“If I had to pick just four ETFs to hold for life — these would be it,” say analysts at The Motley Fool, sharing a list of top Vanguard funds.

At the top is Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). This fund tracks the S&P 500 index and offers stable returns: an average of 12.3% annually over the past decade. It’s considered the “core” of any portfolio.

For those seeking higher growth, analysts recommend Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) — featuring major growth companies like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, and Meta. It has averaged 15.3% annually.

The top performer over the past 10 years is Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) — a sector-specific fund focused on technology and AI. With an average return of 18.9% per year, it comes with higher risk due to its concentrated holdings.

For less tech exposure, Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is advised. It includes companies that have consistently increased dividends for at least 10 years. Its annual return is 11.2%, with significant weight in finance and healthcare.

According to The Motley Fool, $500 is enough to get started, and investors should build up their position steadily using a dollar-cost averaging strategy. The key is to choose the right tools and stay calm.