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Vanguard ETF List – Complete Guide to Each ETF

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Written By
Dan Buckley
Contributor Image
Written By
Dan Buckley
Dan Buckley is an US-based trader, consultant, and part-time writer with a background in macroeconomics and mathematical finance. He trades and writes about a variety of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, commodities, currencies, and interest rates. As a writer, his goal is to explain trading and finance concepts in levels of detail that could appeal to a range of audiences, from novice traders to those with more experienced backgrounds.
» Dan Buckley Profile Page
Updated
Nov 12, 2024

If you find the Vanguard ETF offerings overwhelming and hard to sift through, you’re in the right place.

We give a summation of each ETF to help you gain better clarity among your options.

 

Key Takeaways – Vanguard ETF List

  • Vanguard’s broad selection of ETFs offers specialized options for nearly every investment goal and risk level.
  • Low expense ratios across Vanguard ETFs mean more of your money stays invested, compounding over time. We include the expense ratio with each.
  • Sector, region, and factor-specific ETFs allow more tailored portfolio diversification, income generation, and risk management.
  • We give some portfolio ideas and FAQs toward the end.

 

Vanguard ETF List

VTEC – California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF

Best for California residents seeking tax-free income.

With an expense ratio of 0.08% (i.e., $8 per year per $10,000 invested), it adds tax-advantaged bond exposure to a portfolio.

Yields generally adjust to factor this in (i.e., typically lower relative to normal bonds).

VOX – Communication Services ETF

Ideal for those bullish on communication companies.

Expense ratio of 0.10%.

VCR – Consumer Discretionary ETF

For investors looking to capture growth in discretionary spending and general upswings in the economy.

Low-cost at 0.10%, it enhances exposure to the consumer discretionary sector.

VDC – Consumer Staples ETF

Designed for conservative investors interested in stable consumer staples.

With a 0.10% expense ratio, it brings steady, defensive sector exposure.

The main advantage of this sector is its lower cyclicality to the swings in the economy.

VCRB – Core Bond ETF

A core bond holding for balanced portfolios, with a low expense ratio of 0.10%.

It offers stability through intermediate-term investment-grade bonds.

VPLS – Core-Plus Bond ETF

For bond investors seeking higher yield.

It does so by taking a bit more credit risk.

40-50% of the fund is still held in government securities.

Expense ratio of 0.20% for additional returns within a core bond strategy.

VIG – Dividend Appreciation ETF

Suits for dividend-focused investors.

With a 0.06% expense ratio, it targets stocks with a history of increasing dividends.

VWOB – Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF

Ideal for those seeking global bond exposure with higher yield.

Naturally with its focus on EM governments, it regularly has among the highest dividend yields of any Vanguard ETF.

Its 0.20% expense ratio provides access to emerging market government bonds.

VDE – Energy ETF

Great for investors optimistic about energy stocks.

Low cost at 0.10%, it gives concentrated exposure to energy sector growth potential.

VSGX – ESG International Stock ETF

Best for socially conscious investors.

At 0.12%, it offers international equity exposure with ESG considerations, with the idea of promoting responsible investing.

VCEB – ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF

This ETF (0.12% expense ratio) focuses on US corporate bonds with an ESG screen.

ESGV – ESG U.S. Stock ETF

A broad-market ESG option, perfect for eco-conscious investors.

It has a low 0.09% expense ratio and targets sustainable US companies.

EDV – Extended Duration Treasury ETF

For investors seeking long-term US Treasury exposure with interest rate sensitivity.

The trade-off (usually) is more yield for more volatility.

But that’s not always true because sometimes shorter-term bonds have higher yields – but that yield with shorter-term bonds is locked in for a shorter period.

With a 0.06% expense ratio, it targets extended duration government bonds.

VXF – Extended Market ETF

Tracks the S&P Completion Index, an unmanaged benchmark representing mid- and small-capitalization US stocks.

Can be used to complement large-cap portfolios with mid- and small-cap stocks.

At 0.06%, it broadens exposure to US equities beyond the S&P 500.

VFH – Financials ETF

For those focused on the financial sector, this ETF offers targeted exposure at a 0.10% expense ratio, tapping into banks, insurers, and more.

VEU – FTSE All-World ex-US ETF

An option for diversifying internationally.

With a 0.07% expense ratio, it provides access to non-US stocks across developed and emerging markets.

VSS – FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF

For investors seeking global diversification with small-cap exposure.

Low-cost at 0.08%, it captures growth potential in international small-cap stocks.

VEA – FTSE Developed Markets ETF

The most relevant product Vanguard has for international diversification in developed markets.

With a 0.06% expense ratio, it focuses on stability and growth outside the US.

VWO – FTSE Emerging Markets ETF

Perfect for higher-risk portfolios looking for emerging market exposure.

At 0.08%, it’s essentially a cheaper version of EEM (the most popular EM equity ETF).

VGK – FTSE Europe ETF

Best for Europe-focused investments. 0.09% expense ratio.

VPL – FTSE Pacific ETF

Great for those seeking Pacific region exposure, particularly Japan.

Expense ratio of 0.08%.

VNQI – Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF

For real estate exposure outside the US With a 0.12% expense ratio, it provides global real estate diversification in one fund.

VUG – Growth ETF

For growth-focused investors.

At 0.04%, it targets large-cap growth stocks, improving capital appreciation within a portfolio.

VHT – Health Care ETF

For healthcare enthusiasts, this sector ETF provides access to healthcare companies with a 0.10% expense ratio, adding stability and growth.

VYM – High Dividend Yield ETF

Ideal for income seekers, focusing on high-dividend US stocks.

The dividend yield is generally somewhere around 40-50% higher than SPY (though it varies).

With a low 0.06% expense ratio, it boosts income within equity portfolios.

VIS – Industrials ETF

For those bullish on industrial stocks.

Expense ratio of 0.10%, it provides exposure to manufacturers, construction, and transportation sectors.

VGT – Information Technology ETF

Tech-focused investors will appreciate this.

With a 0.10% expense ratio, it targets tech sector growth.

Best for those who want to improve long-term growth potential.

BIV – Intermediate-Term Bond ETF

Perfect for conservative portfolios needing stability.

With a 0.04% expense ratio, it focuses on intermediate-term investment-grade bonds.

VCIT – Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

Great for income-seeking investors wanting moderate duration.

At 0.04%, it targets corporate bonds with intermediate maturities for stability.

VTEI – Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF

Ideal for tax-sensitive investors.

Expense ratio of 0.08%, it provides tax-free income through intermediate-term municipal bonds.

VGIT – Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF

Treasury-focused with stability for conservative investors.

Expense ratio of 0.04%, it offers intermediate-term government bonds for steady returns.

VIGI – International Dividend Appreciation ETF

Best for global dividend growth exposure.

With a 0.15% expense ratio, it targets international companies with a history of dividend increases.

VYMI – International High Dividend Yield ETF

Perfect for income from international stocks.

Expense ratio of 0.22%, it emphasizes high-yielding stocks outside the US.

VV – Large-Cap ETF

Ideal for broad US large-cap exposure.

With a 0.04% expense ratio, it tracks the largest US companies, adding stability to portfolios.

BLV – Long-Term Bond ETF

For income seekers with longer time horizons.

At a 0.04% expense ratio, it targets long-term investment-grade bonds, increasing yield potential.

VCLT – Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF

Great for higher income within a bond portfolio.

One of the highest yielding ETFs in Vanguard’s portfolio, given the credit risk (corporate over government) and duration.

Expense ratio of 0.04%, it focuses on long-term corporate bonds for income generation.

VGLT – Long-Term Treasury ETF

For those seeking long-term government bonds.

Locks in longer-term safe yields.

With a 0.04% expense ratio, it provides duration exposure with government-backed stability.

VAW – Materials ETF

Best for investors bullish on materials.

With a 0.10% expense ratio, it offers sector-specific exposure to materials like metals and chemicals.

MGC – Mega Cap ETF

Best for those wanting to focus on the largest US companies.

With a 0.07% expense ratio, it emphasizes stability and resilience of mega-cap stocks.

MGK – Mega Cap Growth ETF

For growth-focused investors seeking giant companies.

At 0.07%, it targets high-growth mega-caps, improving aggressive growth potential.

MGV – Mega Cap Value ETF

Perfect for value-oriented, large-cap exposure.

With a 0.07% expense ratio, it targets mega-cap stocks with strong value characteristics.

VO – Mid-Cap ETF

Great for diversification into mid-sized companies.

Low-cost at 0.04%.

Can complement large-cap holdings with mid-cap growth opportunities.

VOT – Mid-Cap Growth ETF

Ideal for investors focused on mid-sized growth companies.

At 0.07%, it offers growth-focused mid-cap exposure for balanced portfolios.

VOE – Mid-Cap Value ETF

Best for mid-cap value seekers.

With a 0.07% expense ratio, it provides a stable, value-focused approach to mid-cap stocks.

VMBS – Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF

Great for income-focused portfolios, it offers exposure to mortgage-backed securities.

Generally, MBS have extra yield on top of equivalent government bonds.

They also have the extra wrinkle of prepayment risk (when homeowners refinance).

At 0.04%, it adds a unique income source to bonds.

VNQ – Real Estate ETF

For real estate enthusiasts.

With a 0.13% expense ratio, it gives exposure to US real estate companies, adding diversification to portfolios.

VONE – Russell 1000 ETF

Ideal for broad, large-cap US exposure.

Expense ratio of 0.08%, it tracks the Russell 1000.

Focuses on stability and growth in large caps.

VONG – Russell 1000 Growth ETF

Best for growth investors in large-cap stocks.

With a 0.08% expense ratio, it targets the Russell 1000’s high-growth companies.

VONV – Russell 1000 Value ETF

Great for large-cap value investors.

At 0.08%, it targets the value side of the Russell 1000.

Balances growth with value focus.

VTWO – Russell 2000 ETF

Perfect for those wanting small-cap US exposure.

With a 0.10% expense ratio, it tracks small-cap stocks for enhanced growth potential.

An alternative to the popular iShares IWM ETF.

VTWG – Russell 2000 Growth ETF

For aggressive small-cap growth investors.

Expense ratio of 0.15%, it targets small companies with strong growth metrics.

VTWV – Russell 2000 Value ETF

Ideal for value-focused small-cap exposure.

At 0.15%, it emphasizes small-cap stocks with strong value fundamentals.

VTHR – Russell 3000 ETF

For total US stock market exposure.

With a 0.10% expense ratio, it tracks the Russell 3000.

Provides a broad market snapshot.

VOO – S&P 500 ETF

Perfect for investors looking for the S&P 500.

With a low 0.03% expense ratio, it’s a classic choice for large-cap US market exposure.

Cheaper than the iShares SPY ETF, but less liquid and less developed options markets.

VOOG – S&P 500 Growth ETF

Best for those focused on growth in the S&P 500.

With a 0.10% expense ratio, it targets high-growth large-cap stocks in the index.

VOOV – S&P 500 Value ETF

Great for value-focused S&P 500 exposure.

At 0.10%, it emphasizes the value stocks within the S&P 500.

Generally offers more stability and income by stripping out the growth-ier components.

IVOO – S&P Mid-Cap 400 ETF

For mid-cap exposure within the S&P 400.

Expense ratio of 0.10%.

It provides access to mid-sized companies for portfolio diversification.

IVOG – S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF

Ideal for growth in mid-cap S&P stocks.

With a 0.15% expense ratio, it targets the high-growth sector within mid-sized companies.

IVOV – S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF

For value-oriented mid-cap exposure.

At 0.15%, it emphasizes value stocks within the S&P Mid-Cap 400.

Balances growth with stability.

VIOO – S&P Small-Cap 600 ETF

Perfect for small-cap US exposure within the S&P.

With a 0.10% expense ratio, it captures growth potential in smaller companies.

VIOG – S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF

For small-cap growth enthusiasts.

With a 0.15% expense ratio, it targets the growth segment within the S&P Small-Cap 600.

VIOV – S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF

Ideal for value-focused small-cap exposure.

At 0.15%, it emphasizes value stocks within the S&P 600, balancing small-cap volatility.

BSV – Short-Term Bond ETF

Great for conservative portfolios needing liquidity.

With a 0.04% expense ratio, it offers short-term investment-grade bond exposure.

VCSH – Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF

Best for stable, income-oriented portfolios.

Low-cost at 0.04%, it focuses on short-term corporate bonds for steady income.

VTIP – Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF

Perfect for inflation-protected income in the short term.

This is Vanguard’s only inflation-indexed bond ETF.

At 0.04%, it provides TIPS exposure, hedging against inflation.

VTES – Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF

For tax-conscious investors, offering tax-free income.

Expense ratio of 0.07%, it focuses on short-term, tax-exempt bonds.

VGSH – Short-Term Treasury ETF

Great for risk-averse investors wanting US Treasuries.

With a 0.04% expense ratio, it provides short-term government bond stability.

VB – Small-Cap ETF

Ideal for broad US small-cap exposure.

Also one of Vanguard’s longest-running ETFs, dating back to 2004.

Low-cost at 0.05%, it offers growth opportunities among smaller US companies.

VBK – Small-Cap Growth ETF

Best for aggressive growth within small-caps.

At 0.07%, it targets high-growth stocks in the small-cap category.

VBR – Small-Cap Value ETF

Great for small-cap value seekers.

With a 0.07% expense ratio, it emphasizes value-oriented small-cap stocks for diversification.

VTEB – Tax-Exempt Bond ETF

Perfect for tax-sensitive investors needing bond income.

At a 0.05% expense ratio, it focuses on national tax-exempt bonds.

BND – Total Bond Market ETF

A core bond holding for balanced portfolios.

With a low 0.03% expense ratio, it offers broad US bond market exposure.

VTC – Total Corporate Bond ETF

Great for corporate bond exposure.

It’s the most diversified corporate bond ETF Vanguard has.

At 0.04%, it captures the entire US corporate bond market, boosting income.

BNDX – Total International Bond ETF

Ideal for international bond diversification.

Expense ratio of 0.07%, it provides non-US bonds to broaden global exposure.

VXUS – Total International Stock ETF

For global diversification outside the US.

With a 0.08% expense ratio, it offers broad international stock exposure.

VTI – Total Stock Market ETF

A classic choice for total US stock market exposure.

One of Vanguard’s most popular equity offerings.

Contains over 3,600 stocks.

With a 0.03% expense ratio, it captures large- to small-cap US equities.

BNDW – Total World Bond ETF

For global fixed-income exposure. At 0.05%, it combines US and international bonds, enhancing portfolio diversification.

VT – Total World Stock ETF

Ideal for one-stop global stock exposure.

Has approximately 10,000 stock holdings, making it right there with the most diversified ETF you can hold.

65% North America, 15% Europe, 10% Pacific, and 10% emerging markets.

With a 0.07% expense ratio, it captures developed and emerging markets worldwide.

VFMV – U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF

Best for minimizing volatility in US stocks.

Expense ratio of 0.13%, it aims for lower-risk stock exposure.

VFMO – U.S. Momentum Factor ETF

For investors pursuing momentum strategies.

At 0.13%, it targets high-momentum stocks for aggressive, trend-focused portfolios.

VFMF – U.S. Multifactor ETF

Great for a multifactor approach to US stocks.

With an expense ratio of 0.18%, it balances various factors like growth, value, and quality.

VFQY – U.S. Quality Factor ETF

For those seeking quality US stocks.

With a 0.13% expense ratio, it focuses on stocks with strong profitability and stable earnings.

VFVA – U.S. Value Factor ETF

Ideal for value-oriented investors.

Expense ratio of 0.13%, it targets high-quality, value-focused US stocks with growth potential.

VUSB – Ultra-Short Bond ETF

Perfect for cash-like, ultra-short bond exposure.

With a 0.10% expense ratio, it provides liquidity with a slight yield boost over cash.

VPU – Utilities ETF

Best for utility sector exposure.

With a 0.10% expense ratio, it provides stable, income-generating companies in the utilities sector.

VTV – Value ETF

Great for value-seeking investors.

At a 0.04% expense ratio, it focuses on large-cap value stocks, balancing growth and income.

 

Portfolio Allocation Examples with Vanguard ETFs

Here are portfolio ideas offering a balanced structure using Vanguard ETFs:

Conservative Balanced Beta

  • 25% US Treasuries – VGSH (Short-Term Treasury ETF) or VGIT (Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF)
  • 20% TIPS – VTIP (Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF). TIP is another non-Vanguard option. You can also buy TIPS directly.
  • 20% High-quality corporate bonds – VCIT (Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) or VTC (Total Corporate Bond ETF)
  • 15% Gold – Consider adding gold exposure through external funds, as Vanguard doesn’t offer a dedicated gold ETF.
  • 15% Broad market equities – VTI (Total Stock Market ETF)
  • 5% Commodities – Vanguard doesn’t have a dedicated commodity ETF. They do have the Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund (VCMDX), if mutual funds are acceptable. We have more about this in the FAQ section. GSG is also available outside the Vanguard universe, but is also energy-heavy (like most commodity ETFs are).

Growth-Oriented Balanced Beta

  • 45% Broad market equities – VTI (Total Stock Market ETF) or VT (Total World Stock ETF) for international exposure
  • 20% Long-term government bonds – VGLT (Long-Term Treasury ETF)
  • 15% TIPS – VTIP (Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF)
  • 10% Commodities – VCMDX (Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund)
  • 10% Gold – GLD or IAU are options.

Income-Focused Balanced Beta

  • 30% Dividend-paying stocks – VYM (High Dividend Yield ETF) or VIG (Dividend Appreciation ETF)
  • 20% High-yield corporate bonds – Consider VWEHX (Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund) as a mutual fund option, or use BND (Total Bond Market ETF) for broader bond exposure. HYG is another popular option outside the Vanguard sphere.
  • 15% TIPS – VTIP (Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF)
  • 15% Long-term Treasuries – VGLT (Long-Term Treasury ETF)
  • 10% REITs – VNQ (Real Estate ETF)
  • 10% Precious metals – Consider a gold or precious metals ETF outside Vanguard.

Global Balanced Beta

  • 35% Global equities – VT (Total World Stock ETF)
  • 20% Developed market government bonds – BNDX (Total International Bond ETF)
  • 15% Emerging market bonds – VWOB (Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF)
  • 15% Gold – Consider an external gold fund for this allocation.
  • 10% International inflation-linked bonds – Consider inflation-linked options within BNDX or add TIPS (VTIP).
  • 5% Global commodities – VCMDX (Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund)

Tactical Balanced Beta

  • 40% Sector-rotated equities – Rotate between sector-focused ETFs like VGT (Information Technology), VDE (Energy), VDC (Consumer Staples), and VHT (Healthcare)
  • 20% Intermediate-term Treasuries – VGIT (Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF)
  • 20% TIPS – VTIP (Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF)
  • 10% Managed futures – Vanguard doesn’t offer a managed futures ETF, so consider external funds.
  • 10% Actively managed commodities – VCMDX (Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund)

Each of these portfolios can be tailored by adding a cash allocation for liquidity and flexibility.

 

FAQs – Vanguard ETFs

What are the key differences between the sector ETFs (e.g., VHT, VGT, VOX) and how should I choose the right sector allocation for my portfolio?

Each sector ETF targets a specific industry – like tech with VGT, healthcare with VHT, or communications with VOX – offering concentrated exposure to that area’s performance.

Choose sectors that align with your outlook and complement your overall portfolio goals.

Consider balancing growth areas with defensive ones.

How do the expense ratios impact long-term returns across different ETFs, especially among similar asset classes like VTI vs. VOO or VEU vs. VXUS?

Expense ratios may seem small, but they compound over time and can meaningfully impact returns.

If something has an expense ratio of 0.20%, for example, that means it costs $20 per year per $10,000 invested.

Lower costs, like those in VTI or VOO, mean more of your investment remains invested, whereas higher fees can eat into your returns, especially over decades.

VTI vs. VT vs. VOO – which is best?

VTI is ideal for US-focused investors wanting total market exposure (large to small caps). 

VT provides global exposure, including emerging markets, for those seeking worldwide diversification. 

VOO is a straightforward S&P 500 fund, best for large-cap US stock exposure with lower risk than the others.

Which Vanguard ETFs are best for traders?

ETFs with high liquidity, like VOO, VTI, SPY, and QQQ (the latter two are not Vanguard), are popular among traders. 

Sector-focused ETFs (e.g., VGT for tech) are also appealing, allowing traders to target specific industry movements. 

Overall, check liquidity in each of these for best results in trading contexts.

How do Vanguard’s ESG ETFs (e.g., ESGV, VCEB, VSGX) differ in performance and risk from traditional ETFs, and are there any trade-offs with their ESG focus?

ESG ETFs prioritize companies meeting environmental, social, and governance standards, which can sometimes mean sector exclusions (like energy) and different risk profiles.

Trade-offs may include slightly higher expense ratios or less exposure to high-yielding sectors, but for many investors, these are worth it for the ESG focus.

Some believe ESG may convey a long-term benefit, as technologies improve and obsolescence affects excluded sectors.

How do tax-exempt bond ETFs (e.g., VTEC, VTEB, VTES) compare with other bond options in a taxable account?

Tax-exempt bonds offer income free from federal (and sometimes state) taxes, making them ideal for taxable accounts.

In higher tax brackets, these funds often yield more after taxes than traditional bonds, which can be taxed as regular income.

How does the yield on the high-dividend ETFs (VYM, VYMI) compare to those of traditional bond funds? When might they be preferable to bonds for income-focused investors?

High-dividend ETFs can offer competitive yields compared to bonds, especially when interest rates are low.

For those comfortable with equity risk, these ETFs may offer better growth potential and inflation protection compared to fixed-rate bonds.

For a globally diversified portfolio, how do the Total World Stock ETF (VT) and Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) complement or overlap with other region-focused ETFs like VGK, VPL, and VWO?

VT provides exposure to the entire world, while VXUS focuses on international stocks outside the US.

Adding regional funds like VGK or VWO can allow more targeted regional exposure.

How do the various bond ETFs (e.g., short-term, intermediate-term, long-term) respond to changes in interest rates? Which might be better suited for an inflationary environment?

Short-term bonds (e.g., VGSH) are less sensitive to rate changes, while long-term bonds (e.g., VGLT) see greater price fluctuations.

In inflationary environments, short-term or inflation-protected bonds like VTIP may be better options.

What are the typical risks and rewards of focusing on factor-based ETFs like VFMO (momentum) and VFQY (quality)? How do these strategies perform in volatile markets?

Factor-based ETFs target specific stock characteristics – momentum or quality – which can boost returns but also increase risk.

Momentum can be volatile in downturns, while quality-focused funds like VFQY may offer more stability during market stress.

How does the Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) compare with the Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK)?

VOT focuses on mid-cap companies, which tend to grow faster but are more volatile than mega-caps.

MGK provides steadier growth from well-established giants, whereas VOT is a better choice for investors who can tolerate more ups and downs for potentially higher returns.

What are the differences in risk and volatility between the Small-Cap ETFs (VB, VBR, VBK) and the Russell 2000 ETFs (VTWO, VTWV), and how do these compare with large-cap ETFs?

Small-cap ETFs like VB and VTWO are more volatile than large-cap funds, as smaller companies are less stable but can grow quickly.

Factor-based small-cap funds (VBR for value, VBK for growth) add another layer, allowing targeted small-cap exposure but with extra volatility.

How do the Total Bond Market ETF (BND) and the Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC) differ in terms of yield, credit risk, and value in a diversified portfolio?

BND covers the entire US bond market, mixing government and corporate bonds for broad stability.

VTC focuses solely on corporates, adding a slight yield premium but with more credit risk.

BND suits balanced portfolios, while VTC may be better for those prioritizing income.

What are the benefits of the Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) compared to other bond ETFs?

EDV offers long-duration Treasury exposure, meaning it’s very sensitive to interest rate changes.

It’s suited for investors who expect declining rates or need a hedge against other parts of their portfolio.

Will perform best in a world where inflation expectations come in lower.

Is the Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) a better choice than traditional large-cap or diversified ETFs during bear markets?

VFMV’s low-volatility strategy makes it more defensive, ideal for risk-averse investors or those nearing retirement.

In bear markets, it generally declines less than traditional large-caps, providing a smoother ride through volatility.

What are the primary differences in exposure between the S&P 500 ETF (VOO), the Russell 1000 ETF (VONE), and the Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)?

VOO focuses on the S&P 500’s largest companies, VONE includes the Russell 1000, which adds some mid-caps, and VTI captures the entire US stock market, adding small-caps.

For full market coverage, VTI wins.

VOO offers a simpler large-cap focus.

How do mortgage-backed securities in VMBS compare to traditional corporate or government bonds? What unique risks do they add to an income-focused portfolio?

VMBS invests in mortgage-backed securities, offering solid yields but with prepayment risk if homeowners refinance (i.e., most common when mortgage rates fall).

This makes it unique compared to traditional bonds, which have fixed cash flows.

Adds diversification but with some interest rate sensitivity.

Does Vanguard have a commodities or gold ETF?

Vanguard offers the Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund (VCMDX), a mutual fund providing broad commodities exposure, but does not have a dedicated gold ETF.

The fund is approximately:

  • 27% Energy
  • 20% Grains
  • 17% Industrial Metals
  • 5% Livestock
  • 23% Precious Metals
  • 8% Softs