EQMFs are similar to actively managed ETFs. Instead of using a passive investment strategy mimicking an index or other benchmark, EQMFs have a fund manager who makes active decisions about what to invest in. EQMFs aim to beat the benchmark or index whereas ETFs aim to follow the benchmark or index as closely as possible. Whilst EQMFs will try to avoid falls in the benchmark, ETFs will go down when their benchmarks fall. As a result of an active investing strategy, EQMFs will have higher fees to pay for the skill and experience of the fund manager.

EQMFs and ETFs share similarities in that they are both listed on the exchange and investments in them are made through purchasing units via a broker.