8
10 Best-Performing Vanguard ETFs for April 2026
You’re our first priority.
Every time.
NerdWallet, Inc. is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. Its articles, interactive tools and other content are provided to you for free, as self-help tools and for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide investment advice. NerdWallet does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information in regard to your individual circumstances. Examples are hypothetical, and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific investment issues. Our estimates are based on past market performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
10 Best-Performing Vanguard ETFs for April 2026
ETFs often have relatively low expense ratios and offer instant diversification. Some of the best-performing Vanguard ETFs this month include VPL and VDE.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.
Updated · 3 min readHow is this page expert verified?
NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and complete as possible.
More on our editorial rigor
Senior Writer
6 years of experience Expertise Investing for beginners financial advice long-term investingAlana Benson is an investing writer who joined NerdWallet in 2019. She covers a wide variety of investing topics including stocks, socially responsible investing, cryptocurrency, mutual funds, HSAs and financial advice. She is also a frequent contributor to NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast. Alana has appeared on FOX Houston and the "PennyWise" podcast and has been quoted in MarketWatch and The Sun. Before joining NerdWallet, she wrote two books on identity theft and several young adult nonfiction titles. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, MSN, Yahoo Finance and MarketWatch. She is based in Wyoming.
Alana Benson is an investing writer who joined NerdWallet in 2019. She covers a wide variety of investing topics including stocks, socially responsible investing, cryptocurrency, mutual funds, HSAs and financial advice. She is also a frequent contributor to NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast. Alana has appeared on FOX Houston and the "PennyWise" podcast and has been quoted in MarketWatch and The Sun. Before joining NerdWallet, she wrote two books on identity theft and several young adult nonfiction titles. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, MSN, Yahoo Finance and MarketWatch. She is based in Wyoming. Published in Senior Writer + more + more
Managing Editor
23 years of experience Expertise Personal Finance Budgeting Taxes Retirement Underrepresented communitiesPamela de la Fuente is a managing editor of NerdWallet's personal finance content. She leads budgeting, money-making, consumer credit and and debt coverage.
Pamela de la Fuente is a managing editor of NerdWallet's personal finance content. She leads budgeting, money-making, consumer credit and and debt coverage.Ask her and her talented team about why credit scores matter, how to save money on your grocery bill, finding the right side hustle, how to protect your identity for free and more.
Ask her and her talented team about why credit scores matter, how to save money on your grocery bill, finding the right side hustle, how to protect your identity for free and more.Previously, she led taxes and retirement coverage at NerdWallet.
Previously, she led taxes and retirement coverage at NerdWallet.Pamela joined NerdWallet after working at companies including Hallmark Cards, Sprint Corp. and The Kansas City Star. She has been a writer and editor for more than 20 years.
Pamela joined NerdWallet after working at companies including Hallmark Cards, Sprint Corp. and The Kansas City Star. She has been a writer and editor for more than 20 years.Pamela is a thought leader in content diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and finds ways to make every piece of content conversational and accessible to all.
Pamela is a thought leader in content diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and finds ways to make every piece of content conversational and accessible to all.She is a graduate of the Maynard Institute's Maynard 200 program, and the National Association of Black Journalists Executive Leadership Academy. She is a two-time winner of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists' President's Award. She was also founding co-chair of NerdWallet's Nerds of Color employee resource group.
She is a graduate of the Maynard Institute's Maynard 200 program, and the National Association of Black Journalists Executive Leadership Academy. She is a two-time winner of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists' President's Award. She was also founding co-chair of NerdWallet's Nerds of Color employee resource group. Managing Editor + more + moreHere are the top 10 best-performing Vanguard ETFs this month and their expense ratios.
Here are the top 10 best-performing Vanguard ETFs this month and their expense ratios.Keep in mind that past performance doesn't guarantee future results, and performance is just one metric of many to consider when selecting investments.
Keep in mind that past performance doesn't guarantee future results, and performance is just one metric of many to consider when selecting investments.The best-performing Vanguard ETF from the past year is Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL), which is up 37.49%, but the fund with the lowest expense ratio is Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA).
The best-performing Vanguard ETF from the past year is Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL), which is up 37.49%, but the fund with the lowest expense ratio is Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA).
The best-performing Vanguard ETF from the past year is Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL), which is up 37.49%, but the fund with the lowest expense ratio is Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA).Ticker
TickerCompany
CompanyPerformance (Year)
Performance (Year)Net Expense Ratio
Net Expense RatioVPL
VPLVanguard FTSE Pacific ETF
Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF37.49%
37.49%0.07%
0.07%VDE
VDEVanguard Energy ETF
Vanguard Energy ETF31.71%
31.71%0.09%
0.09%VYMI
VYMIVanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF
Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF28.32%
28.32%0.07%
0.07%VGT
VGTVanguard Information Technology ETF
Vanguard Information Technology ETF28.15%
28.15%0.09%
0.09%VFMO
VFMOVanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF
Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF27.37%
27.37%0.13%
0.13%VSS
VSSVanguard FTSE All-World Ex-US Small Capital Index Fund ETF
Vanguard FTSE All-World Ex-US Small Capital Index Fund ETF27.07%
27.07%0.06%
0.06%VTWV
VTWVVanguard Russell 2000 Value Index ETF
Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index ETF26.37%
26.37%0.06%
0.06%VXUS
VXUSVanguard Total International Stock ETF
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF24.94%
24.94%0.05%
0.05%VEU
VEUVanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF
Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF24.76%
24.76%0.04%
0.04%VEA
VEAVanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF24.34%
24.34%0.03%
0.03%Source: Finviz. Data current as of April 2, 2026.
Source: Finviz. Data current as of April 2, 2026.Heads-up, investors → Vanguard ETFs are available through any broker, not just Vanguard. You can compare all the online brokers we review here.
Heads-up, investors → Heads-up, investors → Vanguard ETFs are available through any broker, not just Vanguard. You can compare all the online brokers we review here .Are Vanguard ETFs a good investment?
Are Vanguard ETFs a good investment?All investments carry some risk, and Vanguard ETFs are no exception. But Vanguard is a fund provider with a reliable company history, and well-diversified ETFs tend to be safer than individual stocks. That's because if a single asset within an ETF goes out of business, you have hundreds, or even thousands, of other assets that can help bolster your portfolio.
All investments carry some risk, and Vanguard ETFs are no exception. But Vanguard is a fund provider with a reliable company history, and well-diversified ETFs tend to be safer than individual stocks. That's because if a single asset within an ETF goes out of business, you have hundreds, or even thousands, of other assets that can help bolster your portfolio.You can find broad market ETFs, such as ones that track the S&P 500, and sector-specific ETFs (such as oil ETFs, commodity ETFs and clean energy ETFs) to diversify your portfolio further.
You can find broad market ETFs, such as ones that track the S&P 500, and sector-specific ETFs (such as oil ETFs , commodity ETFs and clean energy ETFs ) to diversify your portfolio further.Vanguard is also a leader when it comes to low-cost investing. And on Feb. 3, 2025, the company announced it had lowered expense ratios even further on 87 funds
Vanguard is also a leader when it comes to low-cost investing. And on Feb. 3, 2025, the company announced it had lowered expense ratios even further on 87 funds Vanguard. Announcing the largest expense ratio reduction in Vanguard history. Accessed Feb 6, 2025. . 54 of those were exchange-traded funds, and over half of the best-performing ETFs on our list saw their expense ratios fall (these new expense ratios are reflected in the table below).» Learn more about how to invest in ETFs
» Learn more about how to invest in ETFs » Learn more about how to invest in ETFs10 popular Vanguard ETFs
10 popular Vanguard ETFsVanguard's best-performing ETFs listed above offer more diversification than a single stock, but often, these ETFs may only track a specific sector, region, or company size. For more diversification, Vanguard offers broad ETFs that span entire asset classes.
Vanguard's best-performing ETFs listed above offer more diversification than a single stock, but often, these ETFs may only track a specific sector, region, or company size. For more diversification, Vanguard offers broad ETFs that span entire asset classes.Here are 10 examples of some of Vanguard’s most popular ETFs.
Here are 10 examples of some of Vanguard’s most popular ETFs.1. Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)
1. Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)BND tracks the performance of a broad bond index. This fund holds over 10,000 bonds with an average duration of 6 years. It is classified as a conservative- to moderate-risk fund, meaning it will not have as much growth potential as a stock-based fund.
BND tracks the performance of a broad bond index. This fund holds over 10,000 bonds with an average duration of 6 years. It is classified as a conservative- to moderate-risk fund, meaning it will not have as much growth potential as a stock-based fund.2. Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX)
2. Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX)BNDX uses hedging strategies that attempt to help with uncertainty in exchange rates. This fund holds nearly 7,000 bonds with an average duration of 7.1 years. This bond fund has global representation, but most of its holdings are from Europe.
BNDX uses hedging strategies that attempt to help with uncertainty in exchange rates. This fund holds nearly 7,000 bonds with an average duration of 7.1 years. This bond fund has global representation, but most of its holdings are from Europe.3. Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS)
3. Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS)This stock fund tracks the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap ex U.S. Index, which focuses on international companies. It holds over 8,000 stocks and is categorized as an "aggressive" fund, meaning it may be subject to big share price swings. VXUS holds mostly emerging market, European and Pacific stocks.
This stock fund tracks the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap ex U.S. Index, which focuses on international companies. It holds over 8,000 stocks and is categorized as an "aggressive" fund, meaning it may be subject to big share price swings. VXUS holds mostly emerging market, European and Pacific stocks.4. Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)
4. Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)VTI tracks the CRSP U.S. Total Market Index and includes large-, mid- and small-cap stocks. This fund contains nearly 4,000 stocks and is considered "moderate to aggressive." Its top three holdings include Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia.
VTI tracks the CRSP U.S. Total Market Index and includes large-, mid- and small-cap stocks. This fund contains nearly 4,000 stocks and is considered "moderate to aggressive." Its top three holdings include Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia.5. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM)
5. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM)This ETF follows stocks that pay high dividends — a way to gain not only in share price but also in regular dividend payments. VYM follows the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which charts the investment return of company stocks that pay dividends. The fund includes shares from more than 550 domestic stocks with regular dividend payments.
This ETF follows stocks that pay high dividends — a way to gain not only in share price but also in regular dividend payments. VYM follows the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which charts the investment return of company stocks that pay dividends. The fund includes shares from more than 550 domestic stocks with regular dividend payments.» Check out high-dividend ETFs
» Check out » Check out high-dividend ETFs6. Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG)
6. Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG)VUG mirrors the performance of the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, which contain nearly 200 high-growth companies and is considered a “moderate to aggressive” risk. The fund’s three top holdings are Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia.
VUG mirrors the performance of the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, which contain nearly 200 high-growth companies and is considered a “moderate to aggressive” risk. The fund’s three top holdings are Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia.7. Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB)
7. Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB)VB tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Index, which measures the investment return of small-capitalization stocks — that is to say, stocks with the smallest market capitalization among publicly traded stocks. This fund has more than 4,000 stocks and is considered a “more aggressive” fund. About one-fifth of its holdings are industrial companies.
VB tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Index, which measures the investment return of small-capitalization stocks — that is to say, stocks with the smallest market capitalization among publicly traded stocks. This fund has more than 4,000 stocks and is considered a “more aggressive” fund. About one-fifth of its holdings are industrial companies.8. Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT)
8. Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT)This ETF follows the stock prices of more than 320 software, semiconductor and other IT-focused companies, and its risk profile is considered “aggressive.” More than a third of its holdings are in Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia stocks.
This ETF follows the stock prices of more than 320 software, semiconductor and other IT-focused companies, and its risk profile is considered “aggressive.” More than a third of its holdings are in Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia stocks.9. Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE)
9. Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE)VDE tracks the investment return of stocks of over 100 companies in the industry sector, such as oil, natural gas and coal producers. The risk profile is considered “aggressive” and the two largest holdings are Exxon Mobil and Chevron.
VDE tracks the investment return of stocks of over 100 companies in the industry sector, such as oil, natural gas and coal producers. The risk profile is considered “aggressive” and the two largest holdings are Exxon Mobil and Chevron.10. Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ)
10. Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ)This ETF focuses on stocks of real estate investment trusts (REITs), which are companies that buy office buildings, hotels, and other types of real estate. VNQ tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index and invests in about 160 real estate funds.
This ETF focuses on stocks of real estate investment trusts (REITs), which are companies that buy office buildings, hotels, and other types of real estate. VNQ tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index and invests in about 160 real estate funds.Brokerage firms
Brokerage firms
Brokerage firmson Charles Schwab's website
on E*TRADE's website
on Vanguard's website
on Fidelity's website
How much does it cost to buy Vanguard ETFs?
How much does it cost to buy Vanguard ETFs?Like stocks, you purchase ETFs by their share price, so when looking at the cost of an ETF, you'll want to multiply the cost of a single share by the number of shares you want to buy.
Like stocks, you purchase ETFs by their share price, so when looking at the cost of an ETF, you'll want to multiply the cost of a single share by the number of shares you want to buy.According to Vanguard, "an ETF's minimum is the price of a single share, which could be as little as $50, depending on the ETF." However, you can buy a fractional share of a Vanguard ETF for $1.
According to Vanguard, "an ETF's minimum is the price of a single share, which could be as little as $50, depending on the ETF." However, you can buy a fractional share of a Vanguard ETF for $1.In addition to the actual purchase price of an ETF, it's also important to consider ongoing fees, such as expense ratios. Expense ratios are annual fees investors pay to cover a fund's expenses. For example, if you invest in a fund with a 1% expense ratio, you'll pay $10 annually for every $1,000 invested.
In addition to the actual purchase price of an ETF, it's also important to consider ongoing fees, such as expense ratios. Expense ratios are annual fees investors pay to cover a fund's expenses. For example, if you invest in a fund with a 1% expense ratio, you'll pay $10 annually for every $1,000 invested.» Examine the cost: Calculate the impact of fees on mutual fund returns
» Examine the cost: » Examine the cost: Calculate the impact of fees on mutual fund returnsHow do you buy Vanguard ETFs?
How do you buy Vanguard ETFs?There are two ways to purchase Vanguard ETFs: directly from Vanguard or by opening a brokerage account. You'll need to choose the type of investment account you'd like to open, such as a traditional brokerage account or a Roth or traditional individual retirement account.
There are two ways to purchase Vanguard ETFs: directly from Vanguard or by opening a brokerage account . You'll need to choose the type of investment account you'd like to open, such as a traditional brokerage account or a Roth or traditional individual retirement account.Once you have opened an investing account and have added money, you'll need to decide which ETFs you'd like to purchase.
Once you have opened an investing account and have added money, you'll need to decide which ETFs you'd like to purchase.» Want more options? See our picks for the best brokers for ETF investing.
» Want more options? » Want more options? See our picks for the best brokers for ETF investing.The bottom line
The bottom lineWhile it depends on your financial situation and existing portfolio, Vanguard ETFs could make sound investments for most individuals, especially if you plan to invest over a long period. You can use our investment calculator to determine how much your investment could grow.
While it depends on your financial situation and existing portfolio, Vanguard ETFs could make sound investments for most individuals, especially if you plan to invest over a long period. You can use our investment calculator to determine how much your investment could grow.» Learn more: Read our Vanguard brokerage review
» Learn more: » Learn more: Read our Vanguard brokerage reviewHelpful resources
Helpful resources Index Funds vs. Mutual Funds: The Differences That Matter Best Mutual Funds for April and How to Invest The Best ETFs and How to Start Investing 14 Best-Performing and Affordable ESG ETFs for 2026 More like this Investment Basics Investing Best Retirement Plans Explore defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s, individual plans, such as Roth and traditional IRAs, plus plans for the self-employed and small businesses, such as SEP and SIMPLE IRAs. 2 By June Sham, Elizabeth Ayoola Best Roth IRA Accounts: Top Picks for 2026 After hours of analysis, we found that the best Roth IRA provider is Charles Schwab. However, all of our picks stand out for their low costs and large selection of retirement investments. Alana Benson Best Robo-Advisors: Top Picks for March 2026 We spent hours testing robo-advisors to find ones that charge low fees but still offer high-quality features, including automated portfolio rebalancing, exposure to a range of asset classes and financial planning tools. Alana Benson