The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) and Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500) are two Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) I would happily own for the long term.
There is also plenty of overlap between them, which can make choosing between the two less straightforward than it first appears.
So, if I could buy only one, which would get my money?
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Why buy the VGS ETF?
The VGS ETF is the broader option. It gives investors exposure to around 1,300 stocks across approximately 23 developed countries outside Australia, including the United States, Japan, the UK, Canada, France, and Switzerland.
That geographic spread is its biggest strength, in my view. The US still accounts for a large part of the portfolio, so investors retain significant exposure to companies such as NVIDIA, Apple, and Microsoft. But the VGS ETF also puts money to work across other developed economies.
That could prove valuable during periods when US shares are not leading global markets. Rather than needing to predict which country performs best next, investors have exposure across a much wider group.
For someone wanting a single international ETF to provide broad diversification, I think the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is difficult to fault.
What does the V500 ETF do differently?
The V500 ETF focuses entirely on the United States. It tracks the famous S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX), giving investors exposure to around 500 large US companies representing roughly 80% of the value of the American share market.
Many of the largest companies are also owned by the VGS ETF. NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet currently sit at the top of the portfolio.
The difference is how much influence these US businesses have. The V500 ETF does not dilute that exposure with Japanese, European, Canadian, or other developed-market companies. Investors are making a clearer bet that the US can continue producing some of the world's strongest businesses.
I am comfortable with that. The US remains a major centre for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, software, healthcare innovation, consumer brands, and many other industries. The S&P 500 Index also extends well beyond technology, so buying this Vanguard ETF is not simply a bet on a handful of AI companies.
Which Vanguard ETF would I choose?
I would lean towards the V500 ETF. Both funds are buys in my view, and the VGS ETF would actually win if broader geographic diversification were my main priority.
But if I could choose only one, I would prefer to put more weight behind the US businesses inside the Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF.
Foolish takeaway
I can see a strong case for owning either ETF.
But for me, the V500 ETF narrowly comes out ahead. I am comfortable accepting less geographic diversification in exchange for greater exposure to the US market.
If I were choosing just one today, it is the Vanguard ETF that would get my money.
