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A concise index of new universal lessons. Sent only when there is something new; never tips, signals or recommendations.

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Disclaimer: Ironclad Research provides educational content only. Nothing on this platform is financial advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security. Always do your own research and consider professional advice before making financial decisions.

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  1. Home
  2. Glossary
  3. Tracking Error
GlossaryETFs & Index Funds

Tracking Error

How closely an index fund or ETF follows the index it aims to replicate. A small tracking error means the fund mirrors its benchmark well; a larger one means it drifts from it.

Appears in these guides

  • What Is An ETF?ETFs & Index Funds

Related terms

Accumulating FundActive ManagementBenchmarkDistributing FundETFExpense RatioIndexIndex FundMutual FundNAV

Related lessons

beginnerETFs & Index Funds

ETFs vs Mutual Funds

Two ways to own a fund — and the practical differences that matter. How ETFs and mutual funds (including UK OEICs/unit trusts) differ in trading, pricing, minimums, tax efficiency, costs and transparency, and how to choose between them for your situation.

beginnerETFs & Index Funds

Expense Ratios & Fund Costs

The fee is the one thing you can control, and over decades it is enormous. What the expense ratio (OCF/TER) is, the brutal arithmetic of how a 1% fee compounds against you over 30 years, the hidden costs beyond the headline figure, and how to compare funds on what really matters.

beginnerETFs & Index Funds

Index Funds & Passive Investing

Arguably the most important idea in investing for ordinary people: owning the whole market cheaply instead of trying to beat it. What an index is, how index funds replicate it, why passive investing beats most active management after costs, and how regular investing turns it into a wealth-building habit.

Ironclad Research provides educational content only. Nothing on this platform is financial advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security. Always do your own research and consider professional advice before making financial decisions.