They're part mutual fund. They're part stock. And their numbers seem to keep growing and growing.

"They" are exchange-traded funds (ETFs). They've been around for years, but as giant asset managers, such as Barclays Global Investors (iShares) and Vanguard, roll out scores of new offerings, ETFs have become a viable option for today's investor.

In this course, we'll discuss how ETFs differ from regular mutual funds, what their advantages and disadvantages are, and how to determine whether they might be appropriate for you.

Next: What Are Exchange-Traded Funds? >>