A seemingly unstoppable flood of money has Vanguard Group Inc. on the brink of claiming a crown that State Street Corp. has held for decades.

This is a low-cost index fund that invests in a portfolio of real estate investment trusts, or REITs. REITs are income-focused stocks, but they also have lots of potential to generate market-beating total returns over time.

Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a fantastic choice for retired investors looking to play the long game with their portfolios. Undoubtedly, Vanguard is a name that passive investors can put their trust in.

Investment management firm Vanguard offers a variety of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that allow investors to target a specific theme or sector at a low cost. With just 0.04% expense ratios, meaning $0.

Here are my three favorite Vanguard ETFs to buy and hold for decades. Warren Buffett doesn't give a seal of approval to ETFs like Good Housekeeping does with consumer products. If he did, though, I suspect the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) would be the first to receive such a distinction from the legendary investor.