Key Points Index funds simplify investing by bundling hundreds or even thousands of stocks into a single investment vehicle, effectively creating diversified portfolios. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF returned 299% over the last decade, and it outperformed every major international stock market over the last two decades. The Vanguard Total International Stock ETF has doubled the S&P 500's return in 2025, and its cheaper valuation could lead to more outperformance in the future. 10 stocks we like better th ...

Key Points Investing in exchange-traded funds is a convenient way for the average person to invest and reduce risk. The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF routinely has a dividend yield that's double the S&P 500's average. The Vanguard Total International Stock ETF can help hedge against downturns in the U.S. market. 10 stocks we like better than Vanguard Whitehall Funds - Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF › Investing can sometimes be viewed as complicated because some people think being a good inve ...

Core Insights - A long-term investment strategy is effective for building wealth with minimal risk and complexity [2] - Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are highlighted as a means to achieve diversification and simplicity in investment [2][3] Vanguard ETFs Overview - Vanguard is recognized as a leading provider of investment funds, offering a diverse range of ETFs suitable for long-term portfolios [3] - Investors can start with a combination of five Vanguard ETFs for under $2,000, with a minimum investment of just $1 for each ETF [3] Individual ETF Summaries - **Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)**: Tracks 500 prominent U.S. companies, representing the U.S. economy, with an average annualized return of 8% over nearly a century [5][6] - **Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)**: Focuses on large U.S. companies that consistently increase dividends, currently yielding just over 1.6% [7][9] - **Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT)**: Invests in the technology sector, with top holdings including Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple, and a low expense ratio of 0.09% [10][11] - **Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ)**: Comprises over 150 REITs, providing exposure to various property types with an adjusted effective yield of 2.8% [12][13] - **Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS)**: Offers ownership of over 8,600 non-U.S. companies, with a low expense ratio of 0.05%, enhancing global diversification [14][15]