The Vanguard Group, Inc.

Vanguard began operations on May 1, 1975, and is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Its distinctive structure means Vanguard is owned by its funds, which are owned by the funds’ shareholders rather than by outside shareholders.

The firm provides investment products, advice, retirement services, research, and related services to individual investors, institutions, and financial advisers. Its product range includes mutual funds, ETFs, advisory solutions, brokerage services, and workplace retirement plans.

Vanguard is especially strong in low-cost, diversified index investing. John C. Bogle launched the first index fund for individual investors in 1976, and the firm remains differentiated by its scale, low fees, investor-focused ownership model, and large retirement-services business.