Index funds are essentially offshoots of mutual funds. They are diversified investment options and very lucrative. A Vanguard index fund is a diversified index fund at a low cost, making it ideal for several investors. It is a popular fund with $8.1 trillion in assets in the mutual funds sector. It buys and sells corporate and government debts, which is a safer investment option with limited return, which is why investors often turn to Vanguard.

Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFIAX)
It is a trailblazing index fund among the top 10 Vanguard index funds, and its investors will have exposure to at least 500 of the biggest American companies. This fund forms 75% of the total value of the U.S. stock market. These Vanguard funds are popular for their low-cost value. VFIAX outperforms many other kinds of funds.

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX)
As the name suggests, the Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund tracks stock indexes worldwide, including new or well-developed indexes. Its portfolio includes almost 9,000 securities. At least 2.5% of the portfolio is available in cash. Of this, almost 97% has been allotted to foreign stocks. At the same time, 0% was assigned to stocks of preference. In 2024, it is one of the top 10 Vanguard Index funds to invest in.

Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX)
Through this fund, one can get the best of U.S. government and corporate bonds. Investors can invest 70% and 30% of the money, respectively. Thus, it gives one the largest exposure to bonds of U.S. investment grade. VBTLX uses the sampling process to choose all the fund’s investments. The bonds are around 80% of the fund’s assets in the index account.

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)
One can also consider investing in the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX). This fund covers the entirety of the American equity market, including value stocks and small, mid, and large-cap growth. One must decide which fund to invest in based on their financial risk appetite. It is advisable to consult a financial expert if one is new to investing in index funds.

Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund (VSMAX)
This fund is for individuals who wish to diversify investments from large government-run companies. It is one of the smartest things to do since they will not be putting all their eggs in one basket. Investing in the Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund is ideal for those looking for lucrative returns. It is widely accepted that when one is new to the workforce, one may have time and energy but less capital for investment. On the other hand, individuals decades into the workforce or close to retirement may have the time and money but less energy. The VSMAX is one of the best Vanguard index funds for retirement. Thus, investing in such a fund and waiting for the money to grow so one can retire peacefully would be wise. 

Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGAX)
The investments made by the fund manager of this fund are usually in the stocks of large companies in the U.S., which make more profit. The companies in which the investments are made have great growth potential. This fund is one of the best Vanguard index funds to buy right now because of its prospects for high returns. So, keep watching out for the developments in this index fund as regularly as possible.

Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBIAX)
Here, the investments are mainly in bonds (40%) and stocks (60%). This blending of the investments balances the growth, and this exposes the fund to equities. In return, the fund renders stability in the form of fixed-income investments, from which it derives its name. The standard deviation of this fund is approximately 13%, making it stable compared to the other types of funds.

Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund (VWALX)
Investing in this fund can give individuals high returns. At the same time, it generates income from returns excluded from paying federal personal taxes. They preserve the principal amount paid by the customers. The fund invests at least 80% of its fiscal resources and other assets in high investment-grade municipal bonds.

Vanguard Growth & Income Admiral Fund (VGIAX)
The investment in stocks by this fund approximates to about 60%. The appreciation of capital is one of the best features of this fund. It also grants the investors rich dividend income that no other fund can beat.

Vanguard Explorer Fund (VEXRX)
This fund is used to experience long-term capital gains and appreciation. Due to its structure, the risks are automatically diversified, making the fund more stable. The fund managers are trained to bring in high returns.

A solid nest egg can be built by selecting the best investment Vanguard index funds. Even if one has retired, one can continue to build wealth by investing in the right funds, offering lucrative returns.