Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund Price & Performance (VV)

The Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF has gained significant traction in 2025, up over 15% year-to-date. European defense and healthcare stocks have rallied, driven by increased military spending and easing energy uncertainty. A potential ceasefire in Ukraine and undervalued equities compared to U.S. stocks have further bolstered investor confidence.12

The S&P 500’s latest rebalancing added Apollo Global Management, Workday, and Lennox International while removing Amentum Holdings, Qorvo, and Catalent. These adjustments have spurred increased trading activity, with institutional investors reshuffling portfolios. Sector shifts, particularly within financials and IT, have created short-term market volatility.3

Defensive ETFs such as the Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF are attracting attention as volatility rises. With inflation concerns and a surging VIX, these funds offer protection by investing in inflation-adjusted bonds or incorporating defensive strategies, appealing to cautious investors seeking stability.45