Investing doesn’t have to be complicated. While many investors dedicate time to detailed stock research, aiming for big gains over time, there’s an easier path available. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide a simple and efficient way to invest in a wide array of stocks. Vanguard, known for offering a variety of ETFs with low annual fees, presents excellent opportunities. Here are three Vanguard ETFs to consider buying with $1,000 and holding for the long haul.

First on the list is the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. Arguably one of the most pivotal ETFs for forming a solid investment portfolio, this ETF replicates the S&P 500 Index, granting investors ownership in 500 of the largest U.S. companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Alphabet, among others. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is designed to reflect the S&P 500, which is regularly rebalanced to ensure the top-performing stocks maintain a larger percentage of the fund's assets, while underperforming stocks are removed. Since its launch in September 2010, the fund has produced an average annualized return of 14.52%, with an impressive 15.21% over the past five years. Moreover, its low annual expense ratio of 0.03% enables more of your investment gains to remain untouched, standing well below the industry average of 0.78%.

Next, for more mid-sized company exposure, the Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 ETF is a worthy choice. For approximately $112, you can own a piece of this ETF, which tracks the S&P MidCap 400 Index comprising 400 mid-sized companies. While the individual stocks in this ETF have a lower portfolio weight, the diversification benefits shine through. Since its inception alongside the S&P 500 ETF in September 2010, it has secured an average annual return of 12.09%, and a 5-year average of 11.26%. The expense ratio is still competitively low at 0.1% compared to the category average of 0.89%, proving its cost-effectiveness.

To complete your U.S. stock exposure, consider the Vanguard Small-Cap ETF. Investing a bit over $250 will get you a share in this fund that covers a broad array of small-cap stocks, featuring a portfolio of 1,384 stocks. This ETF effectively mitigates the volatility associated with small-cap stocks through wide diversification, ensuring no single stock carries more than 0.47% of the portfolio. Since its establishment in January 2004, it has achieved an average annual return of 9.24%, and 10.14% over the last five years. While returns might be lower now compared to VOO and IVOO, historically, small-cap stocks have outperformed larger stocks over long periods. Despite this, the Vanguard Small-Cap ETF continues to offer a highly competitive edge with its low annual expense ratio of just 0.05%.

Each of these Vanguard ETFs represents a strategic investment that benefits from broad diversification and low costs. By blending these funds, investors can achieve a balanced exposure to the U.S. stock market that capitalizes on the distinct strengths of large, mid, and small-cap stocks. Dedicate your $1,000 wisely across these ETFs and hold for long-term growth and stability.