Vanguard S&P 500 Value Index Fund Price & Performance (VOOV)

The S&P 500 experienced a turbulent week, marked by its worst day since August and a sharp drop into correction territory. Despite a strong rebound on Friday, the index remains 8.22% below its February record close and is down 3.91% year-to-date, signaling ongoing market uncertainty.12

Vanguard has overtaken State Street as the largest ETF provider, with its S&P 500 ETF (VOO) now managing $632 billion in assets. The fund’s low expense ratio of 0.03% has attracted $23 billion in inflows this year, highlighting a growing preference for cost-efficient, passive investing.34

Rising volatility and economic concerns have driven increased interest in defensive ETFs. With the Fear & Greed Index at extreme fear levels and the VIX surging 20% in February, investors are turning to these funds to shield portfolios from potential downside risks.52