Timeless Building Blocks

These three Vanguard ETFs are simple, proven, and low-cost — the kind you could recommend to your grandma. Together, they make it easy to build a globally diversified portfolio with steady income and long-term growth potential.

Why Smart Investors Use These

✅ Simple works. Just three funds cover global stocks and short-term bonds — the 80/20 rule in action.

✅ Proven results. These are long-established ETFs with strong track records. Most active managers underperform low-cost index funds over time.

✅ Diversified by design. VTI and VEU cover global equities. BSV adds high-quality short-term bonds for stability and income.

✅ International matters. Global stocks help spread risk. International stocks have recently outpaced US stocks, and a weaker dollar can boost returns.

✅ Bonds for balance. BSV cushions stock swings and provides liquidity and income with less interest rate risk than longer-term bonds.

✅ Low fees, no fluff. Vanguard’s investor-owned model keeps costs low — more money stays invested.

✅ Works for everyone. A solid passive core allocation that allows you to set it and get on with your life.

How These ETFs Stack Up

Comparison table of three ETFs: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI), Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU), and Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV). It details risk level, purpose, geographic focus, market cap and bond type, expense ratio, and asset allocation.

Fund Performance Summary

Table comparing Vanguard ETFs including Total Stock Market, FTSE All-World ex-US, and Short-Term Bond with start and end balances, returns, best and worst years, and maximum drawdowns from July 2015 to June 2025.

Get the Edge: Professional ETF Research Coming Soon

✅ An subscription service is launching soon — giving you objective research and our best ETF picks by category, so you can go beyond a simple passive portfolio.

✅ Know when to go beyond passive. Low-cost index funds are a smart foundation, but there are times when adding investments that don’t just follow the market can boost returns or help manage risk.

✅ Invest with confidence. Combining strong passive core holdings with selective ETFs or stocks helps you stay diversified, control costs, and invest with more clarity.

Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions.

Historical Performance Disclaimer: Historical performance data is provided for informational purposes only and does not guarantee future results. Performance figures are sourced from Portfolio Visualizer (www.portfoliovisualizer.com) and may include data from third-party providers. Please verify all information independently before making investment decisions.