What are exchange-traded funds (ETFs)?

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are indeed investment funds that trade on stock exchanges and typically hold a diversified basket of assets, which can include stocks, bonds, commodities, or other securities. This characteristic allows investors to buy and sell shares of the ETF just like they would with a stock, providing liquidity and flexibility.

The structure of ETFs promotes diversification, as they usually track specific indices or sectors, allowing investors to gain exposure to a larger number of assets without having to buy each individually. This can lead to reduced risk compared to investing in a single asset and can be a cost-effective means of investment.

The other options do not accurately define ETFs. Notably, ETFs are accessible to all types of investors, including individual retail investors, and are not limited to institutional investors. Furthermore, ETFs are not exclusively focused on real estate investment trusts or bonds; they encompass a wide variety of asset classes. Thus, option A correctly captures the essence of what ETFs are and how they function in the investment landscape.