The No. 1 Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Held on Robinhood Has Soared 632% in 15 Years and Is the Only General Investment Recommended by Warren Buffett

Core Insights - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is favored by retail investors for its low cost and strong historical performance, having increased by 632% since its inception nearly 15 years ago [5][21] - Retail investors accounted for 25% of total equities trading volume in 2021, nearly doubling from a decade earlier, indicating a growing influence in the market [2] - Warren Buffett has recommended owning an S&P 500 index fund for everyday investors, highlighting the advantages of long-term stock ownership [9][21] Group 1: Retail Investor Trends - The rise of online trading platforms has empowered retail investors, with Robinhood being a notable player due to its commission-free trades and fractional share purchases [4] - Retail investors have increasingly participated in the market, with their trading volume significantly rising over the past decade [2] Group 2: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has the lowest net expense ratio at 0.03% compared to the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust's 0.09%, making it a more cost-effective option for investors [19][20] - The ETF mirrors the performance of the S&P 500 index by purchasing all 503 components, providing broad market exposure [16] Group 3: Warren Buffett's Investment Philosophy - Buffett's investment strategy emphasizes long-term ownership and investing in companies with sustainable competitive advantages [7][10] - Historical data shows that economic growth periods significantly outlast recessions, supporting Buffett's optimistic investment outlook [11][12]