How to Pick the Best Index Fund

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The author mentions Vanguard, one of the leaders in low cost index funds, but should have mentioned some of the other players in the areas of the S&P 500, Total Stock, Total World, Total US Bond, International Bond, etc. I would like to have seen the top three (most heavily traded) ETF's in each of those areas with thier symbols so readers could research what they might be interested in.

Mike Provost of TX 9:22AM January 14, 2010

All this is true but I would add other factors are equally important if not more so such as: is the overall market bullish, bearish or flat? If your fund tracks the market, e.g. SPY, why would you stay in it during a major sell off as we have had twice in the past decade? On the other hand, at such sell offs, gold ETFs have done well.

Andy Mallon of NY 1:03PM January 04, 2010