Not available to trade
Summary of User’s Issue and Solutions:
- The main problem reported by the user, Bren, is confusion about why certain investments are not available to trade, questioning if it’s due to being on a youth account.
- Fidelity representative explains that the S&P 500 is an index and cannot be directly purchased; instead, investors can buy index funds that track its performance.
- Users are encouraged to consider both mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that mirror the S&P 500.
- A link is provided for further research on the differences between ETFs and mutual funds.
- Bren is advised to use the “News & Research” tab on Fidelity’s website to find available funds.
Here’s the full thread
What does this mean when its not available to trade? Is it because i’m on a youth account?
Hi, @Bren! Thanks for reaching out to us.
An investor cannot buy the actual S&P 500. The S&P 500 is an index or benchmark. When looking to invest in the S&P 500 index, investors look for funds that track and mirror the performance of the S&P 500 index, these are called index funds.
There are both mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that track the S&P 500 index.
To assist with your research on which may be better for you, you can check out the link below to learn the differences between ETFs and Mutual Funds:
Mutual Funds or ETFs: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/investing-ideas/mutual-fund-or-etf
You can also research available funds on our website, under the “News & Research” tab.
Feel free to follow up here if you have other questions! 🟢