Following the crowd has been disparaged quite a bit in the past. But sometimes the crowd knows what it's doing. Going in the same direction in those cases is wise.
I bring this up because investors are flocking to a handful of sectors right now, as evidenced by the performances of three Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Should you buy these ETFs too?
1. Vanguard Energy ETF
All of the top six Vanguard ETFs based on year-to-date performance focus on international stocks. The Vanguard Energy ETF (NYSEMKT: VDE) is the best fund, though, for U.S. stocks. It's a much different story for this ETF this year than in 2024, when it managed to eke out a gain of only 3.44%.
The Vanguard Energy ETF owns 112 energy stocks. Its top holdings include ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, EOG Resources, and Williams Companies.
I think there are three main reasons investors are buying energy stocks and providing a tailwind to this Vanguard ETF. First, the Trump administration's tariffs and potential reciprocal tariffs from other countries probably won't impact the energy sector as much as they will other sectors. Second, the administration's other policies should be favorable for the sector. Third, investors know that energy stocks typically generate strong free cash flow and reward shareholders with dividends and stock buybacks.
Should you buy the Vanguard Energy ETF too? It depends on your investing style and time horizon. Income investors will probably like the fund's dividend yield of 2.88%. If you're investing for the long term, though, other Vanguard ETFs will probably deliver higher returns.
2. Vanguard Health Care ETF
The Vanguard Health Care ETF (NYSEMKT: VHT) is another sector ETF that's beating the market so far in 2025. It hasn't been totally immune from the broader sell-off, though, with the ETF giving up some of its gains from earlier in the year.
This Vanguard ETF's portfolio features 413 healthcare stocks. Its top holdings include Eli Lilly, UnitedHealth Group, AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, and Abbott Labs.
I'm not surprised at all that the healthcare sector is performing well. Many investors view healthcare stocks as safe havens during periods of high volatility. That makes sense. The demand for healthcare products and services tends to hold up well regardless of what's happening with the economy or stock market.
If the stock market resumes its downward trend, the Vanguard Health Care ETF will likely remain stronger than most other sectors. My primary concern with this ETF, though, is valuation. The average price-to-earnings ratio for the stocks in the fund's portfolio is 30.4. This relatively steep multiple could work against the ETF if there's a major market meltdown.
3. Vanguard Utilities ETF
The Vanguard Utilities ETF (NYSEMKT: VPU) was a big winner last year with a gain of 19%. This Vanguard ETF is keeping the momentum going in 2025 despite the overall market turbulence.
You won't be shocked to learn the Vanguard Utilities ETF owns utility stocks -- 69 of them. Its top holdings include NextEra Energy, Southern Company, Duke Energy, Constellation Energy, and American Electric Power.
Utility stocks are an even more popular safe haven than healthcare stocks. That's understandable, considering that utilities typically enjoy monopolies in the areas they serve and have steady and dependable cash flow.
Should you buy the Vanguard Utilities ETF with the current market dynamics? Maybe. This fund could be a good pick for income investors with its dividend yield of 2.85%. The demand for electricity to power data centers should also provide a nice tailwind for many utility stocks owned by the ETF. Over the long run, though, the Vanguard Utilities ETF probably won't deliver the returns you could get with other growth-oriented Vanguard funds.
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*Stock Advisor returns as of March 24, 2025
Keith Speights has positions in AbbVie, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Williams Companies. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AbbVie, Abbott Laboratories, Chevron, EOG Resources, and NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool recommends Constellation Energy, Duke Energy, Johnson & Johnson, and UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
