Investment options
Investment options
Points to know
- Most investors divide their portfolios between stocks and bonds, with potentially a small cash portion.
- There are many different types of stocks and bonds that offer various levels of risk and reward.
- In addition to stocks and bonds, there are other kinds of investments that add additional risk and complexity, which may not be right for everyone.
Stock investments
You can own pieces of companies through stocks, giving your portfolio the chance to gain value over time.
DOMESTIC OR INTERNATIONAL?
The United States isn't the only place to find stocks and bonds. You can get even more diversification by looking beyond our borders.
Other kinds of investments
Your portfolio will probably be mostly made up of stock and bond investments, and potentially some cash. But there are other types of assets you might want, depending on your goal and how sophisticated your investment strategy is.
Learn about "hybrid" securities
We're here for you
If you'd like some help with your investing decisions, here are a couple of ways you can get the answers you need.
Partner with a Vanguard advisor. If you'd like a professional to oversee your portfolio for you, we can do that. Research shows that an advisor who provides professional financial planning, coaching, and portfolio oversight can add meaningful value compared with the average investor experience.*
Explore professional advice
We offer expert help at the low cost you'd expect from Vanguard.
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*Source: Francis M. Kinniry Jr., Colleen M. Jaconetti, Michael A. DiJoseph, David J. Walker, & Marcia C. Quinn, 2022. Putting a value on your value: Quantifying Vanguard Advisor's Alpha®. Valley Forge, Pa.: The Vanguard Group.
Vanguard's advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc. ("VAI"), a registered investment advisor, or by Vanguard National Trust Company ("VNTC"), a federally chartered, limited-purpose trust company.
The services provided to clients will vary based upon the service selected, including management, fees, eligibility, and access to an advisor. Find VAI's Form CRS and each program's advisory brochure here for an overview.
VAI and VNTC are subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and affiliates of Vanguard Marketing Corporation. Neither VAI, VNTC, nor its affiliates guarantee profits or protection from losses.