One suggestion was Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (symbol: VT). The VT tracks the FTSE Global All Cap Index and invests in a staggering 7,900 stocks from around the world while carrying a modest 0.11 percent annual fee. The current investment composition of this fund is 52 percent in U.S. stocks, 47 percent in foreign stocks, and 1 percent in cash. The value of VT shares has climbed 55 percent over the past five years.
Another great pick to consider is Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (symbol: VTI), which mimics the performance of the entire U.S. stock market by tracking the CRSP U.S. Total Market Index of 3,800 stocks. With an annual fee of 0.05 percent, VTI shares are up 88 percent over the last five years.
Or if you’re with Schwab, a fantastic discount broker, you have access to their commission free, low fee ETFs, like Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (symbol: SCHB). With an annual fee of only 0.03% it’s cheapest you’ll find. SCHB is up roughly 89 percent over the last five years.
But since I understand the importance of my investments generating cash through dividends, I would likely pick one of the three options below.
Schwab’s U.S. Dividend ETF (symbol: SCHD) isn’t a bad place to start. It caries a modest expense ratio of 0.07% and a decent yield of 2.7%. Or, Vanguard’s High Dividend ETF (symbol: VYM) with an also small expense ratio of 0.08% and slightly higher yield of 2.84%. Both should see some good dividend growth over the years.
However, if I felt the market was getting away from itself (hint, hint) I would likely choose a slightly higher yielding ETF with a greater percentage of defensive holdings. iShare Core High Dividend ETF (symbol: HDV) fits that job nicely. While HDV’s expense ratio is inline at 0.08% it’s yield is a whopping 3.28%.
While it’s possible in the digital age to reach a millionaire status by becoming a skilled gamer, don’t bank on it for your retirement plan. Strongly consider the long-term wealth growth and low fees associated with quality ETFs, reinvest those dividends and buy more shares over time. Once retired, you will be glad you did.
This article was republished with permission from The Dividend Pig.