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The Best Index Funds and How to Start Investing
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The Best Index Funds and How to Start Investing
Index funds are a low-cost, easy way to build wealth. Here's everything you need to know to get started investing, plus a list of the best index funds to consider.
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6 years of experience Expertise Investing for beginners financial advice long-term investingAlana Benson is an editor who joined NerdWallet in 2019. Historically she has covered 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.
Alana Benson is an editor who joined NerdWallet in 2019. Historically she has covered 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. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + more
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12 years of experience Expertise Brokerage accounts stock market cryptocurrencyChris Davis is a Managing Editor on the Investing team. He has passed the Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam) and covered the stock market, investing strategies, investment accounts and cryptocurrency. His work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, MSN, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Newsday and TheStreet.
Chris Davis is a Managing Editor on the Investing team. He has passed the Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam) and covered the stock market, investing strategies, investment accounts and cryptocurrency. His work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, MSN, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Newsday and TheStreet. Published in Managing Editor + more + more
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Expertise CNN.com The Wall Street JournalKevin Voigt is a freelance writer covering personal loans and investing topics for NerdWallet. He previously was a reporter with The Wall Street Journal and business producer for CNN.com in Hong Kong, where he was based for nearly two decades.
Kevin Voigt is a freelance writer covering personal loans and investing topics for NerdWallet. He previously was a reporter with The Wall Street Journal and business producer for CNN.com in Hong Kong, where he was based for nearly two decades. Contributing Writer + more + moreWhat are index funds?
What are index funds?An index fund is a group of stocks (or other investments) that aims to mirror the performance of an existing market index, such as the S&P 500. An index is made up of companies or securities that represent a part of the financial market. Some large indexes offer a look into the health of the economy as a whole.
An index fund is a group of stocks (or other investments) that aims to mirror the performance of an existing market index, such as the S&P 500 . An index is made up of companies or securities that represent a part of the financial market. Some large indexes offer a look into the health of the economy as a whole.Since these funds track an index, they are considered passively managed funds. Actively managed funds, like many mutual funds, have a manager who hand-picks investments in an attempt to beat the market.
Since these funds track an index, they are considered passively managed funds. Actively managed funds, like many mutual funds, have a manager who hand-picks investments in an attempt to beat the market.How do index funds work?
How do index funds work?Every time you buy a share of an index fund, the amount you invest is distributed across dozens, hundreds or even thousands of companies. This is known as "diversification."
Every time you buy a share of an index fund, the amount you invest is distributed across dozens, hundreds or even thousands of companies. This is known as "diversification."Making regular contributions to large index funds often makes up the backbone of a long-term investment strategy. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can also achieve the same result and often have lower investment minimums.
Making regular contributions to large index funds often makes up the backbone of a long-term investment strategy. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can also achieve the same result and often have lower investment minimums.To buy shares of index funds, you'll need a brokerage account (for more general investing) or an individual retirement account (IRA).
To buy shares of index funds, you'll need a brokerage account (for more general investing) or an individual retirement account (IRA).Pros and cons of index funds
Pros and cons of index funds ProsExposure to hundreds of stocks with a single purchase.
You can build a balanced, diversified portfolio with just a few index funds.
May be cheaper to buy and easier to research than individual stocks.
ConsSome index mutual funds have large investment minimums.
Index funds can't beat the market — they deliver the market return.
Distributions may generate income tax liability.
How to invest in index funds
How to invest in index fundsInvesting in index funds is easy. Here's a quick rundown of how to do it.
Investing in index funds is easy. Here's a quick rundown of how to do it.1. Set a goal for your investments
1. Set a goal for your investmentsBefore you start investing in index funds, it's important to know what you want your money to do for you. Are you looking for a short-term place to park your money and earn a bit of interest? You may be more interested in certificates of deposit, savings accounts or money market funds.
Before you start investing in index funds, it's important to know what you want your money to do for you. Are you looking for a short-term place to park your money and earn a bit of interest? You may be more interested in certificates of deposit, savings accounts or money market funds.If you're looking to let your money grow slowly over time, such as if you're saving for retirement, index funds may be a great choice for your portfolio.
If you're looking to let your money grow slowly over time, such as if you're saving for retirement, index funds may be a great choice for your portfolio.2. Do your research
2. Do your researchOnce you know what index you want to track, it's time to look at the actual index funds you'll be investing in. When you're investigating an index fund, it's important to consider several factors:
Once you know what index you want to track, it's time to look at the actual index funds you'll be investing in. When you're investigating an index fund, it's important to consider several factors:Company size and capitalization. Index funds can track small, medium-sized or large companies. (These funds are also known as small-, mid- or large-cap indexes).
Company size and capitalization. Company size and capitalization. Index funds can track small, medium-sized or large companies. (These funds are also known as small-, mid- or large-cap indexes).Geography. There are funds that focus on stocks that trade on foreign exchanges or a combination of international exchanges.
Geography. Geography. There are funds that focus on stocks that trade on foreign exchanges or a combination of international exchanges.Business sector or industry. You can explore funds that focus on consumer goods, technology and health-related businesses.
Business sector or industry. Business sector or industry. You can explore funds that focus on consumer goods, technology and health-related businesses.Asset type. There are funds that track bonds, commodities and cash.
Asset type. Asset type. There are funds that track bonds, commodities and cash.Market opportunities. These funds examine emerging markets or other growing sectors for investment.
Market opportunities. Market opportunities. These funds examine emerging markets or other growing sectors for investment.3. Pick your funds and examine costs
3. Pick your funds and examine costsAt this point, it's time to choose which index fund to buy. This often boils down to cost.
At this point, it's time to choose which index fund to buy. This often boils down to cost.While low costs are one of the biggest selling points of index funds, don’t assume that all index mutual funds are cheap. They still carry administrative costs. These are subtracted from each shareholder’s returns as a percentage of their overall investment.
While low costs are one of the biggest selling points of index funds, don’t assume that all index mutual funds are cheap. They still carry administrative costs. These are subtracted from each shareholder’s returns as a percentage of their overall investment.Two funds may have the same investment goal — like tracking the S&P 500 — yet have management costs that can vary wildly. Those fractions of a percentage point may not seem like a big deal, but your long-term investment returns can take a hit from a small fee inflation. Typically, the bigger the fund, the lower the fees.
Two funds may have the same investment goal — like tracking the S&P 500 — yet have management costs that can vary wildly. Those fractions of a percentage point may not seem like a big deal, but your long-term investment returns can take a hit from a small fee inflation. Typically, the bigger the fund, the lower the fees.Here are the important areas to dig into:
Here are the important areas to dig into:Investment minimum. The minimum required to invest in a mutual fund can run as low as nothing or as high as a few thousand dollars. Once you’ve crossed that threshold, most funds allow investors to add money in smaller amounts.
Investment minimum. Investment minimum. The minimum required to invest in a mutual fund can run as low as nothing or as high as a few thousand dollars. Once you’ve crossed that threshold, most funds allow investors to add money in smaller amounts.Expense ratio. This is one of the main costs of an index fund. Expense ratios are fees that are subtracted from each fund shareholder’s returns as a percentage of their overall investment. You can find the expense ratio in the mutual fund’s prospectus or when you look up a quote for a mutual fund on a financial site.
Expense ratio. Expense ratio. This is one of the main costs of an index fund. Expense ratios are fees that are subtracted from each fund shareholder’s returns as a percentage of their overall investment. You can find the expense ratio in the mutual fund’s prospectus or when you look up a quote for a mutual fund on a financial site.» View our list of low-cost index funds
» » View our list of low-cost index fundsBrokerage firms
Brokerage firms
Brokerage firmson Charles Schwab's website
on E*TRADE's website
on Vanguard's website
on Fidelity's website
4. Decide where to buy them and place your order
4. Decide where to buy them and place your orderYou can purchase an index fund directly from a mutual fund company or a brokerage. When you're choosing where to buy an index fund, consider:
You can purchase an index fund directly from a mutual fund company or a brokerage. When you're choosing where to buy an index fund, consider:Do you want to purchase index funds from various fund families? The big mutual fund companies carry some of their competitors’ funds. However, the selection may be more limited than what’s available in a discount broker’s lineup.
Do you want to purchase index funds from various fund families? The big mutual fund companies carry some of their competitors’ funds. However, the selection may be more limited than what’s available in a discount broker’s lineup.You may want to find a single provider that can accommodate all your needs. For example, if you’re just going to invest in mutual funds (or even a mix of funds and stocks), a mutual fund company may be able to serve as your investment hub. But if you require advanced stock research and screening tools, a discount broker that also sells the index funds you want may be better.
You may want to find a single provider that can accommodate all your needs. For example, if you’re just going to invest in mutual funds (or even a mix of funds and stocks), a mutual fund company may be able to serve as your investment hub. But if you require advanced stock research and screening tools, a discount broker that also sells the index funds you want may be better.If the commission or transaction fee isn’t waived, consider how much a broker or fund company charges to buy or sell the index fund. Mutual fund commissions are higher than stock trading ones — about $20 or more. Compare that with less than $10 per trade for stocks and ETFs.
If the commission or transaction fee isn’t waived, consider how much a broker or fund company charges to buy or sell the index fund. Mutual fund commissions are higher than stock trading ones — about $20 or more. Compare that with less than $10 per trade for stocks and ETFs.In addition to paying fees, owning the fund may trigger capital gains taxes if held outside tax-advantaged accounts, such as a 401(k) or an IRA. Like the expense ratio, these taxes can take a bite out of investment returns.
In addition to paying fees, owning the fund may trigger capital gains taxes if held outside tax-advantaged accounts, such as a 401(k) or an IRA. Like the expense ratio, these taxes can take a bite out of investment returns.Want your investment to make a difference outside your portfolio? Some funds target companies with a focus on environmental or social justice causes.
Want your investment to make a difference outside your portfolio? Some funds target companies with a focus on environmental or social justice causes.Do they offer no-transaction-fee funds? This is an important metric we use to rate discount brokers.
Do they offer no-transaction-fee funds? This is an important metric we use to rate discount brokers.When you go to purchase the fund, you may be able to select a fixed dollar amount to spend or choose a number of shares. The share price of the index fund and your investing budget will likely determine how much you're willing to spend.
When you go to purchase the fund, you may be able to select a fixed dollar amount to spend or choose a number of shares. The share price of the index fund and your investing budget will likely determine how much you're willing to spend.» Need help? Here's how to open a brokerage account
» Need help? » Need help? Here's how to open a brokerage account5. Keep an eye on your investments
5. Keep an eye on your investmentsIndex funds have become one of the most popular ways for Americans to invest because of their ease of use. But passive management doesn't mean you should ignore your index fund. Here are some things to think about over time:
Index funds have become one of the most popular ways for Americans to invest because of their ease of use. But passive management doesn't mean you should ignore your index fund. Here are some things to think about over time:Is the index fund doing its job? Your index fund should mirror the performance of the underlying index. To check, look at the index fund’s returns on the mutual fund quote page. It shows the index fund’s returns during several time periods, compared with the performance of the benchmark index. Don’t panic if the returns aren’t identical. Remember, those investment costs, even if minimal, affect results, as do taxes. However, red flags should wave if the fund’s performance lags the index by much more than the expense ratio.
Is the index fund doing its job? Is the index fund doing its job? Your index fund should mirror the performance of the underlying index. To check, look at the index fund’s returns on the mutual fund quote page. It shows the index fund’s returns during several time periods, compared with the performance of the benchmark index. Don’t panic if the returns aren’t identical. Remember, those investment costs, even if minimal, affect results, as do taxes. However, red flags should wave if the fund’s performance lags the index by much more than the expense ratio.Is the index fund you want too expensive? If the fees start stacking up over time, you may want to reevaluate your index fund.
Is the index fund you want too expensive? Is the index fund you want too expensive? If the fees start stacking up over time, you may want to reevaluate your index fund.Want to buy stocks instead? If you want to be hands-on with your investments, you may want to explore buying stocks.
Want to buy stocks instead? Want to buy stocks instead? If you want to be hands-on with your investments, you may want to explore buying stocks .» Ready to get started? Brokers with no-fee, no-minimum index funds
» Ready to get started? » Ready to get started? Brokers with no-fee, no-minimum index funds Make sense of the markets with The Nerdy Investor A weekly wrap on what's moving markets, plus two monthly deep-dives on how to improve your investing, straight to your inbox. Subscribe for freeThe best index funds
The best index fundsIndex funds work by tracking specific market indices. So you'll need to know which market index you want your index fund to track before you start investing.
Index funds work by tracking specific market indices. So you'll need to know which market index you want your index fund to track before you start investing.5 best index funds tracking the S&P 500
5 best index funds tracking the S&P 500Here are some of the best index funds pegged to the S&P 500 based on expense ratios. The cheapest fund on our list is Fidelity Zero Large Cap Index (FNILX).
Here are some of the best index funds pegged to the S&P 500 based on expense ratios. The cheapest fund on our list is Fidelity Zero Large Cap Index (FNILX).Index fund
Index fund
Index fundMinimum investment
Minimum investment
Minimum investmentExpense ratio
Expense ratio
Expense ratioVanguard 500 Index Fund - Admiral Shares (VFIAX)
Vanguard 500 Index Fund - Admiral Shares (VFIAX)$3,000.
$3,000.0.04%.
0.04%.Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX)
Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX)No minimum.
No minimum.0.02%.
0.02%.Fidelity Zero Large Cap Index (FNILX)
Fidelity Zero Large Cap Index (FNILX)No minimum.
No minimum.0.0%.
0.0%.Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX)
Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX)No minimum.
No minimum.0.015%.
0.015%.T. Rowe Price Equity Index 500 Fund (PREIX)
T. Rowe Price Equity Index 500 Fund (PREIX)$2,500.
$2,500.0.19%.
0.19%.Source: Provider websites. Data is current as of May 22, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only, not for trading purposes.
Source: Provider websites. Data is current as of May 22, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only, not for trading purposes. Source: Provider websites. Data is current as of May 22, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only, not for trading purposes.Top 3 index funds for the Nasdaq-100
Top 3 index funds for the Nasdaq-100Here are some of the best index funds pegged to the Nasdaq-100 index. The cheapest fund on our list is Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM).
Here are some of the best index funds pegged to the Nasdaq-100 index. The cheapest fund on our list is Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM).Index fund
Index fund
Index fundMinimum investment
Minimum investment
Minimum investmentExpense ratio
Expense ratio
Expense ratioInvesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM)
Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM)No minimum
No minimum0.15%
0.15%Invesco QQQ (QQQ)
Invesco QQQ (QQQ)No minimum
No minimum0.18%
0.18%Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index Fund (FNCMX)
Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index Fund (FNCMX)No minimum
No minimum0.29%
0.29%Source: Provider websites. Data current as of April 1, 2026. For informational purposes only.
Source: Provider websites. Data current as of April 1, 2026. For informational purposes only. Source: Provider websites. Data current as of April 1, 2026. For informational purposes only.Top 3 bond index funds
Top 3 bond index fundsHere are some of the cheapest index funds that track the bond market. We compiled this list by looking at bond index funds with a Morningstar rating of at least 4 stars, and chose the three with the lowest expense ratios. The cheapest fund on our list is Fidelity US Bond Index Fund (FXNAX).
Here are some of the cheapest index funds that track the bond market. We compiled this list by looking at bond index funds with a Morningstar rating of at least 4 stars, and chose the three with the lowest expense ratios. The cheapest fund on our list is Fidelity US Bond Index Fund (FXNAX).Index fund
Index fund
Index fund Index fundMinimum investment
Minimum investment
Minimum investment Minimum investmentExpense ratio
Expense ratio
Expense ratio Expense ratioFidelity US Bond Index Fund (FXNAX)
Fidelity US Bond Index Fund (FXNAX)No minimum
No minimum0.025%
0.025%Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Index Fund (FIPDX)
Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Index Fund (FIPDX)No minimum
No minimum0.05%
0.05%Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBTLX)
Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBTLX)$3,000
$3,0000.04%
0.04%Source: Provider websites. Data current as of April 1, 2026. For informational purposes only.
Source: Provider websites. Data current as of April 1, 2026. For informational purposes only. Source: Provider websites. Data current as of April 1, 2026. For informational purposes only.» Fidelity's a frequent name on these lists. Explore more Fidelity index funds, ranked by cost, performance and popularity.
» Fidelity's a frequent name on these lists. » Fidelity's a frequent name on these lists. Explore more Fidelity index funds, ranked by cost, performance and popularity .Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questionsDespite the fact that fund managers do a lot of work to "beat the market" (namely, a market index), they very rarely do. And if they do, it's highly unlikely that they will continue to beat the market over the long term.
Despite the fact that fund managers do a lot of work to "beat the market" (namely, a market index), they very rarely do. And if they do, it's highly unlikely that they will continue to beat the market over the long term.In 2024, of the 3,900 actively managed U.S. stock funds and ETFs monitored by Morningstar, only 13.2% beat the S&P 500, with an average gain of 13.5%. This is compared with the S&P 500's gain of around 25%
In 2024, of the 3,900 actively managed U.S. stock funds and ETFs monitored by Morningstar, only 13.2% beat the S&P 500, with an average gain of 13.5%. This is compared with the S&P 500's gain of around 25% Morningstar. Most mutual funds don't beat the market - but what's 'the market' anyway?. Accessed Jan 16, 2025. .Actively managed funds often underperform the market, while index funds match it. As a result, passively managed index funds typically bring their investors better returns over the long term. Plus, they cost less, as fees for actively managed investments tend to be higher.
Actively managed funds often underperform the market, while index funds match it. As a result, passively managed index funds typically bring their investors better returns over the long term. Plus, they cost less, as fees for actively managed investments tend to be higher.A well-diversified investment portfolio generally includes a variety of stocks and bonds. Index funds can make this easier, as they contain a variety of stocks or bonds. In fact, it's possible to build a diversified portfolio with just one or two index funds.
A well-diversified investment portfolio generally includes a variety of stocks and bonds. Index funds can make this easier, as they contain a variety of stocks or bonds. In fact, it's possible to build a diversified portfolio with just one or two index funds.A common portfolio allocation for beginner investors is 85% stocks and 15% bonds. If you're starting out with just $200, you can set up this portfolio simply by buying $170 worth of FNILX and $30 worth of FXNAX. These are the cheapest S&P 500 index fund and bond index fund we track, respectively.
A common portfolio allocation for beginner investors is 85% stocks and 15% bonds. If you're starting out with just $200, you can set up this portfolio simply by buying $170 worth of FNILX and $30 worth of FXNAX. These are the cheapest S&P 500 index fund and bond index fund we track, respectively.If you stay invested in these index funds and add more money to them periodically, you'll be well on your way to achieving your investment goals. The stock index fund can grow your money during bull markets, while the bond index fund can reduce your losses in the event of a stock market correction.
If you stay invested in these index funds and add more money to them periodically, you'll be well on your way to achieving your investment goals. The stock index fund can grow your money during bull markets, while the bond index fund can reduce your losses in the event of a stock market correction. Neither the author nor editor held positions in the aforementioned investments at the time of publication. Neither the author nor editor held positions in the aforementioned investments at the time of publication. Neither the author nor editor held positions in the aforementioned investments at the time of publication.Helpful resources
Helpful resources Index Funds vs. Mutual Funds: The Differences That Matter Best Mutual Funds for June 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 Investment Calculator Use our free investment return calculator to estimate how your money can grow. Enter your planned contributions, timeline, rate of return and compounding frequency to get started. Chris Davis Best Investments: Where to Invest in 2026 Wondering where to invest your money this year? High-yield savings accounts, CDs, bonds, funds and stocks are all considered among the best investments available. Learn more about the risks, potential returns and how to get started. 2 By Chris Davis, Alieza Durana The Best-Performing Stocks in 2026 (By One-Year Returns) These are the best 21 stocks in the S&P 500 right now, based on 1-year performance. 2 By Arielle O'Shea, Chris Davis Investing in Dividend Stocks: Guide, Calculator and Top 7 Yields for June 2026 Dividend stocks can be a great choice for investors looking for passive income and portfolio stability. Here's what to look for when evaluating dividend stocks and how to invest in them. 2 By Chris Davis, Sam Taube What Is a Brokerage Account? Where and How to Open One Opening a brokerage account is the first step to investing. You can open one in as little as 15 minutes, but you'll need to fund it and select investments to start building out your portfolio. 2 By Arielle O'Shea, Pamela de la Fuente Best Brokerage Accounts for Online Investing and Stock Trading in 2026 Based on hours of analysis and hands-on testing, here are our picks for the best brokerage accounts based on their low fees, strong platforms, quality customer support and other factors. Chris Davis Investment Calculator Use our free investment return calculator to estimate how your money can grow. Enter your planned contributions, timeline, rate of return and compounding frequency to get started. Chris Davis Best Investments: Where to Invest in 2026 Wondering where to invest your money this year? High-yield savings accounts, CDs, bonds, funds and stocks are all considered among the best investments available. Learn more about the risks, potential returns and how to get started. 2 By Chris Davis, Alieza Durana The Best-Performing Stocks in 2026 (By One-Year Returns) These are the best 21 stocks in the S&P 500 right now, based on 1-year performance. 2 By Arielle O'Shea, Chris Davis Investing in Dividend Stocks: Guide, Calculator and Top 7 Yields for June 2026 Dividend stocks can be a great choice for investors looking for passive income and portfolio stability. Here's what to look for when evaluating dividend stocks and how to invest in them. 2 By Chris Davis, Sam Taube What Is a Brokerage Account? Where and How to Open One Opening a brokerage account is the first step to investing. You can open one in as little as 15 minutes, but you'll need to fund it and select investments to start building out your portfolio. 2 By Arielle O'Shea, Pamela de la Fuente Best Brokerage Accounts for Online Investing and Stock Trading in 2026 Based on hours of analysis and hands-on testing, here are our picks for the best brokerage accounts based on their low fees, strong platforms, quality customer support and other factors. Chris Davis Investment Calculator Use our free investment return calculator to estimate how your money can grow. Enter your planned contributions, timeline, rate of return and compounding frequency to get started. Chris Davis Best Investments: Where to Invest in 2026 Wondering where to invest your money this year? High-yield savings accounts, CDs, bonds, funds and stocks are all considered among the best investments available. Learn more about the risks, potential returns and how to get started. 2 By Chris Davis, Alieza Durana The Best-Performing Stocks in 2026 (By One-Year Returns) These are the best 21 stocks in the S&P 500 right now, based on 1-year performance. 2 By Arielle O'Shea, Chris Davis Investing in Dividend Stocks: Guide, Calculator and Top 7 Yields for June 2026 Dividend stocks can be a great choice for investors looking for passive income and portfolio stability. Here's what to look for when evaluating dividend stocks and how to invest in them. 2 By Chris Davis, Sam Taube