
The Ins and Outs of Investing With ETFs (Ben Johnson)
-
You must log in to register
- Member - $79
VES Class Instructions and Resources
If this is your first VES Class please review the content on this page as it contains essential information that you will need to know to navigate the VES Class to completion. Referenced videos and documents can be retrieved from repository at the bottom of this page. If you have previously completed another VES Class, then please proceed to the "Snapshot" section (tab) to continue with the class.
.
Quick Start Guide - 5 Things You Need to Know to Complete This VES Class
- VES Class documents will appear in a separate window or be downloaded as a PDF to your download folder. Downloaded documents must be retrieved from your device’s download folder. This location will vary according to the type of device and/or browser that you are using.

.
- Each VES class should be completed like reading a book. Start with the upper-left section on the page and go from the top component to the bottom component in that section. After completing that section proceeding to the next section to its immediate right.

.
- Components in the "Primary Presentation" section contain the video, test, benefits, credits and certificate. These components should be completed sequentially from the top to the bottom, as lower level components will only be unlocked after completion of the components above it. For instance, you must view at least 90% of a presentation video before you can open the class test.
- All the areas in a VES Class, including the presentation videos will retain your progress. You do not have to finish an area or class in one session.
- Presentation videos are provided in an interactive (SCORM) format for more effective learning. Because the videos are interactive, you may have to bypass a popup blocker message before the video will start.

....
--------------------------------------------------------
Highly Recommended Resources to Review before your FIRST Class (located below):
- How to Navigate a VES Class - detailed instructions to effectively navigate and complete a VES Class (video or document).
- Completing a VES Class FAQs - answers to the most frequently asked questions for completing a VES Class.
- Understanding the Interactive Video Controller - instructions for starting and controlling advanced features of a video (video or document).
------------------------------------------------------
Class Section Descriptions:
Snapshot: An overview of the class topic, focus, requirements, and components.
Instructor: A biography and the contact information on the class instructor.
Materials: Education materials to be reviewed prior to, or with, the presentation video, to aid comprehension.
Primary Present: VES Class primary components, including the video, test, benefits, credits and Certificate of Completion.
Resources: Additional learning resources include books, articles, forms, spreadsheets, AI Tools, and related services.
Survey: Area for class participants to rate the instructor and the content of the class.
Discussion: Open forum area to post comments, ask questions, or interact with other participants on the class content.
"?": Resources and contact information to obtain assistance for VES offerings, AAII membership and AI Tools..
..
----------------------------------------------------------
Additional Resources (attached below): .
- VES Class Welcome Video - welcome video that includes a broad overview of AAII's Video Education Series.
- VES Agreement & Disclaimer - primary resource listing the terms and details for all AAII VES offerings.
- VES General FAQs - answers to the most frequently asked VES Class questions.
- VES Class Features & Highlights - overview of all the features that are included with a VES Class.
- VES Class Video Icon Assistance Designations - quick reference for identifying the icons in the class videos.
- Discussion Forum Rules and Guidelines - rules and regulations for contributors to the discussion forum.
- Active Investing Workstation and AI Tools Overview - reference for AI Tool-based VES Classes only.
To continue with this VES Class, please proceed to the next section (tab) labeled "Snapshot". >>>
For technical issues, questions or concerns with this course please, contact the course administrator at ves@aaii.com
Synopsis
In this VES Class, Ben Johnson covers the key areas for investing with exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Base topics include what ETFs are and what ETFs are not, the ETF creation and redemption process, and some basic guidelines and best practices on how to trade and invest with ETFs. Also included in this discussion are the pros and cons of ETFs compared to mutual funds including: cost and fees, tax efficiency, performance, accessibility, liquidity, predictability, reliability, accuracy, indexing and active management.
.
Class Details
Organization: | Morningstar |
Presenter: | Ben Johnson ...................................................................... |
Title: | The Ins and Outs of Investing with ETFs |
Duration: | 35 Minutes |
Credits: | 2 Credits |
Words of Wisdom: | Yes |
Segment Incentive Bonus: | N / A |
Course Inclusion: | Structured & FlexiLearn |
Class Focus
Topic: | ETFs Exchange Traded Funds..............a |
Knowledge Level: | Beginner - Intermediate |
Appropriate: | All Investors and Traders |
Class Criteria
Credits Accrued: | Passing Test Score (>= 70%)................ |
Words of Wisdom: | Viewing Requirement (>= 90%) .............. |
SIB Benefit: | Passing Test Score (>= 70%) |
Pre-Class | Post-Class Recommendations
Pre-Class Suggestions: | Mutual Funds...................................................................... |
Class Associated Tools: | N/A |
Continuing Education Classes: | AAII's Essential Investing Course .................................................. |
Associated AAII Offerings: | AAII Membership & Journal _____ |
Additional Elements Included
- Class Discussion Forum
- Class Survey
- Key Terms & Definitions
- Learning Objectives
- Lesson Summary
- Preliminary Education Materials
- Presentation Slides (PDF)
- Resources Articles & Studies
- Speaker Bio/Contact Information
- Testing for Class Credits

Ben Johnson
Director of Global Exchange-traded Fund Research
Morningstar
.
Ben Johnson, CFA, is director of global exchange-traded fund research for Morningstar Research Services LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. Before assuming his current role in 2012, he was director of ETF research for Europe and Asia. He also previously served as a senior equity analyst, covering the agriculture and chemicals industries. Before joining Morningstar in 2006, he worked as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. In 2015, Fund Directions and Fund Action named Johnson among the 2015 Rising Stars of Mutual Funds.
.....
...
Key:





Getting Help
VES Class Information and Resources
For detailed information and a comprehensive listing of resources including technical issues, navigation, class structure, testing, credit accruals, agreements and certification, please go to: www.aaii.com/learn
VES Class or EI Course Questions
For specific VES Class or EI Course related question, please contact the VES coordinator at: ves@aaii.com
VES Class or EI Course Listings and Access
For purchases or a complete listing of VES Classes, VES Packages, the EI Course and all their respective features and components please go to: www.aaii.com/ves
.
VES Class or EI Course Services
For general information on access, purchases, or refunds for a VES Class or the EI Course, please contact AAII's Member Services Department at: members@aaii.com
.
VES Agreement & Disclaimer
For complete details, terms, rights, and limitations with any VES Class, VES Package or AAII's EI Course please access the "VES Agreement and Disclaimer" document at: www.aaii.com/learn
AAII Membership
For AAII membership or other AAII-related inquiries, please contact AAII’s Member Services department at: members@aaii.com.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
AAII’s Active Investing (AI) Tool Questions
For AI Tool analysis or application related questions, that are part of or referenced in this VES Class, please contact the AI Tools coordinator at: www.aaii.com/aitools
.
Active Investing (AI) Tool Listings and Access
For purchases or a complete listing of all the AI Tools and their respective features, including platform availability, please go to: www.aaii.com/aitools
Active Investing (AI) Tool Platform Support
Platform related questions or inquiries, including installation, tool management or technical support questions, should be directed to the third-party provider that your AI Tools are being run from.
------------------------------------------------
This VES Class was created and produced by the American Association of Individual Investors
© 2024 by the American Association of Individual Investors, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; (312) 676-4300; www.aaii.com.