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.
How to use the ETF screener
Living in the UAE? See how US-listed ETFs compare with their Ireland-listed UCITS versions: SPY vs VOO vs CSPX, QQQ vs QQQM vs CNDX, VT vs VWRA vs IWDA, GLD vs IAU vs IGLN, or the list of Irish UCITS ETFs for UAE residents.
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. Investors in the UAE often compare a US-listed ETF with the Ireland-listed UCITS version of the same index, because US estate tax treats them differently.
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. Look for steady returns with smaller falls along the way.
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 buy US-listed and Ireland-listed ETFs through an international brokerage account. The Liberalised Remittance Scheme limit applies to residents of India sending money abroad, not to money earned and held outside India. US-domiciled ETFs count as US assets: for a person who is not a US citizen or resident, US estate tax can apply above US$60,000, and US dividends paid to a UAE resident usually have 30% withheld. Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETFs that track the same markets are generally treated differently on both counts. The outcome depends on your nationality, residence and facts, so confirm your own position with a tax adviser.
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.