: Focuses on the 100 largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq; it has strong historical returns but higher volatility. 2. Blue-Chip & "Core" Stocks
If you want to buy individual shares, "Blue-Chip" stocks—large, well-established companies with a history of profit—are typically the best starting point. The Basics of Investing In Stocks stocks beginners should buy
: These track the 500 largest companies in the U.S. and have historically returned about 10% annually over the long run. : Focuses on the 100 largest non-financial companies
: These provide even broader exposure by including small and mid-sized companies. low-cost option tracking the same index.
: Extremely low-cost (0.03% expense ratio) and highly recommended as a core holding.
: Covers virtually every publicly traded stock in the U.S..
: Another reliable, low-cost option tracking the same index.