These 3 ETFs Belong in Every Long-Term Portfolio - 7/31

ETF: Vanguard Real Estate ETF (SYM: VNQ)
Yield: 3.74%
Expense Ratio: 0.13%

Real estate has always been a pillar of long-term wealth, and the Vanguard Real Estate ETF (SYM:VNQ) gives investors an efficient way to tap into that asset class—without buying and managing physical property. VNQ offers exposure to a diversified group of real estate investment trusts (REITs), which typically generate steady income from rental properties, commercial leases, and other real estate operations.

VNQ includes major REITs like Prologis, American Tower, and Realty Income, companies that own everything from industrial warehouses and data centers to healthcare facilities and retail space.

What makes VNQ especially attractive now is the growing evidence that commercial real estate (CRE) is on the rebound. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Commercial Real Estate Outlook, the sector is showing early signs of recovery, driven by improved occupancy rates, stabilized financing costs, and a new wave of demand for high-quality space.

For long-term investors, this could mark a generational buying opportunity in real estate—especially when paired with VNQ’s generous yield and low management fees.

ETF: ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (SYM: NOBL)
Yield: 2.46%
Expense Ratio: 0.35%

When the markets get rough, dividend aristocrats tend to shine. These are companies that have increased their dividends for 25 consecutive years or more, regardless of recessions, pandemics, inflation, or interest rate hikes. They’re often household names with strong balance sheets and durable business models.

Rather than pick individual dividend aristocrats, investors can turn to the ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (SYM: NOBL). It provides exposure to 66 of the most reliable dividend growers in the S&P 500, including companies like Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, and McDonald’s.

Not only does NOBL offer consistent income, but its performance has been remarkably steady. Aside from the pandemic-induced dip in 2020 (which impacted the entire market), the ETF has shown a strong upward trend since its inception in 2013.

If you want to build a portfolio that emphasizes quality, income, and long-term compounding power, NOBL should be a top contender.

ETF: Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SYM: SCHD)
Yield: 3.58%
Expense Ratio: 0.06%

For investors who want a rock-bottom expense ratio and a yield above the S&P 500 average, the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SYM: SCHD) is a must-know. With an ultra-low fee of just 0.06%, it delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality.

SCHD tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which focuses on U.S. companies with a track record of strong dividends and fundamental strength. Top holdings include Amgen, AbbVie, Coca-Cola, Cisco, Home Depot, and Broadcom—blue-chip names that have been rewarding shareholders for decades.

The ETF includes over 100 dividend-paying companies, giving investors instant diversification across multiple sectors like healthcare, technology, energy, and consumer goods. And while SCHD is built for income, it’s also proven itself capable of delivering strong long-term total returns.

This ETF is particularly attractive for investors who want to reinforce their portfolio against volatility, while still benefiting from growth and yield.