Long-term investors are flocking to ETFs with low expense ratios that provide wide diversification and consistent investment returns as markets grapple with uncertainty.
Popular selections include Vanguard Group’s many funds, which are well-known for their minimal fees and passive investing strategy.
There are three Vanguard ETFs that analysts and investors still recommend using to build wealth over the long-term in 2026.
The first one is the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which follows the S&P 500 Index. The fund offers investors exposure to over 500 of the largest U.S. publicly traded firms, such as big tech and consumer companies. VOO is one of the most affordable methods of accessing the large-cap market in the United States, with an expense ratio of only 0.03%. According to Vanguard data, the ETF has recorded solid long-term returns, with a very diversified portfolio.
The other one is the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). While VOO is designed for large-cap stocks, VTI is designed to include small- and mid-cap stocks. The fund is frequently recommended as a “core holding” since it offers exposure to thousands of companies in one investment. Recent forums with long-term investors have also mentioned VTI’s wide diversification as a big asset for buy-and-hold investors.
VXUS, the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF, is the third ETF. Many investors pay attention primarily to stocks in the United States, but investors may want to consider investing in VXUS to gain exposure to developed and emerging markets outside the United States. The company has thousands of foreign enterprises in its portfolio, which helps investors to diversify their options away from the one economy. Often, analysts advise mixing in international exposure with U.S. stocks to help balance the portfolio and withstand market cycles.
The allure of these funds goes beyond diversification. Recently, Vanguard announced yet more fee cuts, for more than 40 ETFs and mutual funds, adding to its image as a low-cost investment provider. Long-term returns can be affected by lower costs since investors keep more of their returns over time.
Broad-market index funds are also a popular option for investors who want to invest for regular growth and not put in the effort to beat the market with stock picking, according to investment commentators.
Vanguard’s low costs, diversification and ease have made the ETFs some of the most popular investment products in the world. VOO, VTI and VXUS are three of Vanguard’s best ETFs to own in 2026 for investors with a long time horizon. This makes the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) a potentially valuable investment. This makes the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) a worthwhile investment.
