VGITETF

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) both charge 0.03% in expenses but serve different portfolio roles. BND offers broader exposure to 16,281 investment-grade bonds including corporate and government debt with a 4.2% yield, while VGIT focuses exclusively on U.S. Treasuries with lower volatility and a 4.1% yield. BND is recommended as the stronger default choice for most long-term investors seeking comprehensive bond exposure, while VGIT suits those prioritizing safety and defensive positioning.

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.