Low-cost ETFs remain one of the easiest ways for investors to build long-term wealth—but not all funds offer the same upside. Using TipRanks’ Vanguard ETFs tool, we looked at three low-cost options based on expense ratios and found three standouts—Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG), Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)—that could deliver 13%+ upside in 2026.
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For context, the expense ratio is the annual fee a fund charges, expressed as a percentage of your investment. Among the three ETFs, VUG and VTV have an expense ratio of 0.03%, while VIG is slightly higher at 0.04%. For investors looking at upside potential, VUG leads with an estimated 30% gain, followed by VIG at 17% and VTV at 13%. Let’s look at these ETFs in detail.
Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG)
The Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) invests in large U.S. growth stocks across sectors like technology, healthcare, and consumer discretionary. Its holdings lean toward faster-growing companies, but the fund still offers broader diversification than tech-heavy ETFs. Its top 3 holdings are Nvidia (NVDA), Apple (AAPL), and Microsoft (MSFT).
However, with a beta of 1.25, VUG tends to move more sharply than the broader market — which means it can deliver bigger gains during rallies but also face steeper drops during pullbacks.
Vanguard Value ETF (VTV)
The Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) focuses on large-cap U.S. companies trading at lower valuations relative to earnings and book value. It leans toward sectors like financials, healthcare, energy, and industrials, making it a solid choice for investors seeking steady dividend income and potentially lower volatility than growth-focused ETFs. With a beta of 0.70, VTV tends to move more slowly than the broader market, offering smoother performance during swings.
The fund holds 315 stocks totaling $164.17 billion in assets, with its top three holdings being Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and Exxon Mobil (XOM).
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)
The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) focuses on U.S. companies with a strong history of raising dividends year after year. Unlike broad-market ETFs, VIG targets quality, dividend-growing stocks, making it a favorite for investors seeking steady income and long-term growth.
VIG holds over 300 U.S. large- and mid-cap stocks across sectors like consumer goods, healthcare, and industrials. Top holdings include Broadcom (AVGO), AAPL, and Eli Lilly (LLY).