USMVETF

USMV is a large-cap blend ETF with $23.23 billion in assets, offering low-cost exposure to US equities with a 0.15% expense ratio. The fund has returned 4.94% year-to-date and 4.73% over the past year, with a beta of 0.64 indicating lower volatility. It carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold) and is positioned as a suitable option for long-term investors, though alternatives like IVV and VOO offer comparable or lower expense ratios.

Rather than attempting to predict market crashes, investors should focus on portfolio protection. The article recommends three ETFs: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF for high-quality companies with strong balance sheets, iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Factor ETF for reduced volatility exposure, and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF as a traditional equity hedge that benefits from safe-haven demand during downturns.