What Are S&P 500 Index Funds?
S&P 500 index funds are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that passively track the Standard and Poor’s 500 index. This index represents approximately 500 of the largest U.S. companies, as measured by market capitalization. This means that the largest companies receive the highest allocation in the index.
How To Find the Best S&P 500 Index Funds
There are three primary qualities to look for when searching for the best S&P 500 index fund to buy:
Look for the Lowest Expense Ratios
Keeping investment costs low may be the most important aspect of index fund investing, especially when comparing funds that track the same index. The funds with the lowest expense ratios generally generate the best returns over time. For example, if an index fund has an expense ratio of 0.50%, but a fund that tracks the same index has an expense ratio of 0.10%, the latter fund has 0.40% advantage over the one with the higher expense ratio.
Look for S&P 500 Index Funds with High AUM
In the indexing world, size can matter. An index fund with high assets under management (AUM) is not only an indication of quality but also an advantage, especially when it comes to liquidity in ETFs. Low AUM can translate to wider swings in the so-called bid/ask spread. This increases price volatility, which can be a disadvantage for investors.
Look for Low Index Tracking Error
The objective of an S&P 500 Index fund is not to “beat the index” but to match it, which means that the fund will attempt to replicate the performance of the index. To do that, put simply, the fund will hold the same stocks found within the S&P 500. Therefore, the best stock index funds will do a good job of matching the list of stocks (holdings) represented in the benchmark index. Stock analysts may call this “low tracking error.”
The 3 Best S&P 500 Index Funds
Now that you know what it takes to make the best index funds, you can select the best S&P 500 index funds for your portfolio:
The Vanguard 500 Index (VFIAX): The first index fund available to individual investors, Vanguard’s 500 Index fund is the indexing pioneer. Investors who want to use a mutual fund to invest in the S&P 500 are a good fit for using VFIAX. Fortunately, Vanguard made VFIAX, its Admiral Shares fund, available to investors. This share class has a lower expense ratio (0.04%) than the older Investor Shares fund. The SPDR S&P 500 (SPY): This was the first ETF listed in the United States (January 1993). At $258 billion in AUM, it’s also among the largest ETFs trading on the market today. Rounding out SPY’s attractive qualities, the expense ratio is low at 0.0945%.The iShares Core S&P 500 (IVV): This ETF combines the attractive qualities of high assets under management ($177 billion) and very low expenses (0.03%). Investors who want to focus on the low expense ratio can be a good match for IVV.
Bottom Line
The best S&P 500 index funds are generally those with the lowest expense ratios. However, investors are wise to watch for other qualities, such as assets under management, past performance, and tracking error. S&P 500 index funds can make good core holdings in a portfolio, but they might not be right for all investors. Note: The Balance does not provide tax, investment, or financial services and advice. The information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
