Best Low Cost Index Funds this April 2026

The BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF (BKLC) stands out with its zero expense ratio, offering investors broad exposure to large-cap U.S. equities through a passively managed index approach. With a solid 1-year return of 14.11% and a remarkable 5-year return of 65.89%, this ETF is an attractive choice for those seeking a low-cost investment strategy while enjoying a dividend yield of 1.05%. Its transparent portfolio ensures that investors can easily track their investments in financially healthy companies.

BKLc is passively managed, utilizing a low-cost index approach to provide broad exposure to large-cap stocks.

BKLc, or BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF, is a passively managed ETF launched in 2020 that aims to track the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index TR.

The Fidelity Total Market Index Fund (FSKAX) is a highly regarded choice for investors seeking broad market exposure, featuring a low expense ratio of just 0.015%. With impressive returns of 14.27% over the past year and 56.06% over five years, it provides a compelling opportunity for diversification across the entire U.S. stock market. Additionally, its current dividend yield of 1.01% enhances its attractiveness as a solid investment option.

Yes, the Fidelity Total Market Index Fund (FSKAX) is a strong buy due to its low fees and broad diversification.

Fidelity 500 Index (FXAIX) offers investors a cost-effective way to gain exposure to the S&P 500, featuring an impressively low expense ratio of just 0.015%. With a one-year return of 13.78% and a five-year return of 63.33%, it stands out as a strong performer, earning a 4-star rating from Morningstar for its risk-adjusted performance.

The FXAIX fund has returned 16.98% over the past year, 21.79% over the past three years, 14.18% over the past five years, and 15.49% over the past decade.

Morningstar rates FXAIX 4 stars for its risk-adjusted performance among 1,208 funds in its category.

Schwab S&P 500 Index (SWPPX) stands out as a cost-effective choice for core holdings, boasting an impressive expense ratio of just 0.02%. With a solid 1-year return of 13.43% and a remarkable 5-year return of 63.30%, it appeals to investors seeking steady growth. Additionally, the fund offers a dividend yield of 1.11%, making it an attractive option for those interested in reliable income from a top-rated S&P 500 tracker.

The average price target for SWPPX is $21.74, with a high of $26.24 and a low of $16.83, indicating a potential increase of 30.07% from its last price of $16.71.

The Vanguard 500 Index (VFIAX) is a top-rated S&P 500 fund, celebrated for its low 0.04% expense ratio and impressive performance. With a 1.11% dividend yield, it has delivered a robust 14.16% return over the past year and an impressive 63.61% over the last five years. For investors with a higher risk tolerance, it holds a 'Strong Hold' recommendation, making it a solid choice for long-term growth.

With a 90-day investment horizon and above-average risk tolerance, VFIAX is recommended as a 'Strong Hold'.

VFIAX and VOO are nearly identical; both have the same assets under management, but VOO has a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.03% compared to VFIAX's 0.04%.

The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) offers investors a low-cost entry into the entire U.S. stock market with an impressive expense ratio of just 0.03%. With a solid 1-year return of 14.54% and a 5-year return of 55.50%, it remains a highly liquid and efficient choice for those seeking comprehensive market exposure. Notably, VTI has outperformed similar ETFs, highlighting its value as a top-rated option in the market.

In the past year, VTI returned 13.86%, slightly outperforming VOO's 13.50%. However, over the past 10 years, VOO has an annualized return of 14.17%, compared to VTI's 13.78%.

A $1,000 investment in VTI 10 years ago would be worth approximately $3,870 today, assuming all dividends were reinvested.