Exchange-traded funds have exploded in popularity since their introduction in 1993, with more than 1,400 different ETFs and ETNs now available in the U.S. alone. By holding a diversified basket of securities, ETFs reach into corners of the market that were previously inaccessible to the average investor. But as with any investment, due diligence, patience, and discipline are still necessary to ensure success over the long haul. We’ll look at some mistakes that ETF investors commonly make, and explain how they can be avoided. [Download 101 ETF Lessons Every Financial Advisor Should Learn]. 1. You Ignore Your Long-Term Plan Every Time There’s “Breaking News” The average investor underperformed most asset classes over the past 20 years, including inflation by 0.5%, according to data compiled by BlackRock, which notes that volatility is often the catalyst for poor decision-making. Psychological factors like fear or greed often drive investors to make decisions that [...] Click here to read the original article on ETFdb.com. Related Posts: 25 Wild ETF Charts From 1H 2013 Finding a Better Natural Gas ETF: Exploring NAGS Daily ETF Roundup: Jobs Report Boosts Markets Best and Worst Commodity ETFs of 2012 The 5 Most Important Chart Patterns For ETF Traders