Through the years, Vanguard has earned a reputation for offering high-quality, affordable, and easy to manage exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. To date, Vanguard is considered the largest provider of mutual funds and the second-largest provider of ETFs in the world. It offers around 1,800 ETFs now. It is no doubt then that people all over the world are choosing to navigate the investment offerings of the Vanguard.

In this article learn about the best Vanguard funds for you. We discuss which of the many ETF offered by Vanguard fits for a specific group of individuals. Also, we provide tips on which of these ETFs have a huge growth based on their past performance.

ETFs vs. Mutual Funds

It is easy to confuse ETFs and Mutual funds as they both offer investors to buy pooled investment products. But these two are different in more than one way. First, ETFs are chosen by investors because they track Market indexes. In contrast, mutual funds appeal to investors because they have a wider selection of actively managed funds.

Second, in ETFs, you can avail of different share classes and fees, while mutual funds have a more complex structuring. Third, ETFs are actively traded throughout the trading day. In comparison, mutual funds are traded only until the end of the trading day. Fourth, ETFs are passively managed which means less risk for investors, but mutual funds are actively managed.

How Vanguard ETFs work?

With a relatively minimal fund, you can purchase low-cost high-yield Vanguard ETFs in the vanguard total stock market ETF. Vanguard Investors only need at least $50,000 of investable assets to avail Vanguard Personal Advisor Services instead of doing an investment DIY -style. Instead of spending on independent human advisors, investors can choose to trust Vanguard’s years of exposure to the entire bond and stock industry.

Vanguard exchange-traded funds or ETFs are a group of funds offered by Vanguard Group. The company’s underlying indexes cover various sectors including individual sectors like materials and energy, as well as, domestic and international indexes. Vanguard ETFs have several hundred to thousands of stocks or bonds in one single fund. This means that investors can expect more flexibility when it comes to portfolios. Also, the ETFs of Vanguard is managed by portfolio experts and professionals who provide advice without commissions. This means more profit for investors.

Why Invest in Vanguard ETFs?

The founder of Vanguard, John Bogle, has pioneered index fund investing. He built the company with the aim of sharing what he has learned from the trade with the general public. Bogle firmly believes that the best way for people to earn in investments is through index funds. Thus, he developed a comprehensive portfolio of index funds with one of, if not the lowest expense ratios in the market today.

Investors choose vanguard total stock market ETFs because the company allows them to pour money into various investments without paying a large sum for investment fees and commission. This means that an investor need not worry about the fees and payments that the vanguard total stock market can charge if they earn a profit from their investment.

Here are two other specific reasons why investors continue to select Vanguard and its ETF options instead of the many investment advisors in the market.

1. Lower investment minimums for starters

Choosing a vanguard total stock market ETF is less risky even to investors with little to no experience because it allows them to avail a minimum investment especially for assets under management. Even if you are not yet familiar with the stock index or the total market index, you can still try to dabble into the assets under management trade.

Vanguard funds allow investors to buy a Vanguard ETF for the price of one share which is better known as ETF’s market price. This vanguard funds and market price can be as low as $50 or as high as several hundred dollars depending on the ETF you choose to get. All of these indicate that Vanguard gives you enough leeway to decide on your type and level of investment.

2. Real-time pricing

In contrast to a mutual fund, the price of a total bond market ETF varies from minute to minute within a single trading day. This means that the pricing you get can change depending on the exact time you made an order. This so-called intraday pricing gives more power to investors because they can get the total bond market ETF optimal price of the day instead of getting the same price as everybody else who places a trade within the day.

Best Vanguard ETFs to Buy and Hold

If you are one of the many starting investors in the market today, you may want to start building your portfolio with these low investment options. These are easy to manage, low cost, and low-risk ETFs that keep your personal finance relatively safe. While the return can be small at first, they are great for beginners who wish to master the market before investing in bigger ETF shares, bonds, or stocks.

1. Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)

While this is available as a vanguard mutual fund, investors choose this version because you can purchase it even without the $3,000 mutual fund minimum. These best vanguard funds are made to match the performance of several equities including the CRSP U.S. Total Market Index which covers small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap growth stocks and value stocks.

2. Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)

This is the bond equivalent of the VTI. It is made to follow the performance of indexes of taxable investment-grade bonds and inflation-protected bonds. This is best for investors who have a low tolerance for risk in the market. Vanguard suggests that to use BND as a safeguard against the increased risks in the stock market. It balances out ETFs and other unstable stocks and funds such as the VTI.

3. Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS)

This one matches the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap ex U.S. Index which tracks the stock performance of several companies in countries outside the U.S. It is meant to make a profit by investing in developed and emerging markets. By doing so, it tries to limit regional risk while also making sure that investors still have access to high and low-growth economies all over the world.

Truthfully, VXUS stocks have not performed well in the past years. Simply put, the economic and political conditions of nations overseas were not as stable and strong compared to their American counterparts. But, in the long term, it is important to invest in markets not directly affected by the U.S. economy. The role of the VXUS is to diversify investments.

4. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

This vanguard fund and ETF focuses mainly on the performance of the S&P 500 stock index which is an index of the 500 largest companies in the United States. Being said, choosing this ETF is like gambling on the U.S. economy. To be honest, VOO is unstable. It is not meant for conservative or starting investors who have short term goals and assets who do not have the capability to lose a lot.

Vanguard suggests that VOO be coupled with VTI because VTI’s mid-cap and small-cap growth and value stocks balance out the instability of the VOO. Also, it is best for investors who are capable of taking in near-term price drops. If you have limited personal funds or do not have enough experience in investing, this ETF may not be the best one for you.

5. Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO)

It follows the performance of the Russell 200 Index which is a large list of small companies based in the United States. Take note that the Russell 200 is known to be unstable. Hence, investors who will choose this must be ready to lose money.

But, this investment is best at a time of economic booms or economic recoveries. The low cost you invested here can have big potential returns if the companies from the Russell 200 index grow fast.

6. Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV)

VV follows the performance of the CRSP U.S. Large Cap Index which is a list of mostly large U.S.-based companies. Its performance is much the same as that of the S&P 500 index. Hence, it is better if you only choose one between VOO and VV. Investors choose VV if they want to bet on the performance of large-cap companies in America that are not included in the S&P 500 index.

7. Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO)

This one follows the performance of the CRSP U.S. Mid-cap Index which is a list of middle-size companies based in the United States covering various sectors and industries. Take note that mid-cap stocks are less stable than large-cap stocks, but are more stable than small-cap stocks. If you are searching for a growth index higher than large-cap stocks but with less risk than small-cap stocks, VO is right for you. Vanguard suggests that VO be paired with VTWO and VV.

8. Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ)

This ETF follows the performance of the MSCI U.S. Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 index which is a list of stocks belonging to the U.S. real estate sector. The funds here often used to buy and hold commercial real estate properties which include retail properties, hotels, and office buildings in the United States.

Being set within the boundaries of the US, this investment is less influenced by economic activities overseas, but the caveat is, it is vulnerable to recessions both in the domestic and international economies.

9. Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG)

It follows the performance of the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index which is a list of large companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc. Investing here has been profitable because of its high growth index in the past years. In fact, it is considered as one of the best performing ETFs by the Vanguard Group. Notably, it was unfazed even when most markets plunged in the initial quarters of 2020.

10. Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX)

This one tracks the performance of small-cap and mid-cap funds managed by the managers of the Vanguard Group. The company believes that these markets can potentially attain above-average growth in the long term. According to Vanguard, VSEQX is best paired with large-cap funds or an ETF with a high growth like VV. Take note that investing here only takes a minimum of $3,000.

Choosing the Right Funds for Your Needs

In the past years, Vanguard has accumulated happy and satisfied clients who were able to grow their portfolio and earn a large sum of money. Vanguard funds like the ETFs mentioned above are often chosen because they are low cost and they are friendly even to an investor who is not familiar with the international stock market or even the US stock market.

These do not mean though that investing with Vanguard is without risk. Investing in any type of index fund inescapably puts your personal finance at risk. What you need to do is to look for an index fund investment that fits your assets, your needs, and your goals. It is important that you choose an ETF or a combination of ETF that would benefit you in the long term. As discussed above, Vanguard recommends a specific ETF based on your investment fund and your expectation as an investor.

If you wish to know more about Vanguard funds or Index Funds, Investoralist has a lot of materials meant to guide you in your investing journey. Also, we provide information related to finance, banking, saving, real estate, moneylending, and many more. Browse our website to learn the tricks and tactics in the financial trade. Get updated on the recent trends and updates in the financial market.