**Investing Consistently Over the Long Term Leads to Success**
The stock market continues to rally, driven by strong consumer signals, with the S&P 500 hitting new highs. If you’ve been on the sidelines wondering if you’ve missed your chance, don’t worry. While starting to invest when prices are low can be advantageous, the best time to start investing is really whenever you can.
Consistent investing over a long period allows you to ride out market volatility and come out ahead. One of the easiest ways to begin is by investing in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that matches your investing style.
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### Why Choose ETFs?
ETFs offer instant diversification, spreading your investment across many stocks to reduce risk. There are many types of ETFs on the market:
– **Passive-indexing ETFs**, like those offered by Vanguard, track an index and aim to replicate its performance.
– **Actively managed ETFs** feature portfolio managers who select stocks, such as those managed by Cathie Wood.
If you are new to investing, buying “the market” itself through an ETF can be a smart starting point.
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### The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) is the largest ETF, managing $1.4 trillion in assets. It provides instant exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies, covering a broad spectrum of industries.
VOO tracks the S&P 500 index, which naturally emphasizes high-growth stocks because larger companies with strong growth tend to dominate the index. The index maintains its growth focus by removing companies that fall below a minimum market capitalization of $22.7 billion and replacing them with new components.
This process helps keep the portfolio fresh and growth-oriented.
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### Different Styles, Different ETFs
Vanguard offers nearly 100 ETF options, catering to a wide range of investment goals—from high growth to conservative income.
– For younger investors with a long time horizon willing to take higher risks, the **Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT)** may be suitable. Over the past 10 years, it has delivered the highest annualized gains among Vanguard ETFs at 23.5%. With over 300 components, it provides diversification even within a high-risk sector.
– For older investors or those seeking lower risk, dividend-focused ETFs like the **Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)** are a better fit. These ETFs focus on companies with consistent dividend growth, providing income and relative stability.
No matter your age or risk tolerance, the key is to start investing. Historically, markets have trended upwards over the long term, offering the potential for future gains.
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### Should You Invest $1,000 in Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Right Now?
Before investing in VOO, consider the recent insights from The Motley Fool Stock Advisor. Their analyst team has just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy now — and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF was not among them.
These top 10 stock picks have the potential to deliver exceptional returns over the coming years.
To put this in perspective:
– When Netflix was recommended on December 17, 2004, a $1,000 investment would have grown to $603,392*.
– When Nvidia made the list on April 15, 2005, a $1,000 investment would have ballooned to $1,241,236*.
The average return of Stock Advisor’s recommendations is an impressive 1,072%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500’s 194% return.
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### Don’t Miss Out
If you’re interested in accessing the latest list of the 10 best stocks, consider joining Stock Advisor.
[See the 10 Stocks »](#)
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*Stock Advisor returns as of October 27, 2025
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**Disclosure:** Jennifer Saibil has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/easiest-way-start-investing-even-if-you-think-youre-too-late
