Why might an investor choose to use an ETF instead of a mutual fund?

An investor might choose to use an ETF instead of a mutual fund primarily because ETFs provide a more tax-efficient structure. This is largely due to the way ETFs are structured and traded. When investors buy or sell shares of an ETF, transactions occur on an exchange, which typically allows for "in-kind" redemptions. This means that when investors redeem their shares, they receive the underlying securities rather than cash. This process can minimize capital gains distributions, making ETFs generally more tax-efficient compared to mutual funds, which may have to sell securities within the fund to meet redemption requests, potentially generating taxable events for all shareholders.

The benefits of this structure can help investors keep more of their returns, especially in taxable accounts. Furthermore, investors can manage their tax liabilities more actively through the timing of their trades in ETFs. This combination of features is a significant reason why many might favor ETFs for tax-sensitive investment strategies.