On This Page
What Are the Best ETFs to Buy Now?
Ranked by low fees, long-term performance, liquidity, and the July 2026 market environment.
Key Takeaways
- VOO is our #1 overall pick: rock-bottom 0.03% fee, broad S&P 500 exposure, unmatched track record.
- QQQ and VGT lead 2026 growth driven by the AI boom, but carry higher volatility.
- SCHD is the dividend king: high quality, low expenses, consistent 3.5% yield.
- Diversify across 3-5 ETFs for a balanced portfolio that fits your risk tolerance.
Which S&P 500 ETF Should You Buy?
The S&P 500 is the gold standard for passive investing. Instant diversification at minimal cost.
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF VOO
The industry standard for S&P 500 investing. Just 0.03% annually ($3/yr on $10K). $420B in assets. Among the most liquid ETFs in the world.
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF IVV
iShares' VOO equivalent. Nearly identical exposure and fees. Often the default S&P 500 choice on Fidelity and other non-Vanguard platforms.
What Are the Best Dividend ETFs?
For income-focused investors. These funds prioritize companies with sustainable dividend payouts.
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF SCHD
The standout dividend ETF. Screens for quality, not just yield. Tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Low fee, consistent dividend growth.
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF VYM
Casts a wider net with 450+ high-dividend stocks. Vanguard stewardship keeps fees low, essential for dividend compounding over decades.
Which Tech ETFs Have the Highest Returns?
For investors bullish on AI and technology. Sector-specific ETFs offer targeted exposure.
Invesco QQQ Trust QQQ
Tracks the Nasdaq-100 for concentrated tech exposure. Best-performing major ETF over the past decade. Trade-off: higher sector concentration risk.
Vanguard Information Technology ETF VGT
The purest play on US tech. 350+ tech companies at 0.10% (cheapest pure-tech ETF available). Top pick for long-term tech believers.
What Are the Best Bond ETFs for Income?
Bond ETFs provide stability and income. With rates moderating in 2026, bonds are attractive for diversification.
iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF AGG
The total bond market. US Treasuries, MBS, investment-grade corporates. The bond equivalent of VOO: broad, cheap, reliable.
What Are the Best ETFs for Beginners?
New to investing? A simple 3-ETF portfolio covers the entire global market.
Beginner Portfolio
VTI 70% (US market) · VXUS 20% (international) · BND 10% (bonds). Exposure to 11,000+ companies across 40+ countries at a blended fee of 0.04%.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best ETF depends on your goals. For broad market exposure, VOO is our top overall pick (0.03% fee). For dividends, SCHD offers a 3.5% yield. For growth, QQQ tracks the Nasdaq-100. Always consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
As of July 2026, VGT (+21.3% YTD) and QQQ (+18.7% YTD) have delivered the strongest returns, benefiting from AI and semiconductor demand. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
A beginner can start with just 1-3 ETFs. A simple portfolio: VTI (US stocks), VXUS (international), and BND (bonds) covers the entire global market. The key is consistency, not complexity.
VOO, IVV, VTI, BND, and AGG all charge 0.03%. At this level you pay just $3.30 per $10,000 per year. Most modern brokers now offer fractional shares, eliminating share-price as a barrier.
Latest from the Blog
Why VOO Remains the Best ETF for Most Investors in 2026
A deep dive into why Vanguard's S&P 500 ETF continues to dominate as the go-to choice for both beginners and experienced investors.
The 3-Fund Portfolio: A Beginner's Complete Guide
Learn how to build a globally diversified investment portfolio with just three low-cost ETFs. The simplest path to long-term wealth.
Explore More
Sources & Citations
ETF performance data, expense ratios, and AUM figures sourced from official fund prospectuses and regulatory filings:
- Vanguard Group — Vanguard ETF Profiles Verified Jul 2026
- iShares by BlackRock — iShares ETF Product List Verified Jul 2026
- Invesco Ltd. — QQQ Fund Page Verified Jul 2026
- Schwab Asset Management — SCHD Fund Page Verified Jul 2026
- S&P Dow Jones Indices — S&P 500 Index Methodology Verified Jul 2026
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR Filings Verified Jul 2026
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk including possible loss of principal.