Tech-focused ETFs carry more risk, but they also have far more potential for reward. Investing consistently can help maximize your long-term earnings.
Investing in the tech sector has yielded solid returns for investors. The Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund (NYSEARCA: VGT ) has more than doubled over the past five years.
The S&P 500 has generated better-than-usual returns over the past 10 years. Focusing on tech stocks, however, has provided investors with even better returns.
If you're interested in broad exposure to the Technology - Broad segment of the equity market, look no further than the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT), a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 01/26/2004.
The Vanguard Information Technology ETF has achieved a fantastic compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% over the last 10 years. The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF balances dividend payments with price appreciation to provide some income generation.
The S&P 500 is up 16% so far this year, but Nvidia stock alone is responsible for one-third of that gain. Investors with little or no exposure to technology and AI have likely underperformed the market.
Exchange-Traded Funds can provide significant portfolio diversification, investing with long-term strategies. VGT is a top-heavy fund with holdings weighted in the Information Technology sector. The fund has an annualized return of over 20%, with YTD return above 19%.
Vanguard Information Technology ETF has outperformed since 2004, but is heavily concentrated in a few large-cap tech companies. VGT has consistently underperformed the broader NASDAQ index, with core holdings like Microsoft, Apple, and NVIDIA potentially overvalued. Signs of slowing global growth and a strengthening dollar may impact VGT's performance, making it a high-risk ETF with minimal diversity.
The current US economic landscape is unique. Many varying economic forces, making an ideal soft landing a matter of when. VGT has a unique portfolio concentrated enough to reap long-term benefits of technological development, but also account for volatilities in the economy through diversification into areas of information technology. Strong Quant Ratings amidst other technology-based ETFs, along with current economic and secular shifts that align comfortably with VGT's holdings, are also catalysts supporting my buy rating.
ETFs can help create a well-diversified portfolio with less time and effort. Industry-specific funds, like tech ETFs, can provide exposure to particular sectors while reducing risk.
The Vanguard Information Technology ETF gives investors a large amount of exposure to three of the stocks benefiting the most from AI. The ETF has a strong record over the past decade.
The S&P 500 is up 15.7% this year, but one-third of that gain has come from a single stock: Nvidia. Investors who don't own Nvidia or its trillion-dollar tech stock peers have missed out on significant returns in 2024.