The Best Vanguard ETFs to Buy


The Best Vanguard ETFs to Buy

The best Vanguard ETFs all feature rock-bottom fees, large asset bases, and long trading histories. Here are a few of our favorites.

By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR

When it comes to investing, few names carry the same weight as Vanguard. Known for pioneering index funds and keeping fees low, Vanguard offers a wide selection of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that appeal to both beginner and seasoned investors. If you're looking for stability, diversification, and cost-efficiency, Vanguard’s ETFs should be on your radar.

Here are some of the best Vanguard ETFs to consider for your portfolio in 2025:

1. Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)

  • Expense Ratio: 0.03%

  • Assets Under Management (AUM): $350+ billion

  • What It Does: VTI gives investors exposure to the entire U.S. stock market, from small-cap to large-cap companies.

  • Why We Like It: It’s a one-stop-shop for broad U.S. equity diversification. With over 4,000 stocks in the fund, it’s ideal for long-term growth with minimal management fees.

2. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

  • Expense Ratio: 0.03%

  • AUM: $350+ billion

  • What It Does: Tracks the S&P 500 index, representing the 500 largest publicly traded U.S. companies.

  • Why We Like It: VOO is a core holding for many portfolios, offering instant access to America’s most powerful businesses with an ultra-low fee structure.

3. Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)

  • Expense Ratio: 0.03%

  • AUM: $100+ billion

  • What It Does: Provides exposure to U.S. investment-grade bonds, including government, corporate, and mortgage-backed securities.

  • Why We Like It: A strong choice for income-focused investors or those seeking to balance the risk of equities with stable bond exposure.

4. Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA)

  • Expense Ratio: 0.05%

  • AUM: $120+ billion

  • What It Does: Offers exposure to developed markets outside of North America, including Europe, Australia, and the Far East.

  • Why We Like It: International diversification is key for a global portfolio. VEA does it with low fees and broad coverage.

5. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO)

  • Expense Ratio: 0.08%

  • AUM: $80+ billion

  • What It Does: Targets emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil, and South Africa.

  • Why We Like It: While more volatile, emerging markets offer long-term growth potential. VWO is a cost-efficient way to get in the game.

6. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)

  • Expense Ratio: 0.06%

  • AUM: $70+ billion

  • What It Does: Focuses on high-quality companies with a history of growing dividends year over year.

  • Why We Like It: Ideal for income investors who want exposure to reliable, financially sound companies with rising payouts.

7. Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ)

  • Expense Ratio: 0.12%

  • AUM: $60+ billion

  • What It Does: Invests in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), offering access to the commercial real estate sector.

  • Why We Like It: Real estate offers portfolio diversification and income. VNQ is a simple, liquid way to tap into this traditionally hard-to-access asset class.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re building a diversified portfolio from scratch or looking to add cost-effective funds to an existing one, these Vanguard ETFs offer exceptional value. With their strong performance histories, enormous asset bases, and razor-thin expense ratios, they remain some of the best tools available for long-term investors. As always, consider your personal financial goals and risk tolerance before investing.

Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Big Energy Stocks Offering Strong Dividends Amid Volatility

Image
3 Big Energy Stocks Offering Strong Dividends Amid Volatility By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR In a market marked by persistent uncertainty, rising interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, income investors are seeking stability and yield in all the right places. One sector continues to stand out: energy. While oil and gas prices remain volatile, the long-term demand outlook and disciplined capital strategies have turned several major energy companies into dividend powerhouses. Here are three energy giants offering robust dividend yields and resilient fundamentals, making them attractive options for investors seeking income and relative stability in turbulent times. 1. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) Dividend Yield: ~3.4% Market Cap: $470+ billion ExxonMobil is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world. Its scale, upstream and downstream operations, and global reach offer a level of diversification that helps buffer against short-term price swings. In recent year...
Read more

Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Eli Lilly, Alphabet, Hertz, UnitedHealth and more

Image
  Stocks Making the Biggest Moves Midday: Eli Lilly, Alphabet, Hertz, UnitedHealth, and More ​ As of midday on Thursday, April 17, 2025, U.S. stock markets exhibited mixed performance, with significant movements in several key stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped nearly 400 points, primarily due to a sharp decline in UnitedHealth Group shares. Conversely, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite showed modest gains. ​ Eli Lilly (LLY) – Soaring on Weight-Loss Pill Success Eli Lilly's stock surged by up to 17% following the announcement of successful phase-three trial results for its new weight-loss pill, orforglipron. This once-daily oral medication demonstrated effectiveness comparable to injectable alternatives like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, leading to an average weight loss of 16 pounds (about 8% of body weight) and a reduction in A1C levels by 1.3% to 1.6%. The promising results have investors optimistic about the drug's potential market impact. ​ United...
Read more

Stock Spotlight – Stock of the Week: UnitedHealth: Where Does the Company Stand After the Storm?

Image
  Stock Spotlight – Stock of the Week: UnitedHealth: Where Does the Company Stand After the Storm? UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a cornerstone of the American healthcare industry, has weathered its share of challenges over the past year. From regulatory pressures and increased utilization costs to a rapidly evolving competitive landscape, investors have had plenty to digest. But as the dust settles, one question remains: Where does UnitedHealth stand now—and is it still a buy? A Quick Look Back: Navigating Headwinds 2024 was a turbulent year for UnitedHealth. The company faced mounting pressure from multiple fronts: Rising medical costs , particularly in its Medicare Advantage segment, dented margins. Regulatory scrutiny intensified, especially around pharmacy benefit management (PBM) practices and alleged anti-competitive behavior. The change in utilization patterns , with more seniors returning to in-person care post-pandemic, increased short-term claims expenses. ...
Read more