Value Investing Remains a Resilient Core for Long-Term Returns
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Summarizing BusinessInsider’s “Best Stock‑Market Investments for the Next Decade: Value, Non‑US, Vanguard”
BusinessInsider’s in‑depth guide to the next decade of investing is a practical roadmap for anyone looking to build a resilient, diversified portfolio. The article argues that the traditional wisdom of “value beats growth” remains true, that investors should look beyond U.S. borders to tap higher growth potential, and that Vanguard’s low‑cost, broad‑based index offerings are the most efficient way to capture those opportunities. Below is a concise, yet comprehensive, synthesis of the article’s key insights, recommendations, and the rationale behind each.
1. Why Value Investing Still Matters
The article opens with a historical overview: over the past 40 years, value‑focusing funds (those that buy stocks trading below their intrinsic value) have outperformed growth‑focusing peers. While the past decade’s “growth wave” (led by tech titans) temporarily shifted the narrative, the BusinessInsider piece stresses that value’s resilience is rooted in:
- Defensive characteristics – Value stocks tend to be less volatile and more sensitive to macro‑economic cycles than growth names.
- Favorable valuation compression – With growth premiums now eroding, the relative bargain of value becomes even more appealing.
- Reversal dynamics – The article cites research showing that value stocks recover faster after downturns, making them attractive in a post‑pandemic recovery environment.
Hence, the core recommendation is to anchor portfolios around value exposures.
2. The Case for Non‑US Growth
While the U.S. remains a global market leader, BusinessInsider identifies non‑U.S. regions as the next frontier for growth:
- Emerging Markets (EM) – Economies such as India, Brazil, and Vietnam offer expanding middle classes, digitization, and strong fundamentals that U.S. markets can’t match. The article warns, however, that EMs carry higher political and currency risk.
- Europe – Despite a recent slowdown, European markets (especially Germany, France, and the UK) are benefiting from a post‑pandemic rebound, a shift toward sustainable energy, and demographic changes that create new consumer segments.
- Asia (excluding China) – Countries like Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea continue to be tech powerhouses, especially in semiconductor manufacturing, AI, and biotech.
Investors seeking “next‑decade” upside are encouraged to add international exposure to hedge against U.S. market idiosyncrasies and to tap into divergent economic trajectories.
3. Vanguard’s Low‑Cost Arsenal
Central to the article’s thesis is the notion that cost is the most critical determinant of long‑term performance. Vanguard’s flagship products are highlighted for their:
- Low expense ratios – Ranging from 0.03 % to 0.20 % for most index funds.
- Broad market coverage – From total stock markets to specific country or sector segments.
- Reputable track record – Vanguard’s passive strategy often tracks the index closely, reducing tracking error.
Core Vanguard Recommendations
| Investment | What it Covers | Why It’s Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) | 100 % of the U.S. equity market (including small, mid, and large caps) | Provides the best “core” U.S. exposure at 0.03 % expense. |
| Vanguard S&P 500 Index Fund (VFIAX) | 500 largest U.S. companies | Focus on large‑cap stability and dividends. |
| Vanguard FTSE All‑World ex‑US ETF (VEU) | Global developed & emerging markets (excluding the U.S.) | Diversifies across 50+ countries, low 0.08 % expense. |
| Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) | 20+ emerging markets | Gives concentrated EM exposure while still benefiting from a large index structure. |
| Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) | Companies with a history of rising dividends | Balances value and income, often lagging high‑growth tech. |
| Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) | U.S. REITs | Provides income and a hedge against inflation. |
| Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) | Defensive staples | Offers defensive tilt for volatility periods. |
The article also notes that a simple “core‑satellite” model—using VTSAX or VFIAX as the core and VEU, VWO, and sector ETFs as satellites—captures the recommended blend of value, non‑U.S., and defensive positions.
4. Putting the Pieces Together
The BusinessInsider piece goes beyond individual funds and outlines a step‑by‑step construction for a next‑decade portfolio:
- Start with a core U.S. equity allocation (60–70 % in VTSAX or VFIAX). This ensures a strong foundation in the largest market.
- Add a diversified international layer (20–30 % in VEU and/or VWO). This captures growth in Europe, Asia, and emerging markets.
- Include defensive and income components (5–10 % in VIG, VNQ, and VDC) to provide volatility protection and dividend income.
- Rebalance annually to maintain target percentages, taking advantage of market swings for “buy low, sell high” discipline.
- Keep a watchful eye on fee growth. Vanguard’s low-cost approach reduces the drag of compounding fees, allowing the portfolio to grow faster than higher‑fee alternatives.
The article emphasizes that simplicity beats complexity. Rather than hunting for high‑profile individual stocks or actively managed funds with potentially high fees and questionable performance, a low‑cost, diversified index strategy is the safest bet for long‑term investors.
5. Risks and Caveats
No investment strategy is risk‑free. BusinessInsider prudently outlines potential pitfalls:
- Currency risk – International funds expose investors to foreign exchange fluctuations. Investors should consider whether they want net currency exposure or wish to hedge it separately.
- Political risk – Emerging markets can be volatile due to regulatory or geopolitical changes. A diversified EM ETF reduces single‑country concentration.
- Market concentration – A small number of large stocks can dominate certain indices (e.g., tech in the S&P 500). Value investing mitigates this risk somewhat but does not eliminate it.
- Interest rate sensitivity – REITs and dividend‑focusing funds can be affected by rising rates; however, their income component may still offer a buffer during inflationary periods.
6. Bottom Line
BusinessInsider’s guide delivers a clear, evidence‑based prescription: lean into value, broaden beyond the U.S., and trust Vanguard’s low‑cost index approach. The article’s blend of historical data, forward‑looking reasoning, and concrete fund picks makes it an invaluable resource for both novice and seasoned investors. By following this framework, investors position themselves to capture the growth of diverse economies while protecting their portfolios from the pitfalls of high fees, over‑concentration, and unnecessary complexity.
Read the Full Business Insider Article at:
[ https://www.businessinsider.com/best-stock-market-investments-next-decade-value-non-us-vanguard-2025-12 ]