Muslim investors researching halal investment options in the United States often encounter two types of funds: ETFs and mutual funds.
Both structures can provide Sharia-compliant exposure to public companies. However, many investors prefer ETFs because they are often more tax efficient than mutual funds.
Understanding the difference between these structures can help Muslim investors make better long-term decisions when choosing between halal ETFs such as SPUS or HLAL and mutual funds like the Amana funds.
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ETF vs Mutual Fund: The Basic Difference
An ETF, or exchange-traded fund, trades on a stock exchange just like a normal stock. Investors can buy and sell shares throughout the trading day using a brokerage account.
A mutual fund works differently. Investors buy shares directly from the fund company, and transactions are typically priced once per day after the market closes.
In the halal investing space, both structures exist.
- SPUS and HLAL are halal ETFs
- Amana Growth Fund and Amana Income Fund are halal mutual funds
While both types of funds apply Islamic screening criteria to their investments, the tax treatment of ETFs and mutual funds can be very different.
Why ETFs Are Often More Tax Efficient
One of the main advantages of ETFs is that they are often more tax efficient than mutual funds.
Mutual funds frequently generate taxable capital gains distributions when the fund manager sells investments inside the portfolio.
When this happens, investors may owe taxes even if they did not sell their shares.
ETFs are structured differently. The creation and redemption process used by ETFs often allows funds to adjust their holdings without triggering the same level of taxable capital gains.
As a result, ETFs typically distribute fewer capital gains to investors.
Why This Matters for Halal Investors
Many Muslim investors build their portfolios through taxable brokerage accounts rather than tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Because of this, tax efficiency can have a meaningful impact on long-term returns.
If an investment produces fewer taxable events, more of the investor’s money can remain invested and continue compounding over time.
This is one reason halal ETFs such as SPUS and HLAL have become increasingly popular among Muslim investors in recent years.
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SPUS and HLAL: Halal ETF Examples
Two of the most widely discussed halal ETFs available to U.S. investors are SPUS and HLAL.
Both funds track portfolios of publicly traded companies that pass Islamic screening criteria designed to exclude prohibited industries and limit excessive leverage.
Because they are ETFs, investors can buy or sell shares throughout the trading day through most brokerage platforms.
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Amana Funds: Halal Mutual Fund Example
The Amana funds, managed by Saturna Capital, are among the oldest Islamic investment products available in the United States.
Unlike ETFs, Amana funds are actively managed mutual funds.
Portfolio managers select companies that meet Islamic screening criteria and attempt to build a portfolio designed to achieve long-term growth.
Because they are mutual funds, however, they may generate capital gains distributions when portfolio holdings are sold.
This does not mean mutual funds are necessarily worse investments, but it is one reason some investors prefer ETFs.
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When Mutual Funds May Still Make Sense
Despite the tax advantages of ETFs, mutual funds can still be attractive in some situations.
- Some investors prefer active management
- Mutual funds may have longer historical track records
- Certain retirement accounts may offer easier access to mutual funds
For example, the Amana funds have existed for decades and have been widely used by Muslim investors seeking Sharia-compliant investment options.
How Sharia Screening Works
Whether a fund is an ETF or a mutual fund, halal investing requires screening companies to determine whether they comply with Islamic finance principles.
Most screening methodologies evaluate both business activity and financial ratios.
- Excluding companies involved in prohibited industries such as alcohol, gambling, or pork
- Limiting companies with excessive debt or interest income
You can learn more about these rules here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are halal ETFs tax free?
No investment is completely tax free in a taxable brokerage account. However, ETFs often distribute fewer capital gains than mutual funds, which can make them more tax efficient.
Are ETFs better than mutual funds for halal investing?
Not necessarily. Both ETFs and mutual funds can be halal if the underlying investments follow Islamic screening criteria.
Why are halal ETFs becoming more popular?
Many investors prefer ETFs because they are easy to trade, widely available through brokerage accounts, and often more tax efficient.
The Bottom Line
Halal ETFs such as SPUS and HLAL have grown rapidly in popularity among Muslim investors.
One reason is tax efficiency. Because ETFs often generate fewer capital gains distributions than mutual funds, they may allow investors to keep more money invested over time.
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However, mutual funds like the Amana funds still play an important role in halal investing and remain widely used by Muslim investors.
Understanding the structural differences between ETFs and mutual funds can help Muslim investors choose the approach that best fits their financial goals.
