Investing in the stock market can be daunting, especially when it involves picking individual stocks. It's a process that demands extensive research and continuous monitoring but also carries significant risk.
For those looking to bypass these complexities, Vanguard offers a compelling solution with its range of 86 exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Among them, the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI 0.26%) stands out as a one-stop shop for investors seeking a diversified stock portfolio.
Image source: Getty Images.
Why choose the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF?
This particular ETF is designed to give investors exposure to the entire U.S. equity market, including small-, mid-, and large-cap growth and value stocks. Its broad diversification and low expense ratio make it an attractive option for both novice and experienced investors.
It tracks the performance of the CRSP US Total Market index. Composed of 3,656 individual stocks, this index represents a true tour de force in terms of diversification.
Expense ratio
The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF sports an incredibly low expense ratio of 0.03%, significantly lower than the category average of 0.79%. This means more of your investment goes toward growing your capital rather than paying fund management fees.
10-year return average
Over the past decade, this ETF has delivered an average annual return of 11.77%. While the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF outperformed it over this period, it didn't do so by a wide margin (see graph below).
VTI Total Return Level data by YCharts.
This fact demonstrates the ETF's ability to provide robust returns while offering comprehensive exposure to the stock market.
Risk profile
The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF carries a risk level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest risk. This metric indicates a higher risk potential, compared to lower-risk investments such as bonds and other fixed-income instruments. But it also offers the possibility for higher returns, which is typical for stock market investments.
Top five holdings and their weights
The top five holdings in this ETF's portfolio are some of the largest and most well-known companies on the planet that include:
- Microsoft -- 6.12%
- Apple -- 4.93%
- Nvidia -- 4.20%
- Amazon -- 3.30%
- Meta Platforms -- 2.09%
These holdings underscore the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF's focus on technology and innovation, areas that have historically driven an outsized portion of the market's growth.
Sector weightings
The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF's sector weightings are reflective of the broader market, with technology (32.1%), consumer discretionary (14.2%), industrials (13.1%), healthcare (11.9%), and financials (11%) being the most heavily weighted sectors. This broad allocation aligns with the fund's goal of a balanced approach to value creation and risk management.
Final thoughts
This ETF screens as an excellent choice for investors who prefer a hands-off approach to stock market investing. Its low costs, broad diversification, and solid track record of returns make it a suitable core holding that can serve as a complete stock portfolio.
Whether you're starting out or just looking to simplify your investment strategy, the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF offers a straightforward path to participating in the growth potential of the U.S. stock market. More broadly, investing in low-cost ETFs like this one can help mitigate the risks associated with individual stock selection while still providing the opportunity for healthy levels of capital growth. It's a strategy that aligns with Vanguard's philosophy of making high-quality investment options accessible to all in a low-cost manner.
