Charles Schwab's first batch of exchange-traded funds is set to launch on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Previous filings indicate that the funds will be the cheapest or among the cheapest in their respective asset classes. However, it appears that Schwab also will offer zero-commission trading on its ETFs for all Schwab customers. The move is interesting in terms of marketing strategy, and could help establish Schwab as a major player in the new territory it is entering.

The four ETFs debuting tomorrow include the Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (NYSEArca: SCHB), Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (NYSEArca: SCHX), Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (NYSEArca: SCHA) and Schwab International Equity ETF (NYSEArca: SCHF). SCHB and SCHX will charge 8 basis points, while SCHA and SCHF will charge 15 basis points. Notably, SCHF seems likely to compete with the existing MSCI EAFE-based ETFs.

Schwab has said it will launch four more funds in December. The Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (NYSEArca: SCHG) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF (NYSEArca: SCHV) are expected to charge annual expense ratios of 0.15 percent. The Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (NYSEArca: SCHC) and Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NYSEArca: SCHE) are expected to charge 0.35 percent each.