ETF Screener: Find the Right ETF for Your Portfolio
Screen thousands of globally listed exchange-traded funds by the metrics that matter: expense ratio, 1Y and 3Y returns, max drawdown, AUM, region, and asset class. Built for NRIs in UAE, India, and globally who want institutional-quality research before they invest.
Unlike stock picking, ETFs let you express a macro view on broad US equity, emerging markets, clean energy, or any other theme through a single diversified instrument. The screener helps you find the most cost-efficient ETF for any view, compare it against peers, and validate it on risk-adjusted returns before committing capital.
Step 1
Pick your region
US, India, Europe, or Global. NRIs in UAE typically access US-listed ETFs directly. No LRS limit applies.
Step 2
Set your filters
Expense ratio, asset class (equity / bond / commodity), AUM floor, and return thresholds. Start broad, then narrow.
Step 3
Compare on risk-adjusted returns
Sort by 3Y return and check max drawdown. The best ETFs deliver consistent returns without catastrophic drawdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What expense ratio is acceptable for ETFs?
Broad index ETFs (S&P 500, Total Market) typically charge 0.03%–0.20%. Thematic or sector ETFs range from 0.40%–0.75%. Anything above 1% is hard to justify for passive exposure. A 0.5% difference on a ₹1 crore portfolio compounding over 20 years costs approximately ₹35 lakhs. Expense ratio is the single most predictable drag on returns.
How do NRIs in UAE invest in global ETFs?
UAE-based NRIs can invest in US-listed ETFs through brokers like Interactive Brokers, Saxo Bank, or local UAE platforms. No LRS limits apply for UAE tax residents; you can invest any amount in US-listed instruments. For India-domiciled ETFs purchased from Indian accounts, the standard LRS limit of USD 250,000 per year applies.
What AUM threshold should I look for when screening ETFs?
ETFs with AUM below USD 50 million carry closure risk and often have wide bid-ask spreads. Screening for AUM above USD 500 million gives you institutional-grade liquidity and significantly reduces the risk of the fund being wound down. When ETFs close, they return NAV, but a forced exit at the wrong time can crystallise a loss you would have recovered from.
What is max drawdown and why does it matter for NRIs?
Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough decline in an ETF's price history. For NRIs who cannot always time when they repatriate funds due to currency or tax windows, understanding drawdown risk is essential. An ETF that fell 60% in a downturn may have recovered, but if you needed those funds during the trough you would have locked in a permanent loss.
Should I prefer accumulating or distributing ETFs?
Accumulating ETFs reinvest dividends automatically, which is more tax-efficient for wealth building because you control when to realise gains. UAE residents particularly benefit since there is no capital gains tax; compounding untaxed within the ETF maximises long-run wealth. Distributing ETFs pay dividends periodically and suit NRIs who need regular income, though dividends from Indian investments may be taxable under DTAA rules.