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.

Origin Reddit Post

r/investing

WeBull for IRA and Investments

Posted by u/Foreign-Package-435906/02/2025
What is your take? They have some impressive bonuses, 3% up to $15,000 ($500k) on an IRA. $2k bonus for investing $100k in anything with them for a year. Their customer service seems to be pr

Top Comments

u/Foreign-Package-4359
How are you able to earn a couple of grand with $200 bucks?
u/zeradragon
I own 1700 shares of BULL, so I'm going to say they're a good broker. 😁
u/Familiar_Luck_3333
I have 250k in IRAs I can transfer in to earn the 3% match. I have to hold Webull premium for 5 years which is 40 bucks per year, so $200 cost to earn $7,500
u/GItPirate
I'm a big fan. I love their charts
u/GItPirate
I'm a big fan. I love their charts
u/cdude
The common thing I hear from these smaller brokers is how bad their customer support is. There's a reason why they offer incentives for your money. If you you're just doing basic investing a
u/ayeejayy09
They’re owned by a Chinese company and I wouldn’t trust them or their intentions
u/TradingTennish
Paying for you to deposit? Exactly like casinos eh
u/GluckMitGeld
Webull is honestly really good.
u/Fun-Sundae4060
I like Webull. They’re very flexible and offer a lot of different types of ways to invest or trade including options contracts. UI is much nicer too and shows more data. They also have new o
u/[deleted]
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u/Free-Sailor01
I just rolled over some of my Ira at Fidelity to webull. Did it for the trading platform cause Fidelity’s stinks
u/Fun-Sundae4060
I like Webull. They’re very flexible and offer a lot of different types of ways to invest or trade including options contracts. UI is much nicer too and shows more data. They also have new o
u/GluckMitGeld
Webull is honestly really good.
u/PierreEscarg0t
Once I learned they don't support regular beneficiaries for individual accounts, I switched to Fidelity. They do have it for IRA, but this soured me on them. It's probably fine, but the idea
u/Dramatic-South-6236
I have been using Webull for a couple.of months for my IRA. I have an investing account for daytrading in Robinhood and was so disappointed about their customer service (you need to send them
u/ayeejayy09
They’re owned by a Chinese company and I wouldn’t trust them or their intentions
u/DeeDee_Z
> they don't support regular beneficiaries for individual accounts How did you try to accomplish that? Because Individual accounts DON'T actually have "beneficiaries" in the regular sens
u/cdude
The common thing I hear from these smaller brokers is how bad their customer support is. There's a reason why they offer incentives for your money. If you you're just doing basic investing a
u/Foreign-Package-4359
I am thinking of doing the same. I just have normal ETFs and equities in my IRA anyway, VOO, VTI, SCHD, ARCC. I don't touch them that often... except when I get nervous about ARCC and I have
u/Aggravating_Ad_8453
4000 shares and calls too. But never touch Webull, lol.
u/Free-Sailor01
I just rolled over some of my Ira at Fidelity to webull. Did it for the trading platform cause Fidelity’s stinks
u/zeradragon
I own 1700 shares of BULL, so I'm going to say they're a good broker. 😁
u/Foreign-Package-4359
I am thinking of doing the same. I just have normal ETFs and equities in my IRA anyway, VOO, VTI, SCHD, ARCC. I don't touch them that often... except when I get nervous about ARCC and I have
u/Foreign-Package-4359
Makes sense. I think you only need premium for the first 12 months of the five years with that promo. I'm looking into it. 
u/Familiar_Luck_3333
I've earned so much from Webull's bonuses over the years and been able to transfer my assets in and out. I'm going to do the premium 3% match in the next few weeks as I'll be able to earn a c

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