ETF Screener Definitions: How to Use Screening Metrics
Understanding ETF screening metrics helps you find funds that match your investment goals. Use these definitions to interpret screener results and make informed comparisons:
What is an ETF screener and how do I use it?
An ETF screener is a filtering tool that helps you narrow down thousands of exchange-traded funds to find those matching your criteria. Use filter dropdowns to set parameters for expense ratio, dividend yield, AUM, and performance. Sort columns to rank ETFs by any metric. Switch between tabs (Overview, Performance, Dividends) to compare different data points.
What is expense ratio and why does it matter?
Expense ratio is the annual fee an ETF charges as a percentage of your investment. A 0.10% expense ratio means $10 per year on a $10,000 investment. Lower expense ratios preserve more of your returns over time. Index ETFs typically charge 0.03%-0.20%, while actively managed ETFs range 0.50%-1.00% or higher.
What is AUM and what does it indicate?
AUM (Assets Under Management) shows the total market value of all investments in an ETF. Higher AUM (over $1 billion) typically means better liquidity, tighter bid-ask spreads, and lower trading costs. ETFs with very low AUM (under $50 million) may face closure risk or wider spreads.
What is dividend yield for ETFs?
ETF dividend yield represents the annual dividend income as a percentage of the current price. It reflects dividends paid by the underlying holdings. Dividend ETFs typically yield 2-5%, while growth-focused ETFs may yield under 1%. Higher yields aren't always better - verify sustainability with payout frequency and growth trends.
What does holdings count mean?
Holdings count shows how many individual securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) an ETF contains. Broad market ETFs may hold 500-3000+ securities for maximum diversification. Sector or thematic ETFs often hold 25-100 focused positions. More holdings typically means lower individual security risk but may dilute performance of top performers.
How can I compare ETFs using the screener?
The ETF screener enables systematic comparison across multiple metrics simultaneously. Filter by asset class first to compare similar funds, then evaluate expense ratios for cost efficiency, AUM for liquidity, and performance across timeframes. Use the dividends screener for income-focused comparison.
ETF Expense Ratio Analysis: Cost Benchmarks & Impact
Expense ratios directly impact your investment returns. Use our ETF screener to compare cost efficiency across fund categories and asset classes. Lower expense ratios preserve more capital for growth over long investment horizons.
Ultra-Low Cost Index ETFs
Broad market and S&P 500 index ETFs: 0.03%-0.10% expense ratio. Examples: Total market, S&P 500 tracking funds. Best for long-term buy-and-hold investors minimizing costs. Over 30 years, a 0.05% savings vs. 0.55% compounds to significant outperformance.
Low-Cost Specialized ETFs
Sector, international, and bond ETFs: 0.10%-0.30% expense ratio. Reasonable fees for focused exposure. Compare within asset class categories using the ETF screener to find lowest-cost options for your desired allocation.
Moderate-Cost Active ETFs
Factor, smart-beta, and thematic ETFs: 0.30%-0.75% expense ratio. Higher fees reflect active management or specialized strategies. Use the screener's expense ratio filter to compare alternatives before committing capital.
Premium-Priced Strategies
Actively managed or alternative ETFs: 0.75%-2.00%+ expense ratio. Premium pricing for specialized management or unique strategies. Screen these separately and verify performance justifies higher costs before considering allocation.
Master systematic ETF selection with these step-by-step screening techniques. Whether you're filtering for low-cost index funds, dividend ETFs, or top performers, these guides show you how to use ETF screening criteria effectively:
Systematic Low-Cost ETF Selection: Screen by Expense Ratio
Use the Expense Ratio filter and select low ranges (under 0.10% for index funds)
Filter by Asset Class to compare apples-to-apples
Sort by expense ratio column to see cheapest first
Check AUM is over $100M for adequate liquidity
Compare Holdings Count for similar diversification levels
Systematic Dividend ETF Selection: Screen by Income Metrics
Switch to the Dividends tab for income metrics
Apply Dividend Yield filter (2-5% for balanced income)
Sort by Dividend Growth YoY to find growing payouts
Check Payout Frequency matches your income needs
Verify Expense Ratio is reasonable (under 0.50%)
Systematic Performance ETF Selection: Screen by Returns
Switch to the Performance tab for return metrics
Apply 1-Year Change filter for recent performers
Sort by 5Y or 10Y returns for long-term track record
Compare YTD and 6M for momentum signals
Cross-reference with Expense Ratio for net performance
Related ETF & Investment Tools
Complement your ETF screening with these related investment analysis tools:
Common questions about using the ETF screener and understanding ETF metrics:
How do I use the ETF screener?
Use filter dropdowns to narrow ETFs by expense ratio, dividend yield, AUM, and performance. Click column headers to sort. Switch between 4 tabs (Overview, Performance, Dividends, Technical) to view different metrics including price data, returns, yields, and technical indicators.
What metrics can I screen ETFs by?
Filter by expense ratio, dividend yield, dividend CAGR, AUM (assets under management), holdings count, 1D-5Y returns, 52-week highs/lows, technical indicators (RSI, MAs), volume, price range, and asset class categories.
What is the best way to screen for dividend ETFs?
Start with the Dividend Yield filter (2-5% range), then check dividend growth YoY and payout frequency. Switch to the Dividends tab to see yield, annual dividend, growth YoY, 5-year CAGR, years of growth, payout frequency, and ex-dividend dates together.
How do I find low-cost ETFs using the screener?
Use the Expense Ratio filter to select low-cost ranges (under 0.10% for index funds, under 0.50% for actively managed). Sort by expense ratio column to find the cheapest options. Compare similar ETFs by AUM to ensure liquidity.
Can I screen ETFs by asset class?
Yes, use the Asset Class filter dropdown to select from equity, fixed income, commodity, real estate, currency, and alternative ETFs. This helps filter by investment category and risk profile.
What is expense ratio and why does it matter?
Expense ratio is the annual fee charged by an ETF as a percentage of assets. Lower expense ratios (0.03%-0.20%) mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket. Over long periods, even small differences compound significantly.
How do I screen for high-performing ETFs?
Switch to the Performance tab and filter by 1-Year Change, 6-Month Change, or YTD performance ranges. Sort by any timeframe column to find top performers. Combine with expense ratio filter to find efficient performers.
What does AUM (Assets Under Management) indicate?
AUM shows total assets invested in an ETF. Higher AUM (over $1B) typically means better liquidity, tighter bid-ask spreads, and lower trading costs. Very low AUM ETFs may face closure risk.
How do I filter ETFs by multiple metrics at once?
Use multiple filter dropdowns simultaneously to apply layered screening criteria. Combine Expense Ratio filter with Dividend Yield filter and Performance filter to find specific ETF types. All filters work together and update in real-time.
What is holdings count and how should I use it?
Holdings count shows how many securities an ETF contains. Broad market ETFs may have 500-3000+ holdings for diversification, while sector or thematic ETFs might have 25-100 focused positions. Choose based on your diversification preference.
How do I compare similar ETFs effectively?
Filter by asset class first, then compare expense ratios, AUM (for liquidity), holdings count (for diversification), and performance across timeframes. Lower costs with similar holdings often indicate better value for index-tracking ETFs.