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Buy Exchange-Traded-Funds (ETFs) with CMC Invest

Diversify your portfolio when you start investing in ETFs.Additionally, enjoy free monthly trades* on ETFs listed in SG, US, UK, HK and CA markets.*Number of free trades will depend on account tier

What is ETF Investment?

An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is an investment fund that holds a collection of assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, which means you can buy and sell them just like individual stocks.

If you’re wondering “what is an ETF investment?” — it’s essentially a simple and cost-effective way to get exposure to a wide range of markets. Investing in exchange-traded funds lets you trade multiple assets as one package, offering both flexibility and efficiency.

Why invest in ETFs

Instant diversification

ETFs allow investors to trade a range of assets as one package because an ETF contains a range of different assets.  For example, instead of buying all 500 companies in the S&P 500 ETF, you can purchase a single ETF unit that tracks the index. This allows you to build a diversified portfolio in just one trade.​

Transparent

ETFs are transparent, because you can always see what the underlying investments in the ETF are and you know exactly what you are buying.

Cost effectiveness

Buying hundreds of stocks individually means paying multiple brokerage fees. ETFs simplify this by bundling everything into one trade. At CMC Invest, you also enjoy zero-commission fees on ETFs across SG, US, UK, HK, and CA (depending on your account tier)​

Buy ETFs on local or global exchanges

How to get started on investing?

1
Apply for an accountApply online and wait for your account to be verified
2
Fund your accountDeposit seamlessly via bank transfer
3
Find and investTrade over 35,000 shares in domestic and international markets
Start trading

What are ETFs and how do they work?

An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is an investment fund that holds a collection of assets like shares, commodities and bonds. ETFs can be traded on stock exchanges such as the Singapore Exchange (SGX), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and more.
mixed fruitbowl representing different ETFs
ETFs are created by providers – usually large financial firms – who will consider which index, sector or commodity to track, before setting up the fund to emulate it. After it has been designed, it must be approved by its relative governing body before it can be traded on the market.ETFs that track an index, for example, buy the underlying assets of the index in accordance with their weighting, in order to mirror its rise and fall. The aim is to track the overall performance of the index through the fluctuations of the individual assets.Typically, all the assets contained in an ETF are owned by the fund provider, who then sells units of the ETF to investors. Those who purchase units in an ETF will own part of that fund, but not the actual assets themselves. Despite this, investors in an ETF that tracks a stock index get lump dividend payments, or reinvestments, for the stocks that make up the index.
Learn more about ETFs

Invest in local and global ETFs seamlessly

Choose a platform that suits your needs and experience. At CMC Invest, our platforms are feature-rich and easy to use.
  • Trade ETFs on the go via mobile or tablet
  • Access SG + 14 international markets
  • Simple order tickets with professional-grade features
  • Advanced charting with technical indicators and drawing tools
  • SG-based live chat support
With CMC Invest, you get a transparent, cost-effective, and powerful way to start ETF investing today.
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Are ETFs suitable for beginners in Singapore?

ETFs are often considered one of the best starting points for new investors because they:

  • Require less research than individual stocks

  • Offer broad market exposure

  • Are cost-efficient and easy to manage

Many beginners use ETFs to build diversified portfolios aligned with long-term financial goals.

Why are ETFs popular with Singapore investors?

ETFs are popular in Singapore because they offer:

  • Low costs compared to actively managed funds

  • Diversification across companies, sectors, or countries

  • Transparency, as holdings are usually disclosed daily

  • Flexibility, since ETFs can be bought and sold during market hours

They are widely used for long-term investing and portfolio building.

How can I buy ETFs in Singapore?

You can buy ETFs in Singapore by opening a trading account with a licensed broker such as CMC Invest. Once your account is set up, fund it, choose an ETF listed on the SGX or overseas exchanges, and place your trade during market hours—just like buying a regular share.

Are ETFs risky?

The risk level of an ETF depends on what it invests in:

  • Equity ETFs (stocks) carry market risk

  • Bond ETFs tend to be more stable

  • Sector or thematic ETFs can be more volatile

While ETFs reduce single-stock risk through diversification, their value can still rise or fall with the market.

Do ETFs pay dividends?

Some ETFs distribute dividends, while others reinvest them automatically.

  • Income ETFs pay out dividends regularly

  • Accumulating ETFs reinvest income to grow the fund

Dividends from overseas ETFs may be subject to withholding tax, depending on the market.

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