The ETFs I’d Buy If I Was Starting Over in 2026

Core Insights - Investing is accessible at any age and time, emphasizing the importance of compounding and suggesting exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a viable option for building a resilient portfolio in 2026 [1][2] ETF Overview - ETFs have low risk, provide diversification, and were dominant in 2025, with expectations to continue this trend in 2026 [2] - Recommended ETFs for 2026 include Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG), and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) [2] Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) - VOO attracted a record inflow of $143 billion in 2025 and achieved an impressive 85.94% return over three years [3][5] - The ETF consists of approximately 500 stocks, with a 0.03% expense ratio, and has a significant allocation to technology (34%), followed by financials (13%) and communication services (11%) [4][6] - Major holdings include Nvidia and Apple Inc., which together account for 14% of the portfolio, alongside other top companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon [5][6] Performance Metrics - VOO has delivered a cumulative 3-year return of 85.94% and a 5-year return of 95.80%, with a compound annual return of 17% since its inception in 2010 [6] - The ETF has rebalanced quarterly to maintain high-quality company inclusion and has gained 19.5% over the past year, currently trading at $638.31 [6][7]