A decade gives businesses plenty of time to grow, new industries to develop, and investment returns to compound.
For investors looking towards 2036, these are three Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) I think could be worth considering.
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Vanguard Diversified All Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDAL)
The VDAL ETF is one of the newer additions to Vanguard's Australian range, and I like how much it can cover in a single investment.
The fund invests entirely in shares and provides exposure to more than 6,000 stocks across over 50 markets. That includes Australian shares, large international companies, emerging markets, and global small caps.
For me, the attraction is the sheer number of places growth can come from.
The businesses leading global markets in 2036 may look quite different from those dominating today. New companies will emerge, existing leaders will expand, and some industries could become far more important.
The VDAL ETF does not require investors to predict all of those changes beforehand. Its broad exposure allows the portfolio to evolve alongside global share markets.
I think it could be an attractive Vanguard ETF for investors who want broad share market exposure over a long timeframe.
Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)
Technology is one area where I expect the world to look considerably different by 2036.
Artificial intelligence is already changing how businesses operate, while cloud computing, cybersecurity, semiconductors, automation, and digital services should continue developing over the coming decade.
The VTEK ETF provides exposure to around 300 global technology stocks across developed and emerging markets. It also caps individual positions, helping prevent the portfolio from becoming completely dominated by its largest holdings.
I like this approach because the next decade of technology growth may spread well beyond the companies currently receiving the most attention.
The fund can participate as new technology leaders emerge while retaining exposure to established businesses benefiting from continued digital investment.
There will be periods when technology shares struggle, particularly after valuations become stretched. However, over a decade, I think continued innovation gives this Vanguard ETF an exciting long-term opportunity.
Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM)
The VISM ETF looks further down the size spectrum.
It invests in smaller companies across major developed markets, with its largest country exposure currently coming from the United States, followed by markets including Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, and Germany.
I think small caps can be particularly attractive over a 10-year timeframe because many are still relatively early in their growth journeys.
Some will expand into new countries, develop new products, or grow into much larger businesses. An ETF provides a way to participate in that potential across a broad collection of companies rather than needing to identify the eventual winners individually.
Smaller companies can experience greater volatility, and plenty will inevitably disappoint. But I think the chance to capture growth across hundreds of businesses makes the fund worth considering for a long holding period.
Foolish takeaway
Ten years is long enough for markets to change in ways that are difficult to predict today.
That is why I like ETFs that either spread their exposure widely or give investors access to areas where I can see substantial growth ahead.
I would be comfortable buying any of these Vanguard ETFs now and giving the investment plenty of time to work.
