09/11/2026
When evaluating an investment strategy, returns are only one part of the conversation. Taxes and flexibility can matter too.
ETFs offer a convenient way to gain broad market exposure, but investors generally own shares of the fund rather than the individual securities within it. Direct indexing takes a different approach by holding individual securities designed to closely track a particular index.
Why does that matter? Owning the individual securities may provide additional opportunities for tax loss harvesting throughout the year, as well as greater flexibility over the securities held in a portfolio. Depending on an investor’s circumstances, harvested losses may be available to offset certain capital gains and potentially provide benefits in future tax years.
The objective isn’t necessarily to outperform an index. It’s to consider whether tracking that index in a different way could support a more tax aware investment strategy.
Like any investment or tax strategy, direct indexing isn’t appropriate for everyone. If you’re curious about how it works and whether it may be relevant to your overall financial plan, our team at Grounded Wealth Advisors would be happy to walk you through it.