Vanguard index funds kicked off the passive-investing revolution, in which investors try to meet rather than beat market moves for long-term growth. S&P 500 index funds are an excellent way to get diversified exposure to the heart of the U.S. stock market. With Vanguard's mutual fund and exchange-traded fund (ETF) lineup currently spanning 352 options, there are several reasons beginner investors may find the platform appealing. Exchange-traded funds often have low investment minimums, relatively low expense ratios, and offer instant diversification.
When it comes to retirement savings, it's crucial to benchmark your progress. Discover the average 401(k) balance for different age groups in 2024 and learn how to boost your retirement savings. Take control of your investment journey with timely portfolio rebalancing to keep your asset allocation on track.
In terms of online brokers, Fidelity Investments and Vanguard are two solid choices. Understanding the key differences between the two can help investors make an informed decision. Similarly, Charles Schwab and Vanguard are two of the largest investment companies globally, with Schwab boasting 35.4 million active brokerage accounts.