{"id":345605,"date":"2026-11-13T09:09:53","date_gmt":"2026-11-13T03:39:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/?p=345605"},"modified":"2026-11-13T09:09:53","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T03:39:53","slug":"etf-vs-index-fund-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"ETF vs Index Fund: Costs, Liquidity, Tracking Error and Which One Suits Your Investing Style"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"border-left:4px solid #1F4E79;background:#EBF3FB;padding:10px 16px;font-style:italic;\"><em>Both track an index. ETFs trade on exchanges through a demat account at live prices. Index funds are bought from the fund house at end-of-day NAV, and allow simple SIPs.<\/em><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#F0F9FF;border-left:4px solid #2E7D32;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 18px;margin:18px 0;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0;color:#1F4E79;font-size:14px;\"><strong>Quick Answer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 0;\">ETF vs index fund comes down to how you buy and sell. Both aim to copy an index such as the Nifty 50. An ETF trades on the stock exchange at live prices and needs a demat account, while an index fund is a mutual fund bought at the day&#8217;s NAV and supports easy monthly SIPs. Costs are low in both, so convenience and trading style usually decide the choice.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>ETF vs index fund is a choice many new investors face when they want low-cost market exposure without picking stocks. Both follow an index, and both hold the same set of shares, yet they differ in the way they are bought, sold and priced.<\/p>\n<p>This guide compares them on trading, cost, tracking error and convenience, and explains who might prefer each.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:24px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=etf-vs-index-fund-difference\"><strong>Click Here &#8211; Get Free Investment Predictions<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#What_Is_an_Index_Fund\" title=\"What Is an Index Fund?\">What Is an Index Fund?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#What_Is_an_ETF\" title=\"What Is an ETF?\">What Is an ETF?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#ETF_vs_Index_Fund_Key_Differences\" title=\"ETF vs Index Fund: Key Differences\">ETF vs Index Fund: Key Differences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Costs_and_Tracking_Error\" title=\"Costs and Tracking Error\">Costs and Tracking Error<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Which_Suits_You\" title=\"Which Suits You?\">Which Suits You?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\" title=\"Common Mistakes to Avoid\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#What_is_the_main_difference_between_an_ETF_and_an_index_fund\" title=\"What is the main difference between an ETF and an index fund?\">What is the main difference between an ETF and an index fund?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Which_costs_less_an_ETF_or_an_index_fund\" title=\"Which costs less, an ETF or an index fund?\">Which costs less, an ETF or an index fund?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Can_I_do_a_SIP_in_an_ETF\" title=\"Can I do a SIP in an ETF?\">Can I do a SIP in an ETF?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Do_I_need_a_demat_account_for_an_index_fund\" title=\"Do I need a demat account for an index fund?\">Do I need a demat account for an index fund?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#What_is_tracking_error\" title=\"What is tracking error?\">What is tracking error?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Are_ETFs_riskier_than_index_funds\" title=\"Are ETFs riskier than index funds?\">Are ETFs riskier than index funds?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/etf-vs-index-fund-difference\/#Is_an_ETF_better_for_long-term_investing\" title=\"Is an ETF better for long-term investing?\">Is an ETF better for long-term investing?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_Index_Fund\"><\/span><strong>What Is an Index Fund?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>An index fund is a mutual fund that holds the same stocks as a chosen index, in the same weights. Its goal is to match the index return, not beat it. You buy units directly from the fund house or through an app at the NAV declared after the close.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_ETF\"><\/span><strong>What Is an ETF?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>An exchange traded fund also tracks an index, but its units are listed and traded on the stock exchange like shares. You need a demat account and a trading account to buy it. The price moves during market hours, and a market maker helps keep it close to the value of the underlying index.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ETF_vs_Index_Fund_Key_Differences\"><\/span><strong>ETF vs Index Fund: Key Differences<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;text-align:left;background:#F0F0F0;\">Feature<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;text-align:left;background:#F0F0F0;\">ETF<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;text-align:left;background:#F0F0F0;\">Index fund<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">How you buy<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">On the exchange through a demat account<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">From the fund house or an app<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Pricing<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Live price during market hours<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">End-of-day NAV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">SIP<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Possible on some platforms, but less seamless<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Simple monthly SIP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Minimum amount<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">One unit<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Often a small fixed amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Extra cost<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Brokerage and bid-ask spread<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Usually none<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Expense ratio<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Often very low<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #BBBBBB;padding:8px;\">Low, slightly higher than ETF in many cases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The index being tracked is the same in both cases, so the underlying return comes from the same stocks.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Costs_and_Tracking_Error\"><\/span><strong>Costs and Tracking Error<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Both products charge an expense ratio, and ETFs often charge less. But ETF buyers also pay brokerage and face a bid-ask spread, which is the gap between buy and sell prices. If the ETF is not actively traded, this spread can be wider than the savings in the expense ratio.<\/p>\n<p>Tracking error measures how closely the fund follows its index. Good funds in both categories keep this small. Look at the tracking error over several years and not for a single month.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you read about ETFs and index funds on a fund house page or on a research site, check the same three numbers. Index funds and ETFs that track one index should show nearly the same return before costs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:24px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/screeners\"><strong>Use the Univest Screener to check live fundamentals before you act on any idea.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Suits_You\"><\/span><strong>Which Suits You?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Choose an index fund if you want automatic SIPs, no demat account and simple buying at NAV.<\/li>\n<li>Choose an ETF if you already trade, want live prices or want to buy during a market dip in the day.<\/li>\n<li>Choose an ETF with good volume, since low trading volume widens the spread.<\/li>\n<li>Choose either, but avoid doing both for the same index without a reason.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A beginner who invests monthly will usually find an index fund easier. An experienced investor who values intraday pricing may prefer an ETF on the <a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/indices\/nifty-50\/nifty-50-share-price-today\">Nifty 50<\/a> or another benchmark.<\/p>\n<p>Passive investing keeps costs low and removes stock picking, and both products serve that aim. An exchange traded fund suits someone who already trades and wants live prices, while an index fund suits a regular saver. Whichever you pick, passive investing works best when you hold through market cycles, and an exchange traded fund with high liquidity keeps the bid-ask spread narrow, so check volumes before you buy. A passive investing plan also needs a review once a year.<\/p>\n<p>Newcomers who compare ETFs and index funds should try both with a small amount. Fund houses explain exchange traded funds and index funds on one factsheet page, and sorting ETFs and index funds by tracking error is a fair first step. Many investors end up using index funds and ETFs side by side.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\"><\/span><strong>Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Do not pick on the lowest expense ratio alone, since spreads and tracking error also matter. Do not assume that passive means risk-free, because the fund will fall with its index. And do not buy an ETF with very thin volume just because it looks attractive on paper.<\/p>\n<p>Taxation of equity-oriented ETFs and index funds follows the same capital gains rules as other equity-oriented funds, so tax rarely decides the choice.<\/p>\n<p>Comparing ETFs and index funds on cost alone misses the point of how you invest. Many guides on index funds and ETFs list the same features, yet exchange traded funds and index funds behave differently in the first week you hold them. A saver choosing between ETFs and index funds should ask how often they will buy, and whether index funds and ETFs that track the same index have a similar tracking error. Index funds and ETFs also differ on the paperwork you need.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:24px;\"><em>Download the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/in\/app\/univest-stocks-investment\/id6443753518\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Univest iOS App<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.univest.capp&amp;hl=en_IN\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Univest Android App<\/a> to get daily stock research and market updates.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>ETF vs index fund is not a contest of returns, because both follow the same index. The difference is in the process: ETFs trade live on the exchange, while index funds are bought at NAV and make SIPs easy.<\/p>\n<p>Pick the one that fits the way you invest, check tracking error and costs, and stay invested for the long term.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#CC0000;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:24px 0;\">\n<p style=\"color:#FFFFFF;font-size:13px;line-height:1.7;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#FFFFFF;\">Disclaimer:<\/strong> Data and figures in this article are sourced from publicly available information. These may or may not be accurate. Please verify all data with the official NSE (nseindia.com) and BSE (bseindia.com) websites before making any investment decision. Investments in securities are subject to market risk. This content is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice by Univest (SEBI RA INH000013776).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_main_difference_between_an_ETF_and_an_index_fund\"><\/span><strong>What is the main difference between an ETF and an index fund?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> An ETF is listed on the stock exchange and traded at live prices through a demat account. An index fund is a mutual fund bought from the fund house at the day&#8217;s NAV. Both track the same type of index.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_costs_less_an_ETF_or_an_index_fund\"><\/span><strong>Which costs less, an ETF or an index fund?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> ETFs often have a lower expense ratio, but buyers also pay brokerage and a bid-ask spread. Index funds usually have no extra trading cost. Compare the total cost, not only the expense ratio.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_do_a_SIP_in_an_ETF\"><\/span><strong>Can I do a SIP in an ETF?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Some platforms allow regular ETF purchases, but it is less seamless than an index fund SIP, which is automated by the fund house. Index funds are usually the easier option for monthly investing.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_demat_account_for_an_index_fund\"><\/span><strong>Do I need a demat account for an index fund?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> No. You can buy index fund units directly from the fund house or through an investment app, without a demat account. ETFs need a demat and trading account.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_tracking_error\"><\/span><strong>What is tracking error?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Tracking error is the gap between a fund&#8217;s return and the return of its benchmark index. A lower tracking error means the fund follows the index more closely.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_ETFs_riskier_than_index_funds\"><\/span><strong>Are ETFs riskier than index funds?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Both carry market risk, since both follow an index. ETFs add the risk of wide spreads if trading volume is low, while index funds do not have that issue.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_an_ETF_better_for_long-term_investing\"><\/span><strong>Is an ETF better for long-term investing?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Both can serve long-term investors. An index fund is often easier for a regular monthly plan. An ETF can suit someone who is comfortable with the stock market and values live pricing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-schema\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the main difference between an ETF and an index fund?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"An ETF is listed on the stock exchange and traded at live prices through a demat account. An index fund is a mutual fund bought from the fund house at the day's NAV. Both track the same type of index.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which costs less, an ETF or an index fund?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"ETFs often have a lower expense ratio, but buyers also pay brokerage and a bid-ask spread. Index funds usually have no extra trading cost. Compare the total cost, not only the expense ratio.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I do a SIP in an ETF?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Some platforms allow regular ETF purchases, but it is less seamless than an index fund SIP, which is automated by the fund house. Index funds are usually the easier option for monthly investing.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do I need a demat account for an index fund?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. You can buy index fund units directly from the fund house or through an investment app, without a demat account. ETFs need a demat and trading account.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is tracking error?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Tracking error is the gap between a fund's return and the return of its benchmark index. A lower tracking error means the fund follows the index more closely.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Are ETFs riskier than index funds?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Both carry market risk, since both follow an index. ETFs add the risk of wide spreads if trading volume is low, while index funds do not have that issue.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is an ETF better for long-term investing?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Both can serve long-term investors. An index fund is often easier for a regular monthly plan. An ETF can suit someone who is comfortable with the stock market and values live pricing.\"}}]}<\/script><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ETF vs index fund is a common passive investing question. Here is how they differ on trading, costs, SIPs and tracking error, and how to pick between them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":345604,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[23021,10494,23022],"class_list":["post-345605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-market","tag-etf","tag-index-fund","tag-passive-investing"],"metadata":{"rank_math_internal_links_processed":["1"],"_thumbnail_id":["345604"],"rank_math_title":["ETF vs Index Fund: Differences, Costs and Which to Choose"],"rank_math_description":["ETF vs index fund compared: how each works, demat needs, costs, tracking error, SIP convenience and which passive option suits a beginner or an active trader best."],"rank_math_focus_keyword":["ETF vs index fund"],"rank_math_robots":["a:2:{i:0;s:7:\"noindex\";i:1;s:8:\"nofollow\";}"]},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/etf-vs-index-fund-costs-liquidity-tracking-error-and-which-one-suits-your.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/345605","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=345605"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/345605\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":345606,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/345605\/revisions\/345606"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/345604"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=345605"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=345605"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=345605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}