When it comes to indexing, few fund companies have the market presence of Vanguard. Offering more than 70 different index mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, Vanguard is a virtual one-stop shop for fans of passive indexing. But with so many options, how do investors know which index funds are right for them? I took a magnifying glass to Vanguard's offerings and plucked out the best of the best.
The core of your portfolio
Of course, if you're discussing Vanguard index funds, the venerable Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX) may come first to mind. It's now the second-largest mutual fund in existence, with more than $120 billion in net assets. If you want exposure to the market's large caps, including companies like Microsoft
On the smaller side
Of course, the 500 Index won't give you any exposure to the smaller end of the capitalization spectrum, so it makes sense to stock up on a fund that will. In this case, your best bet is the Vanguard Small-Cap Index (NAESX). It offers a low-cost entry point for buying smaller companies such as Agere Systems
Overseas opportunities
If you're in the market for a foreign stock index, the Vanguard Total International Stock Index (VGTSX) is a terrific option. This fund is attractive in part because it provides exposure to both developed and emerging markets. Typical index funds that track the MSCI EAFE Index exclude the latter. By investing in three other Vanguard index funds -- the European Stock Index (VEURX), the Pacific Stock Index (VPACX), and the Emerging Markets Stock Index (VEIEX) -- this fund offers a wider array of international investing opportunities. Of course, that emerging-market exposure can cut both ways, and should this area of the market start to cool off, this fund may lag some of its peers. But given its low expenses, broader diversification, and strong track record, the Vanguard Total International Stock Index is truly one of the better international index options available.
Don't forget about bonds
Finally, if a bond index is more your cup of tea, you might want to take a look at the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX). This fund tracks the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index, probably the most popular broad market bond index around. As such, the fund offers exposure to domestic investment-grade bonds, including Treasury, Agency, and corporate securities. Longer-term performance has been favorable, with the fund ranking above median for its peer group in seven of the last ten calendar years. The fund did suffer a misstep in 2002 when management's policy of substituting short-term corporate bonds for Treasuries backfired, causing the fund to lag its benchmark by a wide margin that year. However, since that time, procedures have been tightened up, and performance has tracked the benchmark very closely.
So while an initial look at Vanguard's index fund menu can be somewhat overwhelming, Foolish investors will likely be best served by sticking to widely diversified, broad market indices such as those listed above. Indexing is not suited to every investor's portfolio or temperament, but if it is, Vanguard is a great place to start looking for some top-notch index funds.
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Fool contributor Amanda Kish lives in Rochester, N.Y., and does not own shares of any of the companies or funds mentioned herein. Microsoft and Wal-Mart are both Inside Value recommendations. The Fool has a disclosure policy.