Investing $1,000 in Top Vanguard ETFs in 2026 Yields Significant Returns

Vanguard said it would implement stock splits for several large ETFs on March 24. The move aims to make shares more affordable for individual investors.

Many of the affected ETFs were trading below their January levels in 2026. Filmogaz.com calculated how a $1,000 investment made on January 2 would have performed by March 30.

Method and data sources

Filmogaz.com used ETFdb figures reported on March 30 for assets and trading volumes. Price and performance snapshots reflect market levels at the close that day.

All three funds discussed carry a 0.03% expense ratio. The analysis focuses on the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF, and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF.

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

VOO is the largest Vanguard ETF in this review. It held about $830 million in assets under management on March 30.

Average daily volume was roughly $11 million. The ETF traded at $582.96 and was down 7.22% year-to-date.

A $1,000 stake purchased on January 2 would have been worth $927.80 on March 30. The fund’s low fee of 0.03% remains a selling point for long-term investors.

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)

VTI provides broader exposure to the U.S. equity market. Its assets were just under $567 million at the end of March.

Daily volume averaged about $7 million. VTI traded at $313.09 and was down 6.90% year-to-date.

Investing $1,000 at the start of the year would have produced a position worth $931 by March 30. The fund shares VOO’s 0.03% expense ratio.

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA)

VEA targets developed markets outside the United States. It held roughly $202.5 million in assets on the final Monday of March.

Average daily volume was about $23 million. The ETF traded at $62.05 and was down 1.82% year-to-date.

A $1,000 investment made on January 2 would have been valued at $981.80 on March 30. VEA also charges a 0.03% expense ratio.

Summary

The results were mixed across these large Vanguard funds. Investing $1,000 across top Vanguard ETFs in 2026 showed modest declines through March 30.

The split announcement seeks to improve affordability even as short-term returns remain uneven. Long-term investors may still find value in low fees and broad market exposure.