In the realm of investment, the debate between choosing stocks and ETF funds has been a long-standing one.

For retail investors, purchasing stocks is fraught with risks, akin to a mysterious blind box with hidden "minefields" that are difficult to detect.

It is challenging for individual investors to gain a comprehensive and accurate insight into a company's performance, management level, and the complex and ever-changing market environment merely by reviewing financial statements.

In contrast, investing in ETF funds can effectively mitigate the risks associated with individual stocks.

ETF funds typically have significant holdings in companies that are at the forefront of market capitalization, have notable influence, and are financially robust; these companies are mostly industry or sector leaders.

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While the growth of such large-cap companies may not be as rapid as that of small-cap stocks, given their substantial market value and relatively traditional and stable business models.

Small-cap stocks, though potentially offering substantial returns, also come with high risks.

Retail investors often struggle to manage the volatility of small-cap stocks, making it easy to fall into the trap of buying high or encountering sudden crashes, much like picking chestnuts from a fire, fraught with danger.Purchasing ETF funds is akin to buying a basket of stocks, which acts as a firewall for retail investors, saving the effort spent on stock selection and shielding against the risks associated with poor stock choices.

So, is it possible to buy a batch of stocks in the same proportions as the holdings of an ETF fund?

Whichever stock rises, sell it and then buy those that haven't risen, aiming to achieve a strategy of buying low and selling high among stocks. Wouldn't this yield higher returns?

There's no need.

Because the rise or fall of individual stocks within a sector or index is not something you can control.

How can you be sure that a stock that has risen won't continue to rise? And that a stock that hasn't risen won't fall or have a slower increase?

Therefore, once you've bought an ETF fund, don't mess with it. It's quite good to be able to capture a wave of gains. Don't overthink it.

The rise and fall of an industry or index sector takes a certain amount of time.If a wave of gains occurs, it is often the case that some stocks rise first, followed by others, but overall there will be an upward trend.

When the market falls, it may first go through a period of consolidation, during which some stocks rise while others stagnate, and once the main force's selling is nearing its end, it will enter a downward trend.

ETF funds are closely linked to the operation of sectors or indices, and they generally maintain a synchronized trend of gains and losses.

Compared to individual stocks, by tracking the trends of sectors, we can better grasp the timing of buying and selling ETF funds.

Therefore, for retail investors, ETF funds are undoubtedly a more stable and more controllable investment choice than stocks.

Note: The market carries risks, and investment should be approached with caution.