Own virtually every publicly traded U.S. company in one fund
VTI is Vanguard's Total Stock Market ETF — a fund that holds virtually every publicly traded company in the United States. While VOO covers the 500 largest companies, VTI goes further by including over 3,600 stocks across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies.
With an expense ratio of just 0.03%, VTI gives you the broadest possible exposure to the U.S. stock market at one of the lowest costs available.
VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index, which includes nearly 100% of the investable U.S. stock market. It's weighted by market capitalization, so large companies still dominate, but you also get exposure to the thousands of smaller companies that make up the rest of the market.
The fund automatically adjusts as companies go public, get acquired, or change in size. This means your investment always reflects the current state of the entire U.S. stock market.
Expense ratio: 0.03% — tied for the lowest in the industry
Holdings: 3,600+ stocks covering the entire U.S. market
Includes large, mid, and small-cap companies
Dividend yield: Approximately 1.3–1.5% annually
The total U.S. stock market has historically returned about 10% per year on average, very similar to the S&P 500. The small and mid-cap companies in VTI can add a slight performance boost over long periods, though this isn't guaranteed.
Like all stock market investments, VTI experienced significant declines during the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 COVID crash, but recovered fully each time.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Maximum U.S. market diversification (3,600+ stocks)
Ultra-low 0.03% expense ratio
Includes small-cap growth potential
Single-fund solution for U.S. equity exposure
Tax-efficient structure
U.S.-only — no international diversification
Very similar to VOO in practice (large-caps dominate)
Can drop significantly during market downturns
Small-cap stocks add slight volatility
No bond exposure for stability
VTI is the go-to choice for investors who want the most complete U.S. stock market exposure in a single fund.
One-fund investors: If you want just one U.S. stock fund, VTI covers the entire market.
Three-fund portfolio builders: VTI is commonly used as the U.S. stock component in a three-fund portfolio.
Small-cap believers: If you want exposure to smaller companies that might grow into the next big thing.
Choose a brokerage: Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab all offer VTI with zero commissions.
Fund your account: Transfer money from your bank. Start with whatever you can afford — there's no wrong amount.
Buy VTI: Search for ticker "VTI" and place your order. Consider using limit orders for better price control.
Stay the course: Set up automatic investments and resist the urge to sell during market dips.