The Vanguard Group
Mutual funds and ETFs from The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") tend to be attractive for the following reasons:
- Vanguard is the only mutually-owned mutual fund company that we are aware of. This means that the company is owned directly by its mutual funds and ultimately by the individuals who invest in those mutual funds. Most mutual fund companies have outside owners who demand a profit, which typically results in higher fees for mutual fund investors.
- Vanguard funds have relatively low expense ratios. They are obsessive about minimizing their fees.
- Vanguard has a large selection of ETFs and no-load index funds available to retail investors.
- Vanguard's ETF structure, whereby the ETF is a share class of a mutual fund, tends to make non-ETF share classes of those funds more capital-gains tax-efficient than they otherwise would be.
For more information on Vanguard, see:
- DFA vs. Vanguard: A Comparison, which compares DFA funds to Vanguard funds in each of several asset classes and lists our preferences.
- Vanguard's website.
Altruist receives no commissions on Vanguard funds or any other funds purchased through its services. Altruist receives no compensation from Vanguard.
This web page contains the current opinions of Eric E. Haas at the time it is written—and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This web page is intended to serve two purposes:
- To educate the public; and
- To provide disclosure of Mr. Haas' opinions to prospective clients. We believe that prospective clients are well-served by being made aware of what they are buying—and what they are buying is advice that is based on these opinions.
We believe the information provided here to be useful and accurate at the time it is written. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.
No investor should invest solely on the basis of information listed here. Before investing, it is important to consult each prospective investment's prospectus and consider both its risk/return characteristics and its effect on your overall portfolio.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Altruist recommends consultation with a qualified tax adviser, CPA, financial planner, or investment adviser. If you would like to discuss the rationale or support for any particular idea expressed on this web page, feel free to contact us.