The Smartest ETF to Buy With $500 Today Is the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) -- No Matter Where the Market Goes Next

Core Insights - The Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) is highlighted as a balanced investment option that combines growth potential with dividend income, making it suitable for long-term investors concerned about market corrections or economic downturns [1][9] ETF Overview - The Vanguard Value ETF tracks the CRSP U.S. Large Cap Value Index, focusing on large-cap value stocks determined by various financial metrics such as price-to-book ratios and price-to-earnings ratios [4] - The ETF has a low expense ratio of 0.04%, meaning an investor pays only $4 annually for every $10,000 invested [6] Performance Metrics - Recent performance data shows the Vanguard Value ETF's five-year average annual return at 12.40%, while the ten-year and fifteen-year averages are 11.55% and 11.77%, respectively [6] - In comparison, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has higher returns, with a five-year average of 14.91%, but includes a significant concentration in its top holdings [6] Top Holdings - The top ten holdings of the Vanguard Value ETF include JPMorgan Chase (3.60%), Berkshire Hathaway (3.22%), and ExxonMobil (2.12%), collectively accounting for about 20% of the ETF's total value, indicating a less concentrated portfolio compared to the S&P 500 [8] Dividend Yield - The Vanguard Value ETF offers a dividend yield of 2.1%, which is significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.1%, making it an attractive option for income-seeking investors [9]