Abstract
The current stagnation in the development of the Russian stock market determines the need to master new investment instruments or to improve the activities of existing ones. The development of global stock markets clearly emphasizes the “immaturity” of the Russian stock market. Present situation indicates the need for the introduction and development of new investment instruments. This fact encouraged the development of ETFs in Russia. Russian ETFs have a relatively short story, but this does not prevent them from expanding the scope of activities, gaining momentum and demonstrating a high degree of profitability, which is a significant competitive advantage over other unit investment funds. The study offers the overlook of exchange-traded investment funds’ activities as a hybrid with foreign ETFs and an alternative to Russian domestic unit investment funds, which reach a high level of profitability in modern conditions.