ETF Action adds ETF Performance, ETF Valuation, ETF Factors, ETF Overlap, Data Visualizations, Backtesting, 13F, Data APIs, Alerts, and Videos coverage that MarketXLS skips.
VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
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Sunday, October 5, 2025
Head-to-head
ETF Action vs MarketXLS comparison
Compare pricing, supported platforms, categories, and standout capabilities to decide which tool fits your workflow.
Quick takeaways
MarketXLS includes Sheets / Excel Add-ins, Broker Connectors, Options & Derivatives, Options, Options P&L, Monte Carlo, Risk Metrics (VaR/ES/Drawdown), Correlation, Financials, Which ETF includes this Stock?, Interest Rates, Unemployment Rates, Inflation Rates, and GDP categories that ETF Action omits.
ETF Action highlights: Global ETF ‘Channels’ taxonomy with category reports and dashboards (Size & Style US/Global, Region & Country, Sector & Industry, Thematic, Fixed Income, Non‑Traditional, Commodities, Crypto)., Look‑through analytics on fund holdings for factor/style, sector/industry, country, concentration; portfolio overlap analysis across funds or entire models., and Flows & trading dashboards (volumes/ADV); flows noted as T+1 timing in daily updates..
MarketXLS is known for: Excel add‑in works on Windows, Mac, and Excel Online; updates delivered automatically for Mac/Excel Online/Office 365 users., Built‑in real‑time streaming quotes (with exchange agreements) and default 15‑minute delayed market data; EOD history ~15+ years; intraday historical up to 1‑minute for ~1 year., and Options analytics: live option chains & Greeks, IV tools, order‑flow functions, strategy P&L templates; options symbology converter..
ETF Action has a free tier, while MarketXLS requires a paid plan.
ETF Action
etfaction.com
Independent ETF analytics platform for advisors and asset managers. Offers global ETF classification, look‑through holdings analytics, overlap analysis, flows/volumes with T+1 flow timing, live quotes (FMV) via Polygon.io, model portfolio tools, 13F screening (Advisor Pro), and enterprise options including API access. DIY/Advisor Pro plans emphasize self‑service research and Excel/CSV downloads; Enterprise adds collaboration, custom dashboards, and API. A separate Model Builder plan enables model uploads and ‘Bridge’ trading integration. API details are not publicly documented—confirm endpoints and auth with vendor.
Categories
Platforms
Web
API
Pricing
Free
Subscription
Quick highlights
- Global ETF ‘Channels’ taxonomy with category reports and dashboards (Size & Style US/Global, Region & Country, Sector & Industry, Thematic, Fixed Income, Non‑Traditional, Commodities, Crypto).
- Look‑through analytics on fund holdings for factor/style, sector/industry, country, concentration; portfolio overlap analysis across funds or entire models.
- Flows & trading dashboards (volumes/ADV); flows noted as T+1 timing in daily updates.
- Live pricing on platform pages via Polygon.io FMV quotes (real‑time-ish indicative).
- Screeners for ETFs; watchlists; data exports to Excel/CSV (DIY 50 rows, Advisor Pro 500 rows).
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MarketXLS
marketxls.com
Excel‑first market data & analytics add‑in with 1,000+ functions. Default data is 15‑min delayed (QuoteMedia); real‑time streams and intraday history available with data add‑ons. Web screener, ETF database/overlap tools, options chains & Greeks, and portfolio templates (incl. Efficient Frontier). Direct order‑ticket functions for Thinkorswim, Tradier, Orion, plus IBKR integration via TWS API. No public data API for redistribution; personal use license.
Categories
Platforms
Desktop
Web
Pricing
Subscription
Quick highlights
- Excel add‑in works on Windows, Mac, and Excel Online; updates delivered automatically for Mac/Excel Online/Office 365 users.
- Built‑in real‑time streaming quotes (with exchange agreements) and default 15‑minute delayed market data; EOD history ~15+ years; intraday historical up to 1‑minute for ~1 year.
- Options analytics: live option chains & Greeks, IV tools, order‑flow functions, strategy P&L templates; options symbology converter.
- Portfolio & research templates: Efficient Frontier, correlation/volatility/drawdowns, fundamentals and historical statements via hf_* functions.
- Web screener with hundreds of metrics; stock ranks (Value/Quality/Technical); spreadsheet builder to generate ready‑made workbooks.
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Overlap
Shared focus areas
7 overlapsMutual strengths include ETF Overview, ETF Holdings, and ETF Fundamentals plus 4 more areas.
Where they differ
ETF Action
Distinct strengths include:
- Global ETF ‘Channels’ taxonomy with category reports and dashboards (Size & Style US/Global, Region & Country, Sector & Industry, Thematic, Fixed Income, Non‑Traditional, Commodities, Crypto).
- Look‑through analytics on fund holdings for factor/style, sector/industry, country, concentration; portfolio overlap analysis across funds or entire models.
- Flows & trading dashboards (volumes/ADV); flows noted as T+1 timing in daily updates.
- Live pricing on platform pages via Polygon.io FMV quotes (real‑time-ish indicative).
MarketXLS
Distinct strengths include:
Sheets / Excel Add-ins
Broker Connectors
Options & Derivatives
Options
Options P&L
Monte Carlo
Risk Metrics (VaR/ES/Drawdown)
Correlation
- Excel add‑in works on Windows, Mac, and Excel Online; updates delivered automatically for Mac/Excel Online/Office 365 users.
- Built‑in real‑time streaming quotes (with exchange agreements) and default 15‑minute delayed market data; EOD history ~15+ years; intraday historical up to 1‑minute for ~1 year.
- Options analytics: live option chains & Greeks, IV tools, order‑flow functions, strategy P&L templates; options symbology converter.
- Portfolio & research templates: Efficient Frontier, correlation/volatility/drawdowns, fundamentals and historical statements via hf_* functions.
Feature-by-feature breakdown
| Attribute | ETF Action | MarketXLS |
|---|---|---|
Categories Which research workflows each platform targets | Shared: ETF Overview, ETF Holdings, ETF Fundamentals, Screeners, Portfolio, Watchlist, Blogs Unique: ETF Performance, ETF Valuation, ETF Factors, ETF Overlap, Data Visualizations, Backtesting, 13F, Data APIs, Alerts, Videos | Shared: ETF Overview, ETF Holdings, ETF Fundamentals, Screeners, Portfolio, Watchlist, Blogs Unique: Sheets / Excel Add-ins, Broker Connectors, Options & Derivatives, Options, Options P&L, Monte Carlo, Risk Metrics (VaR/ES/Drawdown), Correlation, Financials, Which ETF includes this Stock?, Interest Rates, Unemployment Rates, Inflation Rates, GDP |
Asset types Supported asset classes and universes | ETFs, Stocks | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Currencies, Futures, Cryptos |
Experience levels Who each product is built for | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
Platforms Where you can access the product | Web, API | Desktop, Web |
Pricing High-level pricing models | Free, Subscription | Subscription |
Key features Core capabilities called out by each vendor | Unique
| Unique
|
Tested Verified by hands-on testing inside Find My Moat | Not yet | Not yet |
Editor pick Featured inside curated shortlists | Standard listing | Standard listing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which workflows do ETF Action and MarketXLS both support?
Both platforms cover ETF Overview, ETF Holdings, ETF Fundamentals, Screeners, Portfolio, Watchlist, and Blogs workflows, so you can research those use cases in either tool before digging into the feature differences below.
Which tool offers a free plan?
ETF Action offers a free entry point, while MarketXLS requires a paid subscription. Review the pricing table to see how the paid tiers compare.
How can you access ETF Action and MarketXLS?
Both ETF Action and MarketXLS prioritize web or desktop access. Investors wanting a mobile-first workflow may need to rely on responsive web views.
What unique strengths set the two platforms apart?
ETF Action differentiates itself with Global ETF ‘Channels’ taxonomy with category reports and dashboards (Size & Style US/Global, Region & Country, Sector & Industry, Thematic, Fixed Income, Non‑Traditional, Commodities, Crypto)., Look‑through analytics on fund holdings for factor/style, sector/industry, country, concentration; portfolio overlap analysis across funds or entire models., and Flows & trading dashboards (volumes/ADV); flows noted as T+1 timing in daily updates., whereas MarketXLS stands out for Excel add‑in works on Windows, Mac, and Excel Online; updates delivered automatically for Mac/Excel Online/Office 365 users., Built‑in real‑time streaming quotes (with exchange agreements) and default 15‑minute delayed market data; EOD history ~15+ years; intraday historical up to 1‑minute for ~1 year., and Options analytics: live option chains & Greeks, IV tools, order‑flow functions, strategy P&L templates; options symbology converter..
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Curation & Accuracy
This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).
Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.