Overview
- The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is now the largest ETF at roughly $818 billion in assets, offering broad U.S. large-cap exposure at a 0.03% expense ratio.
- An updated buy-and-hold mix highlights seven low-cost funds: VOO, IWF, VIG, VXUS, VT, BND, and IAU.
- S&P 500 earnings rose more than 13% year over year in the third quarter, marking a fourth straight quarter of double-digit growth.
- CME FedWatch data indicate markets expect roughly three additional 25-basis-point rate cuts by the end of 2026, a potential support for equities.
- Valuations remain elevated and growth funds carry heavy tech exposure, while BND offers broad investment‑grade income near 4.2% and IAU provides bullion-backed gold exposure as a volatility hedge.