The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has delivered consistent gains over successive years, including a 17% year-to-date increase through December 26, 2025, despite interim drawdowns. With exposure to roughly 500 large-cap U.S. companies—ranging from consumer staples like Coca-Cola to technology giants such as Apple—the fund offers immediate diversification. Its annual dividend yield hovers around 1%, making it an attractive core holding for investors pursuing a decade-long, set-and-forget strategy in the U.S. equity market.

VOO stands out for its ultra-low expense ratio of just 0.03%, equivalent to three cents per $100 invested each year, significantly below the 0.25% to 1% fees common among peers. High average daily trading volume ensures narrow bid-ask spreads and efficient execution, reducing transaction costs. These features combine to enhance net returns for long-term holders, reinforcing the fund’s appeal as a cost-effective vehicle for broad market exposure.

In the third quarter, Clune & Associates LTD boosted its VOO holding by 4.7%, adding 808 shares to reach 17,947 shares (valued at $10.99 million), making it the firm’s eighth largest position. Fire Capital Management LLC increased its stake by 322.2% to 5,678 shares (worth $3.48 million), accounting for 2.0% of its portfolio. Conversely, Founders Grove Wealth Partners LLC reduced its position by 6.3%, selling 1,025 shares to hold 15,274 shares (worth $9.35 million), or 2.2% of its assets. Major long-term investors such as Vanguard Group Inc., CalPERS, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs collectively hold tens of millions of shares, underscoring broad institutional confidence in VOO’s role as a foundational equity allocation.