Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Price & Performance (VTI)

The global ETF industry hit a new milestone, with assets reaching $15.50 trillion by February's end. This marks the 69th consecutive month of net inflows, with $152.13 billion added in February alone. The S&P 500 ETF led with $8.67 billion in inflows, reflecting continued investor confidence in passive investment strategies.1

February saw a surge in the Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, signaling heightened market uncertainty. "Extreme Fear" sentiment dominated as Trump's tariffs impacted global trade. Defensive ETFs gained traction among investors seeking to mitigate risks, with Warren Buffett's cautious approach further underscoring economic unease.2

Vanguard has surpassed State Street to become the largest ETF provider globally, with its S&P 500 ETF (VOO) now managing $632 billion in assets. This shift highlights a trend toward low-cost, passive investing. Vanguard's dominance reflects its appeal to cost-conscious investors seeking broad market exposure.3