How to Invest in ETFs in the Philippines

Last Updated on – Jul 13, 2023 @ 1:21 pm

If you’ve been thinking of investing in stocks but held back because you think:

A. You need more capital
B. Worried about not making the right picks
C. Have no idea how to start

Well then, I have some good news for you. There’s one other option that will allow you to test the waters of stock market investing with less money down and little experience required.

Enter: Exchange Traded Funds

What are Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)?

Let’s squeeze out a simple definition from the term itself:

An Exchange Traded Fund or ETF is a Fund (a collection of investments) that is Exchange-Traded (can be bought and sold in real-time).

If you’re familiar with how Mutual Funds work, they share the same core (each fund is a basket of various types of investments: stocks, bonds, etc.,)., except that Mutual Funds can’t be traded in real-time and ETF’s typically base its investing strategy on mimicking certain indexes or industries/sectors (more on this later).

Some consider ETFs to be a combination of Mutual Funds (allows you to invest in a basket of securities in a single trade) and Stocks (you can buy and sell ETFs in the market within stock trading hours).

Compared to stocks, investing in ETF allows for instant diversification for less money. Let’s say you want to buy shares of Ayala Corp or SM Corp. In conventional stock investing, you’d have to pay the minimum number of shares for each stock.

For example, let’s assume Ayala Corp (AC) is priced at Php800 per share while SM Corp (SM) costs Php1000 per share. The minimum number of shares of each stock is 10, which means you’ll have to buy 10 SM shares and 10 AC shares to invest.

In total, you’ll have to shell out Php8,000 for 10 shares of AC and Php10,000 for 10 shares of SM. For 18,000, you’ll own stocks of both companies. 

Ok, that’s great and all—but what if you only have Php20,000 to invest (just trying your first shot at investing in the market), you’re pretty much stuck with those 2 investments until you can come up with more funds to invest and buy other stocks to spread the risk (diversify) on your investments.

This is where ETF investing comes in handy.

For the same money (Php18,000), you can invest not only SM and Ayala shares—but also shares from 28 other companies.

By simply buying shares of the ETF (which contains multiple assets and shares of different companies already), you have a cost-efficient way of diversifying your portfolio. 

Here’s how it works:

An ETF company purchases shares of large, established companies that belong to a specific index or sector. An index can be thought of as a way of measuring and monitoring the performance of a specific group of investments.

It doesn’t “exist” as an actual entity, rather, it acts as a concept that provides a guideline/rule/structure for constructing a specific portfolio.

In the Philippines, the top 30 companies are publicly traded on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Its index is the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi). It tracks the performance of 30 of the biggest and most valuable companies in the country.

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Exchange-Traded Fund vs. Index Fund

To readers familiar with Index Funds who might be thinking, “ETFs seem to function a lot like Index Funds.

So, how are they different from each other?”

Well, an Index Fund can be a Mutual Fund or Exchange Traded Fund. It’s constructed to follow a specific industry or index.

On the other hand, an ETF tracks indexes of a specific exchange. Examples of exchanges include the Philippine Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Stock Exchange, the London Stock Exchange, and many more.

But how exactly does this “tracking” happen, you ask? 

Tracking is done by purchasing securities (stocks, bonds, commodities, etc.,) of the index that is being emulated/followed at a ratio that will be proportional to the index.

If you wanted to buy shares of each of the 30 companies being traded in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) right now, it’s possible—-but it’s going to cost a whole lot more versus investing in an ETF that tracks the PSE Index.

The fund manager of that ETF will “copy” (as close as possible) the composition of the PSE (list of companies trading in the PSE) using a ratio that will be proportional to the weight of each company included in the PSE.

So if Ayala Corp represents, say, 7% of the entire PSEi, then the ETF fund manager will include Ayala Corp shares in the fund representing 7% (or something very close) of the whole ETF.

As you may have guessed, you gain or lose in your ETF investment based on the performance of the index it tracks. So if the ETF specifically tracks the PSEi, for example, then your investment will grow if the PSEi posts positive scores. If it’s down, then your ETF shares will reflect very similar results.

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Types of ETF

Spoiler alert: There’s only one type of ETF available right now in the Philippines—-and it’s an Equity Index-type.

Before we go into details of this sole ETF in the country, let’s take a brief look at some of the most popular forms of ETF available around the world. 

• Equity Index
• Foreign Currency ETF
• Sector & Industry ETF
• Commodity ETF
• Derivative ETF
• Bond ETF

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FMETF – The First ETF Available In the Philippines

The First Metro Philippine Equity Exchange Traded Fund (FMETF) is the first-ever ETF in the country.

Launched in 2013 by First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC), they aim to give investors the option to invest in something that can provide returns that reflect that of the Philippine Stock Exchange index.

The fund is managed by First Metro Asset Management Inc (FAMI) with First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp (FMSBC) and IGC Securities as the authorized participants. 

Here’s the list of underlying securities that make up FMETF:

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Pros and Cons of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of investing in ETFs.

Pros:

• Cost-effective diversified investment. By allowing investors to buy a basket of stocks in a single trade, it’s a low-barrier path (price-wise) towards diversified investing in the stock market. Instead of having to come up with a significantly large amount of money to invest in a per-stock basis, you can tap into the returns potential of a particular group of stocks that belong to a specific index.

• Can serve as another tool in your investment strategy. Both budding and advanced investors can use ETF in combination with other investments. You can also apply some of the most popular investing techniques and philosophies to it to like Peso-Cost Averaging, Cash equitization, and Core-satellite.

• Transparent. Information on the type of holdings an ETF has including the price and costs are disclosed via the ETF company’s website in real-time.

• Flexible. ETFs are tradeable in an exchange which means they can be bought and sold in real-time during market hours. It allows you to enter or exit the market faster during the day. There’s also no minimum holding period.

• Lower fees compared to actively managed Mutual Funds. In general, the passive nature of ETF investing allows it to be managed without needing the more hands-on approach of Mutual funds. This could result in lower management fees. There’s also no front-end and back-end load fees when it comes to entry and exit costs.

Cons:

• Potential gains versus stocks could be lower. Since the basket of securities inside an ETF is a mix of multiple investments (at a weighted figure), you could miss out on the possible huge gains (and losses) of a particular stock. For example, let’s say Jollibee Foods Corp posts 10% gains on a particular trading day. While you may have Jollibee Foods Corp in your ETF too since it’s just a small part of a long list of securities in your ETF, you won’t likely “feel” its gains since the performance of your ETF will depend on the performance of the entire fund.

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Best ETFs in the Philippines 

Wondering what the best ETFs to invest in? Check out this list below.

First Metro Exchange Traded Fund (FMETF)

Registered in 2013, First Metro Exchange Traded Fund aims to give returns that reflect the performance of the Philippine equities market through investing in securities that are included in the PSE Index (PSEi) of the PSE.

The portfolio of FMETF is rebalanced and reconstituted every 6 months to help adjust to the current composition of the PSEi. 

Complete list of FMETF holdings:

• Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.  
• Aboitiz Power Corp.   
• Ac Energy Corporation           
• Alliance Global Group, Inc.    
• Ayala Corporation      
• Ayala Land, Inc.         
• Bank of The Philippine Islands           
• BDO Unibank, Inc.      
• Converge Information And Communications Technology Solutions, Inc.       
• Emperador Inc.           
• Globe Telecom, Inc.
• Gt Capital Holdings, Inc.         
• International Container Terminal Services, Inc.           
• Jg Summit Holdings, Inc.        
• Jollibee Foods Corporation Lt Group, Inc.
• Manila Electric Company        
• Megaworld Corporation          
• Metro Pacific Investments Corporation 
• Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company 
• Monde Nissin Corporation      
• Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company “Common”     
• Puregold Price Club, Inc.        
• Robinsons Land Corporation  
• San Miguel Corporation          
• Security Bank Corporation      
• Sm Investments Corporation   
• Sm Prime Holdings, Inc.         
• Universal Robina Corporation 
• Wilcon Depot, Inc.

How to Invest in FMETF

You can start by opening an account with First Metro Sec so you can begin buying and investing in FMETF.

1. Visit https://www.firstmetrosec.com.ph/fmsec/ or https://www.firstmetrosec.com.ph/fmsec/article/625-open-an-account. Click “Open an account”.
2. List of requirements:
   • Tax ID Number (TIN)
   • SSS or GSIS number
   • Metrobank account number (for existing Metrobank customers)
   • One government-issued ID with photo and signature (driver’s license, passport, Philhealth card, TIN card, Voter’s ID, Senior Citizen ID, and others)
   • One proof of address (bank statement, credit card statement, electric bill, water bill, telephone bill, and other similar documents)
   • Email address
3. Special Case Requirements
   • US person / Residing in the US: FATCA and EDD
   • Other Nationalities: EDD
   • For Police/Military/Government Officials: EDD
   • Self-Employed: Proof of business, DTI/SEC BIR Registration, Mayor’s permit, BIR 2303 form 
4. Complete the online registration process:
   • Prepare requirements
   • Complete the form
   • Verify your email
   • Upload documents
   • Speak (via video call) with one of First Metro Sec customer representatives. Existing Metrobank account holders and those who will open an account via personal appearance can skip this part.
5. Upon receipt of email notification confirming your account is active, you may begin purchasing FMETF shares online via desktop and mobile devices.

You can also use any online trading platform that are accredited by the PSE – such as BPI Trade, COL Financial, or BDO Securities to buy and trade FMETF.

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iShares MSCI Philippines ETF (EPHE) 

With 41 holdings, iShares MSCI Philippines has been championing investor progress since it was established. Through this, investors can take control of their future. 

iShares has been considered a leader in the marketplace for over two decades.

They provide building blocks for the portfolio of large and small investors while giving them transparency, efficiency, and fair price.

List of EPHE holdings:

• SM Prime Holdings Inc                      
• Ayala Land Inc           
• SM Investments Corp  
• Ayala Corporation      
• JG Summit Holdings Inc         
• International Container Terminal Services Inc 
• Bank of The Philippine Islands 
• BDO Unibank Inc       
• PLDT Inc                   
• Universal Robina Corporation

How to Invest in EPHE

Investing can be made online directly through Fidelity, where iShares trade commission-free. You can also contact your bank if they offer this investment.

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Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

Thanks to its phenomenally low expense ratio of 0.03%, VOO is considered one of the most popular ETFs. This will help you save thousands of dollars over the duration of your investment. 

VOO tracks the performance of the S&P 500 index, which represents the top 500 largest companies in the US. Therefore, investing in it will help you diversify your portfolio. 

Top VOO holdings:

• Apple Inc.
• Microsoft Corp.
• Alphabet Inc.
• Amazon.com Inc.
• Tesla Inc.
• NVIDIA Corp.
• Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
• Meta Platforms Inc.
• UnitedHealth Group Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson
• Monster Beverage Corp
• PayPal Holdings Inc
• HP Inc.
• Kraft Heinz Co
• Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
• Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.
• Etsy Inc.

How to Invest in VOO 

You can trade and invest in VOO via eToro.

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ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) 

ARKK follows an iterative investment process that combines top-down and bottom-up research to identify innovation early.

Therefore, you can easily capitalize on opportunities and enjoy its long-term value. 

Top ARKK holdings:

• Tesla Inc         
• Roku Inc Class A        
• Teladoc Health Inc      
• Square Inc A   
• Zoom Video Communications Inc      
• Shopify Inc A 
• Spotify Technology 
• Twilio Inc A   
• Coinbase Global Inc Ordinary Shares – Class A           
• Unity Software Inc Ordinary Shares
• Shopify
• Intellia Therapeutics
• CRISPR Therapeutics
• Beam Therapeutics
• Fate Therapeutics
• DraftKings

How to Invest in ARKK 

You can trade and invest in ARKK via eToro.

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Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ)

This exchange traded fund is managed by Invesco Capital Management LLC. It seeks to track the performance of NASDAQ-100, which is one of the top-performing indexes in the world.

They invest in stocks of a wide array of companies operating across industries such as consumer staples, energy, materials, real estate, energy, communication, utilities, and health care.

Their biggest investments lies in the information technology sector. 

Top QQQ holdings:

• Apple Inc
• Microsoft Corp
• Amazon.com Inc
• NVIDIA Corp
• Tesla Inc
• Alphabet Inc Class C
• Alphabet Inc Class A
• Meta Platforms Inc Class A
• Broadcom Inc
• Costco Wholesale Corp
• Adobe Inc
• Paypal Holdings Inc
• T-Mobile US Inc
• Lululemon Athletica Inc
• Monster Beverage Corp
• Keurig Dr Pepper Inc
• Moderna Inc

How to Invest in QQQ

If you want to invest in QQQ as an individual investor, you can do this in a lot of ways. You can find QQQ on most popular trading platforms (such as eToro and IQ Option) or you can consult a professional.

Some of the other methods listed on their website include Fidelity, M1 Finance, Interactive Brokers, Robinhood, Vanguard, and Charles Schwab.  

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How Much is the Minimum Investment for ETF?

The Philippine Stock Exchange sets the initial capital you can invest in ETF. The minimum amount for your investment is based on the minimum board lot which takes into consideration the price of the stock. 

Check out the Philippine Stock Exchange minimum board lot shown below. 

As the table shows, there is no pre-declared fixed minimum investment.

What PSE has set is the least number of stocks you need to buy, depending on the price as well as the minim board lot.

For example, if the price of a stock is between ₱50 and ₱99.95, the number of shares you need to buy is at least 10.

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Is ETF a Safe Investment?

As with any type of investment, ETF investing does come with risks. One can say they are safer because of the broad diversification of bonds and stocks at a much lower cost. Investors, however, should be aware of these risks. Here are some of them:

• Market risks – ETFs get the same fate as the market they track and once they go down, you cannot mitigate it directly. You should set your capital in your portfolio in a manner that will minimize exposure to this risk.
• Trading risk – This is the total cost of being an ETF portfolio owner. While cheaper than other assets, there are still costs to cover including direct trading costs, commissions, sales charges, and more.
• Methodology risks – Even ETFs that track the same market are not equal. Methodology risks are not easy to spot and investors must equip themselves with the knowledge on the fund prospectus to know the ups and downs of an investment strategy.
• Tax risks – ETFs are considered by most to be tax-efficient but that doesn’t mean they all are. If you are planning to invest, you should know that some funds are taxed differently than most, especially those that are exposed to currency markets.

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How Much Can You Earn (Interest Rates Per Year)?

There’s no one definite answer as your earnings can vary and there are no guarantees. If you would base it on the Philippines ‘ historical data, it can be assumed that you can earn around 12% per annum. 

However, should you decide to invest, you must be prepared for some bad years just as you anticipate fruitful years.