VOO & Two More Vanguard ETFs to Buy Before 2026

If you want a portfolio that practically runs itself, Vanguard ETFs might be your best friend.

They’re low-cost, diversified, and built to let investors grow wealth without constantly timing the market.

And as we move into 2026, a handful of Vanguard funds stand out — not just for performance, but for simplicity, stability, and long-term income potential.

Let’s break down three funds worth owning before the new year arrives.

1. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

For most investors, this is the cornerstone.

The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA: VOO) tracks the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the United States. When you buy one share of VOO, you instantly own a slice of giants like Apple, Walmart, Home Depot, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America.

That’s instant diversification — hundreds of blue-chip companies, all inside one fund.

VOO’s biggest strengths:

Expense ratio: 0.03% — one of the lowest in existence.

Dividend yield: about 1.1%.

Liquidity: massive — it trades millions of shares every day.

For every $100 invested, you’re paying just three cents a year in management fees. And over decades, that cost difference compounds into real money.

If you’re building a foundation for your portfolio, VOO is where you start.

2. Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO)

VOO covers America’s biggest companies.

Now, let’s talk about the smaller ones — the innovators, the disruptors, the next-generation winners.

The Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA: VTWO) holds roughly 2,000 small-cap U.S. stocks, giving investors broad exposure to up-and-coming businesses.

It’s riskier than the S&P 500, but that’s where much of the long-term growth can come from.

Key stats:

Expense ratio: 0.07%

Dividend yield: around 1.2%

Diversification: thousands of companies across multiple sectors.

Because the Russell 2000 index tracks smaller firms, no single stock can tank your portfolio. Even if a few stumble, the rest can carry the weight.

Adding VTWO to your portfolio balances the stability of VOO with the growth potential of small-cap America.

3. Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE)

If you want bigger dividends — and exposure to one of the world’s most essential industries — VDE deserves a spot on your watchlist.

The Vanguard Energy ETF (NYSEARCA: VDE) focuses entirely on energy companies — about 111 of them — including Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips.

Energy can be cyclical, but the sector’s long-term value is undeniable. People, factories, and data centers all need power, no matter what the economy looks like.

Quick numbers:

Expense ratio: 0.09%

Dividend yield: roughly 3%.

Holdings: 111 energy firms spanning oil, gas, and renewables.

That combination of consistent demand and high dividends makes VDE a strong addition for investors who want income while they wait for market rebounds.

How These Three Work Together

Think of these ETFs like a three-layer strategy:

ETF Focus Goal

VOO Large-cap U.S. stocks Stability & core growth

VTWO Small-cap U.S. stocks Expansion & diversification

VDE Energy sector Income & inflation hedge

Together, they create a balanced, low-fee portfolio that covers nearly every corner of the U.S. market — from the biggest corporations to the smallest innovators, plus a reliable dividend engine.

With these three funds, you’re diversified by size, by sector, and by strategy.

Why Vanguard Still Leads the Pack

Vanguard built its empire on one promise: help investors keep more of what they earn.

The firm’s low-cost structure, passive-index philosophy, and focus on transparency make its ETFs some of the most investor-friendly on the planet.

Whether markets soar or stumble, you’ll sleep easier knowing your money is spread across thousands of quality companies — all while paying next to nothing in fees.

Final Thought

You don’t need to outsmart the market.

You just need to own it.

A portfolio built on VOO, VTWO, and VDE gives you exposure to America’s largest corporations, fastest-growing small businesses, and most essential energy providers — all while collecting passive income year after year.

Because sometimes the smartest investing move isn’t flashy or complicated.

It’s just consistent.

🧠 If this article helped you simplify your investment strategy, follow for more breakdowns on ETFs, index investing, and building long-term wealth.

💬 Which Vanguard fund do you trust most for the next decade — VOO, VTWO, or VDE? Share below!