The 10 Best ETFs to Buy and Hold for the Next 10 Years

What should long-term investors do during a market correction?

Review their portfolios, look for long-term buying opportunities and confirm that they are holding the best exchange-traded funds for the next 10 years or longer.

Only time will tell which ETFs outperform over the next decade, but growth in the economy and markets during that time will likely be driven by technological advancements, demographic changes and geopolitical developments.

Key trends may include the continued dominance of U.S. large-cap stocks, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, the growth of emerging markets, and increased adoption of blockchain technology and quantum computing.

10 Best ETFs to Buy and Hold for the Next 10 Years

The following 10 ETFs provide exposure to low-cost, core holdings, as well as different sectors and themes that could thrive over the next decade or longer.

1. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

If you had to pick just one ETF to hold for the next 10 years, or a solid core holding to build upon, an S&P 500 index fund like VOO would be a top contender. Most professional money managers do not outperform the S&P 500, and VOO’s low expense ratio provides a boost to long-term returns.

• AUM: $591 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.03%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (Sept. 7, 2010): 13.9%

2. Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)

VTI offers exposure to the entire U.S. stock market, including large-, mid- and small-cap stocks. This makes it a more diversified option than VOO while still benefiting from the long-term strength of U.S. equities.

• AUM: $440.4 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.03%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (May 24, 2001): 8.7%

3. Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)

QQQ tracks the Nasdaq 100 index, which is heavily weighted toward technology and growth stocks like Apple Inc. (AAPL), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and Nvidia Corp. (NVDA). With innovation driving the economy, this ETF could remain a strong performer, as it has been over the past decade.

• AUM: $303.1 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.20%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (March 10, 1999): 9.7%

4. Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)

SCHD focuses on high-quality dividend stocks, offering investors both income and capital appreciation. It provides stability, making it a great choice for those seeking long-term compound growth with lower volatility.

• AUM: $68.4 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.06%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (Oct. 20, 2011): 12.7%

5. VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)

Semiconductors are the backbone of AI, automation and digital transformation. SMH invests in industry leaders like NVDA, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), positioning it well for the continued expansion of the tech sector.

• AUM: $20.1 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.35%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (Dec. 20, 2011): 24%

6. iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB)

While volatile, biotech remains a high-growth industry with strong long-term potential. IBB gives broad exposure to this healthcare subsector, which could benefit from medical advancements that can come faster with the help of AI. Other exciting biotech areas include gene editing and personalized medicine.

• AUM: $6 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.45%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (Feb. 5, 2001): 6.1%

7. WisdomTree India Earnings ETF (EPI)

EPI provides exposure to India’s rapidly growing economy, which is expected to be one of the fastest-expanding markets in the next decade. With a young population and increasing foreign investment, India is a key emerging market.

• AUM: $2.9 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.85%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (Feb. 22, 2008): 4.1%

8. Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM)

Quantum computing promises to solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers, revolutionizing fields like medicine, materials science and cryptography. QTUM invests in companies at the forefront of this technology, making it a speculative but potentially transformative long-term play.

• AUM: $1.1 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.4%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (Sept. 4, 2018): 19.6%

9. Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ)

As the world shifts toward clean energy and low-cost electrification, nuclear power is gaining renewed interest. NUKZ offers exposure to companies involved in nuclear energy production and innovation.

• AUM: $198.3 million
• Expense Ratio: 0.85%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (Jan. 23, 2024): 50.3%

10. Global X Blockchain ETF (BKCH)

Blockchain's decentralized, secure and transparent nature has the potential to revolutionize trust and efficiency across numerous industries, from finance to supply chains, driving its rapid advancement. BKCH invests in companies developing blockchain infrastructure, which could see significant growth as the technology becomes more mainstream.

• AUM: $128.5 million
• Expense Ratio: 0.5%
• Annualized Return Since Inception (July 12, 2021): -20.3%

Fund data for all 10 ETFs in the list are current as of March 12, 2025.

Final Thoughts on the Best ETFs to Hold for the Long Term

A well-diversified portfolio that includes broad-market ETFs, sector-specific growth opportunities and thematic investments can help investors maximize long-term returns while managing risk. While core holdings like VOO, VTI and SCHD provide stability, thematic ETFs like QTUM, NUKZ and BKCH offer potential high-reward opportunities.  

However, investors should be mindful of volatility and sector-specific risks, particularly in emerging technologies like quantum computing and blockchain. A buy-and-hold strategy with regular rebalancing is key to long-term success in an ever-evolving market.

This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not represent a recommendation to buy or sell securities. At the time of publication, Kent Thune held shares of SMH, QTUM, EPI and NUKZ in his personal investment account.