Is the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF the Smartest Investment You Can Make Before March Ends?

By David Dierking – Mar 22, 2026 at 12:19AM ESTKey PointsDividend, value, and defensive stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 in 2026.I see a "buy low" opportunity for large-caps that could close when the Iran conflict settles.Despite the volatility we've seen in the equity markets this year, the S&P 500 (^GSPC 1.51%) has mostly traded sideways. Its year-to-date return has only varied between up 2% to 3% and down roughly 3%, but not much beyond that. Even after a rough last week, it's down about 5% year-to-date. Of course, many other areas of the market have done better. Dividend, value, and defensive stocks have all outperformed thanks to a big rotation out of megacaps and tech stocks. Overall, market breadth has improved, and the S&P 500 still hasn't seen the big correction that many investors fear. The way that conditions have changed over the past few weeks bodes well for the S&P 500 in the short-term. There are two reasons specifically why I think the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO 1.45%) could be one of the best opportunities in the market right now. Image source: Getty Images. Tech is leading the market again For better or worse, the S&P 500 is driven by megacap tech stocks. From 2023 to 2025, they almost single-handedly pulled the major averages higher. In 2026, their underperformance masked strength in a lot of other areas of the market. But the added volatility over the past few weeks has, somewhat surprisingly, triggered a return to tech. Perhaps investors view large-cap tech as something of an equity safe haven in times of turmoil. Either way, it's helping make the S&P 500 a leader once again. Fundamental Chart data by YCharts When tech is leading, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF becomes one of the best options in the market. Its top-heaviness helps ensure that it will outperform other more diversified areas of the market when tech is doing well. Market fear has created some "buy low" opportunities As of March 17, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 indexes are 4% and 5% below their highs, respectively. This is largely a product of the uncertainty created by the conflict in Iran. As I've discussed before, geopolitical skirmishes tend to be more short-term in nature. Once the dispute or event is resolved, market conditions often tend to revert back to the way they were. If the situation in the Strait of Hormuz gets settled, it's not unreasonable to think that oil prices will start to move back to where they were prior to the conflict. The market could start pricing in rate cuts again. Stocks and bonds could begin rallying in response. ExpandNYSEMKT: VOOVanguard S&P 500 ETFToday's Change(-1.45%) $-8.81Current Price$597.94Key Data PointsDay's Range$594.57 - $605.6052wk Range$442.80 - $641.81Volume18M That could provide a big boost to large-cap tech and the S&P 500 once the cloud of uncertainty gets lifted. It's essentially a belief that stock prices are temporarily depressed and are poised to rebound once conditions return to normal. Because of these factors, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF could be one of the smartest options investors could choose right now.Read NextMar 20, 2026 •By Neil PatelHere's the Smartest Way to Invest in the S&P 500 in MarchMar 19, 2026 •By Anthony Di PizioShould You Buy the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF After the Recent Stock Market Sell-Off? History Offers a Crystal-Clear Answer.Mar 18, 2026 •By Geoffrey SeilerPrediction Markets Are Flashing Recession Warnings.

But Should Investors Actually Listen?Mar 18, 2026 •By Todd ShriberWhy Your S&P 500 ETF Could Rapidly Include SpaceXMar 18, 2026 •By David DierkingVOO vs. SPY vs. IVV: The One Factor That Sets These S&P 500 ETFs ApartMar 17, 2026 •By Neil PatelThe Best S&P 500 ETF to Invest $500 in Right NowStocks MentionedVanguard S&P 500 ETFNYSEMKT: VOO$597.94(-1.45%)-$8.81S&P 500 IndexSNPINDEX: ^GSPC$6,506.48(-1.51%)-$100.01*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.