Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Financial analyst Joe Tenebruso, in an article published on October 19, 2025, suggests that investors can build a diversified and low-cost portfolio through a strategic allocation to two specific exchange-traded funds (ETFs) managed by Vanguard. This approach, according to Tenebruso, simplifies the investment process while capitalizing on both U.S. and global economic growth through broad market exposure.
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)
The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is highlighted as a primary vehicle for investors seeking exposure to the U.S. economy. This fund offers access to over 3,500 U.S.-based businesses, aiming to capture growth driven by innovation in sectors such as artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
VTI’s holdings are weighted by market value, including major companies like Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, Broadcom, and Meta Platforms. The fund also incorporates mid-cap and small-cap stocks to provide additional growth potential. As of October 19, 2025, VTI traded at $327.42, reflecting a 0.51% gain for the day, and has delivered a 100.91% return over the past five years.
Known for its low fees, Vanguard offers VTI with an expense ratio of just 0.03%, equating to $0.30 annually for every $1,000 invested. The fund is accessible to investors with a minimum investment of $1.
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS)
To further enhance diversification and tap into international profit opportunities, Tenebruso recommends the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). This fund provides exposure to approximately 8,700 international stocks, offering a blend of wealth protection and growth potential.
VXUS holds shares in global companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Alibaba, and Samsung Electronics. It strategically invests across both developed economies, including Japan and Canada, and rapidly expanding developing economies like India. As of October 17, 2025, VXUS was priced at $74.22, experiencing a slight decline of 0.04% on the day, and has achieved a 62.06% return over the last five years.
Mirroring Vanguard’s commitment to low costs, VXUS features an expense ratio of 0.05%, which translates to an annual fee of $0.50 per $1,000 invested. This low fee structure allows investors to retain a substantial portion of the fund’s returns.
Investment Strategy
The combination of the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF and the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF presents a straightforward yet effective strategy for investors. This dual-fund approach aims to generate lucrative investment returns by leveraging the long-term expansion of the global economy, providing comprehensive market coverage with minimal overhead costs.
