ETFs are an extremely popular investment option, due to their low costs, diversified risks and accessibility. Here, Jonas Elmerraji looks at the various ways of investing in ETFs. He also recommends three small-cap ETFs for penny stock portfolios.

On Friday it was reported that unemployment hit 6.1 % the highest level in five years as employers cut 84K payrolls. The SPY, DIA and QQQQ’s all opened lower and proceeded to lose even more ground as selling accelerated. Oil declined as well, which was not a positive, as it dragged down oil related stocks like XOM, CVX and BP down with it.

The current market is brutal and I think some of the selling is getting overdone. Almost all stocks, except speculative oil stocks, have been sold off indiscriminately. I think the indiscriminant selling provides opportunity for those who are willing to think like contrarians and exercise patience.

Commodities across the board have been increasing in price as supply struggles to keep up with growing global demand. We may be shoveling out more and more money to pay for life’s essentials, but there’s no reason investors that shouldn’t have the opportunity to profit from and hedge these price spikes, too.

Some great calls and some really lousy ones....