: A highly accessible option with a 0.02% expense ratio and a low share price following a recent split, making it ideal for smaller monthly contributions.
: The go-to option for small-cap exposure, tracking roughly 2,000 smaller companies with a 0.10% expense ratio . International & Dividend Focused Funds Best Index Funds In 2026 | Bankrate top index funds to buy
: Currently leads the category with a razor-thin 0.015% expense ratio and no minimum investment requirement. : A highly accessible option with a 0
For most long-term investors, the top index funds prioritize low costs and broad market exposure. As of April 2026, industry heavyweights like Vanguard, Fidelity , and Charles Schwab continue to offer the most competitive options for core portfolio holdings. Top S&P 500 Index Funds For most long-term investors, the top index funds
: Similar to VTI but with a 0% expense ratio , covering the broad U.S. market for Fidelity account holders. Top Growth & Specialized Index Funds
: Tracks the Nasdaq-100, focusing heavily on technology and AI leaders like Nvidia and Microsoft. It carries a higher 0.20% expense ratio but has historically outperformed the broader market during tech bull runs.
These funds track 500 of the largest U.S. companies and are widely considered the "gold standard" for long-term wealth building.