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5 Vanguard ETFs to Consider in 2026 for a Well-Rounded Portfolio

These Vanguard ETFs offer diversified exposure as investors look to balance growth and risk in 2026.

By Jordan Major

Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Jan. 29, 2026

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become core building blocks for many investors, offering diversified exposure to markets, sectors, or themes through a single investment. Vanguard, in particular, has built its reputation on low costs and broad, index-based funds designed for long-term portfolios — an approach that aligns well with building long-term financial fitness.

With markets still navigating economic uncertainty, several Vanguard ETFs stand out as potential portfolio anchors heading into 2026. Together, they offer exposure to the U.S. stock market, dividends, technology, and materials, creating a mix of growth, income, and diversification rather than relying on a single trend.

Below are five Vanguard ETFs worth considering this year, along with what they track, how they performed in 2025, and why investors continue to pay attention.

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What Vanguard offers

Vanguard manages more than 100 ETFs across equities, bonds, and international markets, with nearly $4 trillion in ETF assets under management. Its long-standing focus on low expense ratios is a key reason it remains a go-to choice for cost-conscious investors.

Cost matters over long horizons, and Vanguard's emphasis on keeping expense ratios low helps investors retain more of their returns. In many cases, Vanguard has cut fees on core equity ETFs to enhance long-term performance.

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Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

Often viewed as a foundational holding, Vanguard S&P 500 ETF tracks the S&P 500 Index, which represents 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies across major sectors. Its performance closely mirrors that of the broader U.S. stock market.

In 2025, VOO delivered solid gains (17.82%) alongside large-cap U.S. equities, benefiting from resilient corporate earnings and continued investor preference for established companies. While returns fluctuate year to year, the S&P 500 has historically produced low double-digit annualized returns over long periods.

That broad exposure also means built-in diversification. Instead of betting on individual stocks, investors gain exposure to the collective performance of U.S. corporate leaders, an approach frequently endorsed by legendary investor Warren Buffett as a practical strategy for most investors.

Notably, Buffett has argued that broad diversification, low fees, and long-term discipline give index investors an advantage over most professional managers.

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)

For even broader U.S. exposure, the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) includes thousands of U.S. stocks across large, mid, and small caps. This fund essentially represents the entire U.S. equity market in one investment, offering exposure to established leaders and emerging companies alike.

In 2025, VTI tracked the overall market closely, gaining 17.10% over the year, with performance boosted not only by large-cap stocks but also by selective strength in mid- and small-cap names. That broader reach allows the fund to participate in growth beyond the largest companies, which could help smooth returns over time.

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT)

Technology remains one of the most important drivers of equity market returns, and the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) offers focused exposure to this dynamic sector. VGT includes tech leaders such as major semiconductor, software, and internet companies and is designed for investors who believe innovation will continue to fuel earnings growth through 2026 and beyond.

Over the past decade, tech-focused ETFs have significantly outpaced broader indexes. In 2025, VGT returned 21.77%, and while past performance isn't a guarantee, many analysts see technology continuing to benefit from secular trends like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation.

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM)

Not all investors are focused solely on growth. The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) targets stocks that pay above-average dividends, offering another way to participate in equities while generating income. Dividend income could help offset market downturns and contribute to total return over long investment horizons.

In 2025, VYM slightly lagged growth-heavy indexes on price appreciation with a 15.43% return, but delivered steady dividend income, helping cushion volatility during market pullbacks. For investors who value cash flow or reinvest dividends over time, that consistency could play an important role in total return.

Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW)

If you're looking to diversify beyond technology and consumer-focused stocks, the Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) offers exposure to a part of the market that often benefits when infrastructure spending, industrial activity, and commodity demand pick up. This ETF focuses on U.S. companies involved in materials production, including metals, mining, chemicals, and construction inputs.

By owning VAW, you're gaining access to dozens of materials companies in a single investment. That includes businesses tied to copper, steel, chemicals, and specialty materials that play a key role in manufacturing and large-scale projects. Rather than betting on one mining or materials stock, the ETF spreads risk across the sector.

Vanguard Materials ETF returned 12.30% in 2025, adding another reason interest in this sector has grown in 2026, especially as attention has turned toward mining, rare earths, and industrial self-sufficiency.

What to keep in mind

ETFs are not risk-free. Market declines, sector rotations, and shifts in economic policy can all affect performance.

Diversification across asset classes, equities, income, and global markets can help reduce risk, but it does not guarantee profit or protect against loss. So you should consider your own financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before allocating capital to these or any investments.

Bottom line

Vanguard ETFs remain solid building blocks for investors looking to construct a well-rounded portfolio in 2026. With low costs and broad exposure, these funds could help balance growth, income, and economic sensitivity, without overcomplicating long-term strategy. For investors managing or tracking these holdings, using one of the best investment apps can help keep portfolios organized over time.

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