Best low cost index funds to invest in 2024

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Over time, index funds have outperformed other types of mutual funds, so investing in index funds is best if you are looking for a low-risk investment. What low-cost are the best index funds for 2023, that is what you will get from this article. But what are low-cost index funds?

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What are the low cost index funds?

Low-cost index funds are collective investments with low expense ratios that enable investors to achieve superior long-term returns. Since the money lost to fees is no longer compounding in your investment account, investing in low cost index funds helps to reduce costs. Additionally, it is a fantastic way for novice and experienced investors to invest in the stock market with little risk.

Below are the top 12 low-cost index funds with the lowest management fees and a diversified potential portfolio.

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Top 12 low cost index funds to invest in right now

Fidelity index funds are the market leaders in low-cost index funds. It typically outperforms the majority of actively managed index funds, and it has no minimum investment requirements. Here are the best index funds for 2023.

1. Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund (FZROX)

Type of investment: Mutual funds

Management fees: 0

Minimum Investment: 0

Expense ratio: 0%

A low-cost index fund, the Fidelity Zero Total Market Index Fund, offers investment outcomes consistent with the total return of a wide range of U.S. stocks. It gives investors one-stop access to big, medium-sized, and even little businesses. FZROX offers zero fees and zero investment minimums while providing broad exposure to the entire universe of U.S. stocks.

Without owning every underlying stock, the fund replicates the index returns using statistical sampling techniques. With a portfolio of more than 2,800 stocks, stocks are at their minimum. So if you’re looking for the best index funds in 2023, FZROX is a strong option.

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2. Fidelity ZERO International Index (FZILX)

Type of investment: Mutual funds.

Management fees: 0.00%

Minimum Investment: 0.

Expense ratio: 0.00%

FZILX is among the best low-cost index funds for 2023, especially for investors who want to invest in developed and emerging markets. It offers zero expenses and no minimum investment.

The fund tracks the performance of non-U.S. large-cap and mid-cap stocks by tracking the Fidelity Global ex-U.S. Index, a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index.

3. Fidelity ZERO Large Cap Index (FNILX)

Type of investment: Mutual funds.

Management fees: 0.00%

Minimum Investment: 0.

Expense ratio: 0.00%

Fidelity ZERO Large Cap Index offers investment returns consistent with the overall performance of stocks of US companies with significant market capitalizations. These low-cost index funds are made to replicate the performance of US large-cap stocks. It is the best low-cost index fund for long-term investors.

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4. Fidelity ZERO Extended Market Index (FZIPX)

Type of investment: Mutual funds.

Management fees: 0.00%

Minimum Investment: 0.

Expense ratio: 0.00%

Fidelity ZERO Extended Market Index offers investment returns comparable to the overall performance of stocks of US companies with medium to small market capitalizations. The float-adjusted market-cap-weighted FZIPX reflects the performance of US mid and small-cap stocks.

This low-cost index fund (FZIPX) satisfies the SEC's mandate that it be categorized as a diversified fund and lacks an ESG. It also has a trailing dividend yield of 1.5% and distributes its dividend income annually.

5. Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX)

Type of investment: Mutual funds.

Management fees: 0.00%

Minimum Investment: 0.

Expense ratio: 0.015%

If you're a beginner investor and want to outperform the S&P 500, the Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) is a good place to start. The Fidelity 500 Index Fund has an incredible expense ratio that allows it to manage $372 billion in assets. It makes sense to put your taxable money into a fund like FXAIX if you only have a small amount of IRA or 401k funds available for investing.

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6. Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX)

Type of investment: Mutual funds.

Management fees: 0.00%

Minimum Investment: 0.

Expense ratio: 0.02%

The Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund mimics the S&P 500® Index's performance. It is a low-cost, no-minimum investment fund that could form the basis of a diversified portfolio.

SWPPX allows an investor to invest in over 500 leading U.S. companies. It also captures approximately 80% of the available U.S. market capitalization and is considered one of the best representations of the domestic economy. This index invests in these U.S. companies using a market-cap weighting structure.

7. iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF (ITOT)

Type of investment: ETF.

Management fees: 0.00%

Minimum Investment: 0.

Expense ratio: 0.02%

Investors looking for an index fund that exposes the entire investable U.S. stock market should consider the excellent low-cost index fund known as the iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF (ITOT).

This low-cost index fund aims to replicate the investment performance of a large-cap index made up of American stocks. ITOT distinguishes itself from competitors by combining a diversified portfolio with little turnover and a low price. The metrics have no impact on the investment goal of the fund.

Furthermore, the iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF (ITOT) is among the best index funds to invest in, especially if you seek long-term growth. Accessing the different U.S. stock markets, from the smallest to the largest companies, through a single fund is possible.

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8. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

Type of investment: ETF.

Management fees: 0.02%

Minimum investment: 0.

Expense ratio: 0.01%.

The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) aims to track investment performance against the widely acknowledged benchmark of the US stock market, the S&P 500 Index. It is simple to gauge the investment return of large-capitalization stocks by monitoring the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

The low-cost index funds use an indexing investment strategy and are popular among investors due to their high level of diversification. Because the management of the fund does not engage in active trading and merely replicates the S&P 500, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has low fees.

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9. The Vanguard 500 Index Admiral Shares (VFIAX)

Type of investment: ETF.

Management fees: 0.04%

Minimum investment: $3,000.

Expense ratio:0.04%.

A low-cost index fund called the Vanguard 500 Index Admiral Shares (VFIAX) allows investors to purchase shares of 500 of the biggest American corporations. For individual investors who want to get diversified exposure to the U.S. equity market, VFIAX is the best low-cost index fund. They comprise a variety of industries and about three-fourths of the US stock market.

With low management fees, effective trading, and Vanguard's sophisticated indexing methodology, VFIAX is among the best index funds in 2023.

10. iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (GOVT)

Type of investment: ETF.

Management fees: 0.04%

Minimum investment: $3,000.

Expense ratio:0.04%.

iShares US Treasury Bond ETF (GOVT), a low-cost index fund, is managed by the exchange-traded fund (ETF) Taxable Bond Intermediate Government. By investing in the best index funds, investors can gain low-cost access to the entire U.S. Treasury market, with maturities ranging from 1 to 30 years.

Since it aims to replicate the investment performance of the ICE U.S. Treasury Core Bond Index (the "underlying index"), the iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF is one of the best index funds to invest in currently.

The iShares Bond ETFs track various fixed-income sectors and segments of the global bond market while covering domestic or foreign bonds or a combination of both. It offers a portfolio of the entire U.S. Treasury yield curve. Additionally, it belongs to the group of Taxable Bond ETFs and the global asset class of Fixed Income.

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11. Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT)

Type of investment: ETF.

Management fees: 0.06%

Minimum investment: Cost of one share

Expense ratio:0.08%.

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is among the best index funds in 2023 that investors should consider. Due to its use of an investment strategy that mimics the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap Index, VT stands out among the best low-cost index funds.

These low-cost index funds highlight the top passively managed funds for long-term investors by measuring the investment return of global stocks. Again, it concentrates on the foreign stock market-cap-weighted index, which accounts for 98% of domestic and emerging market capitalization.

12. Invesco Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQM)

Type of investment: ETF.

Management fees: 0.15%.

Minimum investment: -.

Expense ratio:0.15%.

The Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF invests at least 90% of its total assets and aims to mimic the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index® (the "underlying index") in terms of investment returns (before fees and expenses). The low-cost index funds maintain and calculate the underlying index of the biggest domestic and international non-financial companies in strict accordance with top investing guidelines and prescribed procedures. Maybe, you are also interested in information about trading hours for Nasdaq100.

Based on market capitalization, the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC is not diversified, and the Stockal app allows you to purchase fractional shares of the Invesco Nasdaq 100 ETF. Investors have also been investing in the tech sector through exchange-traded funds.

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Best cost index funds to buy now compared

Below is a tabulated reading showing the best cost index funds based on their expense ratio, dividend yield, etc.

Index Fund Ticker Expense Ratio Dividend Yield Market Coverage

Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund

FZROX

0.00%

1.25%

All US Markets

Fidelity ZERO International Index

FZILX

0.00%

2.23%

International Markets

Fidelity ZERO Large Cap Index

FNILX

0.00%

1.27%

Large Cap Companies

Fidelity ZERO Extended Market Index

FZIPX

0.00%

1.03%

Extended Market

Fidelity 500 Index Fund

FXAIX

0.015%

1.40%

S&P 500

Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund

SWPPX

0.02%

1.37%

S&P 500

iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF

ITOT

0.03%

1.33%

All US Markets

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

VOO

0.03%

1.36%

S&P 500

Vanguard 500 Index Admiral Shares

VFIAX

0.04%

1.35%

S&P 500

iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF

GOVT

0.06%

1.17%

US Treasury Bonds

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF

VT

0.08%

1.82%

All Global Markets

Invesco Nasdaq 100 ETF

QQQM

0.15%

0.47%

NASDAQ-100

*All data at the time of publication of the article. Be sure to check the current data.

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How to choose index funds for investment?

Finding the best fund can be difficult, particularly given the expanding number of options available. But there is always an optimized way of investing. You need to get the best manual and adhere to tried-and-true suggestions. In a nutshell, investing in index funds requires the investor to have quality knowledge of low-cost index funds. So, how do you choose low-cost index funds for investment?

To purchase index funds, you must first open an investment account. Different investment account types work best for financial, educational, retirement, and custodial purposes.

Consider your long-term financial goals, risk tolerance limit, and time horizon when choosing an investment strategy for your index funds. If you are working with a financial advisor, they will decide the fund combination that is most appropriate for your needs. But if you're choosing an index fund allocation, an online tool can guide you in the right direction.

Pick one index or more. Since various mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) will offer comparable exposure for almost any index, you should consider your options and avoid choosing the first index fund you come across.

Search for the fund or ETF with the lowest expense ratio after choosing the investment category in which you want to use indexing. Thoughtful consideration should be given to the following:

  • Portfolio structure.

  • Growth patterns over the previous five years.

  • Additional charges, including load or trading fees and management charges.

  • Expense Ratio.

  • Investment Minimums.

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Is it a good idea to buy low-cost index funds?

Yes, a low-cost index fund can be a great way for both beginning and advanced investors to invest in the stock market. Below are the pros and possible cons of buying low-cost index funds.

👍 Pros

The best low-cost index funds can reduce investment risks.

Low-cost index funds are a great choice if you want to invest with the least amount of time and money possible.

The best low-cost index returns offer better returns and support investors consistently in achieving their objectives.

Their taxable income is lower.

An index fund typically follows the underlying index.

👎 Cons

Because you only invested in very small shares of each stock, your potential for short-term gains is limited.

Holdings are uncontrollable, and downside protection is absent.

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Can I lose money with index funds?

Yes, but not entirely, which indicates that it is unlikely for someone to lose all of their investments in inexpensive index funds. Since you still run the risk of losing money, they still carry a higher risk than cash or government bonds.

The best low-cost index funds are naturally diversified and carry less risk than holdings of individual stocks. If investments in the index experience a decline in value, you could lose money. You should anticipate them to drop occasionally because many of those indices are financial markets.

How can I start investing in index funds with low cost?

Before you invest in low-cost index funds, decide on your investment goals and motivations. Learn about the risks associated with the investment and decide how much risk you are willing to take to achieve your objective. If you have answers, then follow the steps below.

Sign up for a brokerage or retirement account to invest directly in index funds.

Once you have a funding source, you can place a buy order for a mutual fund or ETF that follows your desired index. However, you can purchase an index fund from a mutual fund company or a brokerage.

The fund manager uses automated software to replicate the index changes brought on by the addition and deletion of companies.

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Best brokers to buy index funds with a minimum commission

RoboForex

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Your capital is at risk.

RoboForex is a brokerage company that was founded in 2009. It provides services to financial markets in 169 countries. More than 3.5 million users are RoboForex clients. RoboForex is the leading software developer in the Forex industry.

RoboForex is recognized as a reliable partner by the most respected financial market experts. The company has won numerous prestigious awards. The RoboForex group of companies has an international license to provide services from FSC Belize, and a European license from CySEC (license No. is 191/13 Robomarkets Ltd).

eToro

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The eToro broker was founded in 2007. The company promotes itself as a social trading platform working with traders from over 140 countries. The broker has several divisions operating under different jurisdictions and licensed by different regulators. For example, eToro (Europe) is licensed by the Cypriot regulator CySEC and eToro (UK) is licensed by the British regulator FCA. The broker also has a representative office in Australia and the USA.

DEGIRO

DEGIRO is a Dutch investment company operating since 2008. The broker has been providing online services since 2013. Today DEGIRO is headquartered in Amsterdam and has offices in 18 European countries. Its activities are controlled by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as well as regulators in the Netherlands: Financial Markets Authority (AFM) and Central Bank (DNB). DEGIRO was awarded over 86 international awards: financial publications of Germany, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands have repeatedly recognized the company as the best stock market broker.

Summary

It makes sense to seek out investments with the highest returns while considering risks and how taxes and costs affect your actual return.

The safety of an investment depends on the index fund you choose. If you're looking for an investment with a low risk of loss, investing in low-cost index funds is one of your options.

FAQ

What is the low-cost index fund?

Low-cost index funds are collective investments with minimal management fees, expense ratio, and dividend yield making it easy to build wealth.

How do I get into a low-cost index fund?

Select the appropriate fund for your index first, then buy index mutual funds from the fund company directly or through a brokerage account.

Are index funds Good for beginners?

Both novice and experienced investors can invest in low-cost index funds.

Can you lose with index funds?

With index funds, you can lose money, but this does not happen occasionally.

Glossary for novice traders

  • 1 Index

    Index in trading is the measure of the performance of a group of stocks, which can include the assets and securities in it.

  • 2 Broker

    A broker is a legal entity or individual that performs as an intermediary when making trades in the financial markets. Private investors cannot trade without a broker, since only brokers can execute trades on the exchanges.

  • 3 Investor

    An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.

  • 4 Trading

    Trading involves the act of buying and selling financial assets like stocks, currencies, or commodities with the intention of profiting from market price fluctuations. Traders employ various strategies, analysis techniques, and risk management practices to make informed decisions and optimize their chances of success in the financial markets.

  • 5 Yield

    Yield refers to the earnings or income derived from an investment. It mirrors the returns generated by owning assets such as stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments.

Team that worked on the article

Peter Emmanuel Chijioke
Contributor

Peter Emmanuel Chijioke is a professional personal finance, Forex, crypto, blockchain, NFT, and Web3 writer and a contributor to the Traders Union website. As a computer science graduate with a robust background in programming, machine learning, and blockchain technology, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of software, technologies, cryptocurrency, and Forex trading.

Having skills in blockchain technology and over 7 years of experience in crafting technical articles on trading, software, and personal finance, he brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to the table. His skill set encompasses a diverse range of personal finance technologies and industries, making him a valuable asset to any team or project focused on innovative solutions, personal finance, and investing technologies.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.