VTI

VTI is the ticker for the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF, an exchange-traded fund managed by Vanguard Asset Management. The fund aims to track the performance of the CRSP U.S. Total Market Index, providing broad exposure to the overall U.S. stock market across large-, mid-, small-, and micro-cap stocks. It is designed to allow investors to own a single security that represents the entire U.S. equity universe.

The fund was launched on May 24, 2001, and is passively managed through full replication of its underlying index. It trades on the NYSE Arca exchange, where it is known for high liquidity and large daily trading volumes relative to many other ETFs. The expense ratio is very low, commonly cited around 0.03% per year, contributing to its appeal for long-term, cost-conscious investors.

Portfolio characteristics include broad diversification across sectors and market capitalizations, with holdings that mirror the index’s composition. The fund typically exhibits low turnover and aims to minimize tracking error relative to the index it follows.

Investment objective and use: VTI is often employed as a core U.S. equity position within diversified portfolios, offering a simple way to achieve broad market exposure and to implement passive, long-term asset allocation strategies. As with all equity investments, it carries market risk and can experience price fluctuations in line with movements in the U.S. stock market.