It appears as if the exchange traded fund (ETF) provider Vanguard might be trying to reinvent itself. For years, Vanguard turned its back to trendy investing, such as alternative asset classes. Firm founder Jack Bogle is known for criticizing most active managers, hedge funds and alternative investments, telling investors to stay along the path of marketable securities, reports Amanda B. Kish forThe Motley Fool. However, tough competition has forced Vanguard to jump in on the action.

The firm has welcomed ETF growth during recent years, introducing 31 ETFs since January 2004. Their latest releases include several bond funds:

• Vanguard Long Term Bond Fund ETF (BLV)
• Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV)
• Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV)
• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)

The firm also has filed with the SEC for a series of actively-managed bond ETFs, which would be an entirely new product for the ETF industry.

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