.
- Low Tracking Error
The open-ended nature of these securities ensures tracking error is minimised and creates an arbitrage opportunity should the price drift away from the NAV
- Open Ended
Price not subject to supply and demand forces
- Liquid
ETCs are open-ended and can be created on-demand. Additionally, market makers provide guaranteed on-book liquidity all day
- Constant Trading during open market hours
ETCs can be traded at any time during open hours. So investors can check prices and place orders just like for stocks. As ETC prices mirror the underlying index or commodity, they can move both up and down. Investors can follow and exploit these movements allowing them to plan their transactions on a real time basis.
- No management of physical or futures positions
Hassle free – reduces back-office costs
- Market Access
All types of investors can gain exposure, and are charged the same fees
- Readily Available
ETCs are available through all UK brokers.
- Low Costs
Investors can gain exposure to a vast array of index and single commodity securities through a single transaction.
What costs are involved for ETC transactions?
ETC transactions are not subject to stamp duty. They are subject to capital gains tax in the same way as equity and there is a small management charge levied by the issuer.
Who should consider investing in ETCs?
The wide range of trading strategies available using ETCs mean that they can be suitable for the largest institutional investor through to the private investor. Although a passive tool, ETCs are commonly utilised as part of active strategies and can be useful in short term tactical plays as well as longer term investments. It really depends on the specific requirements of the individual investor and those unsure should seek professional advice.
What are the benefits of ETCs trading like shares?
The unique structure of ETCs offers several advantages to investors:
- Buy or sell at any time during the day, not just at the end of the day as is the case with managed funds
- Invest in a portfolio of commodities with one trade
What brokers can you trade ETCs through?
For a list of brokers who offer ETCs, please click
here.
For more information you can email etcs@londonstockexchange.com, visit the issuer website at http://www.etfsecurities.com/en/welcome.asp or speak to your broker.