The 1 ETF I'd Buy if I Could Only Own One

The author recommends the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) as the single best ETF to own, citing its diversification across 3,500 U.S. stocks, ultra-low 0.03% expense ratio, and inclusion of mid-cap and small-cap stocks. VTI is preferred over the S&P 500 ETF (VOO) due to better diversification beyond large-caps. With small-cap earnings expected to grow 18% in both 2026 and 2027, VTI is positioned to outperform in the near and long term.