The Growth ETF's expense ratio is 0.10%, compared with 0.94% for similar funds. It's in the middle compared with Vanguard's other ETFs, whose expense ratios range from 0.03% to 20%, but it has the second-highest annualized gains since inception.

Here are three Vanguard ETFs to buy with $1,000 and hold forever. With that money, you'll gain part ownership in the 500 large U.S. companies that comprise the S&P 500 Index. The beauty of this Vanguard tracking the S&P 500 is that the index is rebalanced regularly.

As far as exchange traded funds are concerned, Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) stands out as a top option for long-term investors to consider. This ETF allows investors to gain exposure to some of the largest companies in the U.