How Index Funds Work Index funds are passively managed, meaning they aim to replicate the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500, rather than trying to outperform it.

Lower investment costs are helping retirement savers hold on to more of their returns. New data shows mutual fund expense ...

This Vanguard index fund also tracks the S&P 500 and is highly popular, with about $577 billion in share class total net assets. It charges a low 0.04% expense ratio and requires a $3,000 minimum ...

For many investors, a simpler way to express a bearish view is through inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds don't hold stocks or bonds directly. Instead, they use derivatives such as ...

The fund tracks an index focusing on developed markets outside the U.S. and holds over 2,000 stocks, including some of the biggest global winners, such as Novo Nordisk, ASML, Nestle and SAP.

Vanguard’s early success with index funds paved the way for its remarkable growth. The company offers 208 funds in the U.S. and 215 internationally, many of which passively track an index.