Popular ETF vs Index Fund Pairs
Each pair below tracks the same index. Pick based on your brokerage, account type, and contribution style.
Popular ETF / Index Fund Pairs
These pairs track the same index. Pick based on your brokerage, account type, and whether you want to automate.
Expense ratio
VOO: 0.03%
VFIAX: 0.04%
Minimum investment
VOO: $1 (fractional)
VFIAX: $3,000
The most common comparison. Virtually identical performance since 2001. VOO wins on minimum investment, VFIAX on automatic investing.
Expense ratio
VTI: 0.03%
VTSAX: 0.04%
Minimum investment
VTI: $1 (fractional)
VTSAX: $3,000
Total market exposure. John Bogle's original recommendation. VTSAX is the fund index investors think of first.
Expense ratio
QQQ: 0.20%
FNCMX: 0.29%
Minimum investment
QQQ: $1 (fractional)
FNCMX: $0 at Fidelity
Tech-heavy. QQQ is more liquid and cheaper. FNCMX requires a Fidelity account but has $0 minimum.
Expense ratio
IVV: 0.03%
FXAIX: 0.015%
Minimum investment
IVV: $1 (fractional)
FXAIX: $0 at Fidelity
FXAIX is the cheapest S&P 500 fund available. Only at Fidelity. IVV from iShares trades on any brokerage.