Are ETFs insured?

ETFs aren't insured against losses in the market. If the ETF's holdings fall, your investment can fall.

In the U.S., many brokerage accounts have SIPC protection, which generally covers missing securities or cash if the brokerage fails, up to limits. That's about custody failure, not investment performance.

So the key distinction is: protection can help if your broker collapses operationally, but it won't protect you from normal market risk. If you want to manage risk, you do it through diversification, asset allocation, and time horizon.