Who is it good for?: Investors looking for a low-cost index fund that is broadly diversified across the market-cap spectrum. How to buy: The fund can be purchased directly from the fund company or through most online brokers.
The fund has been around for a while, having begun trading in 2001. And with Vanguard as the sponsor, you know the costs are going to be low. Expense ratio: 0.03% (every $10,000 invested costs $3 annually) 5-year annualized return: 12.1%