Most Traded ETFs

SPDR (ticker: SPY), commonly known as "Spider" is the first and still the largest ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund). The SPY is an inexpensive fund that tracks the S&P 500 index (^GSPC), which is regarded as the standard for measuring the U.S. stock market performance of large-capitalization companies. The S&P 500 comprises the 500 largest, publicly-traded companies in the United States. This index is widely followed by professional and individual investors throughout the world and attracts many of them by investing in SPDRs (SPY).

Nasdaq-100 Index Tracking Stock (QQQ)

QQQ (called "Qubes") tracks the Nasdaq 100 index (NDX), which comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. The Nasdaq 100 index is recognized as a technology benchmark and includes the shares of companies involved in computer hardware and software, telecommunications, retail/wholesale trade and biotechnology. The QQQ stocks are among the most actively traded stocks (not just among ETFs) and, together with SPY, are the most liquid stocks in the U.S. market.

DIAMONDS Trust (DIA)

DJIA (commonly called "Diamonds" or "Dow Stock") is the Dow Jones Industrial Average index (^DJI). The DJI index is a benchmark of 30 blue chip stocks selected by The Wall Street Journal and is one of the oldest indexes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is used as a barometer of the United States economy. The DIA attract many investors by its diversification in the 30 largest companies. The DJIA is one of the most commonly traded indexes, along with SPY and QQQQ, Exchange Traded Fund.

IShares S&P 500 (IVV)

Barclays' IVV stock is a slightly less expensive version of the SPDR and tracks the S&P 500 index. This S&P 500 tracking stock is not as popular as SPY stocks, yet still widely traded.

Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 SPDRs (MDY)

The MDY Exchange Traded Fund tracks the S & P MidCap 400 index (MID), which measures the performance of the U.S. market's middle-size company sector. 

iShares Russell 2000 (IWM)

The IWM Exchange Traded Fund tracks the Russell 2000 index (^RUT), which is a popular benchmark for mid- and small-cap companies. The Russell 2000 Index is a subset of the Russell 3000 index (RUA) and represents the second tier of U.S. equities.

iShares SmallCap 600 (IJR)

The IJR Exchange Traded Funds tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 index (^SML). The S&P 600 index measures the performance of the small-cap (small capitalization) U.S. companies.

Financial Sector of SPDR (XLF)

XLF tracks the S&P Financial index (^IXM), which is a subset of the S&P 500 index. It tracks the financial companies that are contained in the S&P 500 index basket.