Buy Now — Best Index Funds To

These funds track the 500 largest U.S. companies and are widely considered the "gold standard" for foundational portfolios.

The Best Index Funds and How to Start Investing - NerdWallet best index funds to buy now

: A favorite for long-term holders with a 0.03% expense ratio; it is managed by the firm that pioneered index investing. These funds track the 500 largest U

: A unique 0.00% expense ratio fund available specifically to Fidelity customers in certain fee-based accounts. Total Market and Small-Cap Funds : A unique 0

For investors looking to build a portfolio in , index funds remain a cornerstone for long-term growth due to their low costs and broad diversification. Market analysts currently project near double-digit returns for the S&P 500 in 2026, with some targets reaching 7,500 . Core S&P 500 Index Funds (U.S. Large-Cap)

For investors seeking exposure beyond just the largest 500 companies, these funds include thousands of small and mid-sized businesses.

: Currently offers one of the lowest expense ratios in the industry at 0.015% with no minimum investment.