Popular ETFs (VOO, VTI, SCHD, ARCC) Discussed in Broker Evaluation
In a discussion about Webull as an IRA and investment platform, users talked about holding core ETFs like VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF), VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF), SCHD (Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF), and ARCC (Ares Capital Corporation, a BDC). One user was a bit wary of ARCC, noting its potentially higher risk and volatility. Overall, the sentiment towards these specific holdings was neutral to positive, seen as "normal ETFs and equities" for an IRA. The sentiment towards Webull as a platform was mixed: positive for its bonuses, trading platform, UI, and charting tools, but with concerns about customer service, Chinese ownership, and limitations on beneficiary designations for non-IRA accounts.
Investment Plan: The mentioned assets (VOO, VTI, SCHD, ARCC) are often used to build diversified, long-term investment portfolios.
- VOO and VTI: These offer broad exposure to the U.S. stock market. VOO tracks the S&P 500 (large-cap), while VTI covers the total U.S. stock market (large, mid, and small-cap). They are great core holdings for long-term growth and diversification. Investors usually pick one or the other due to significant overlap, but holding both just increases concentration in large-cap U.S. stocks.
- SCHD: This focuses on U.S. companies with a strong record of dividend growth and financial strength. It's a good choice for investors looking for dividend income and potentially lower volatility than pure growth ETFs.
- ARCC: As a Business Development Company (BDC), ARCC invests in the debt and equity of private U.S. middle-market companies, aiming to provide high current income. However, BDCs come with higher risks, including credit risk, interest rate sensitivity, and market volatility, which aligns with the user's expressed nervousness.
Recommendation: This mix of assets can form a solid foundation for an IRA, catering to growth (VOO/VTI), dividend income and quality (SCHD), and higher-yield income (ARCC). Investors should align these holdings with their individual risk tolerance, investment horizon, and income needs. The choice between VOO and VTI (or a combination) depends on the desired breadth of U.S. market exposure. The allocation to ARCC should be carefully considered given its higher risk profile compared to the broad market ETFs. The suitability of Webull as the platform for these investments depends on the individual's comfort with the trade-offs between its attractive bonuses/features and potential drawbacks in customer service or other concerns.