Index funds have gained popularity among investors due to their low costs and ability to provide broad market exposure. In this article, we will explore the top 10 index funds that investors should consider for their investment portfolios.

1. Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX): This fund aims to track the performance of the CRSP US Total Market Index, providing investors with exposure to the entire U.S. stock market.

2. Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX): This fund seeks to replicate the performance of the S&P 500 index, which includes 500 of the largest U.S. companies.

3. Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (SCHB): This ETF offers investors exposure to the entire U.S. stock market, tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Broad Stock Market Index.

4. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV): This ETF aims to mirror the performance of the S&P 500 index, providing investors with exposure to large-cap U.S. stocks.

5. Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX): This fund tracks the performance of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Index, offering investors exposure to the U.S. bond market.

6. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG): This ETF seeks to replicate the performance of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, providing diversified exposure to the U.S. investment-grade bond market.

7. Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX): This fund aims to track the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, offering investors exposure to international stocks.

8. Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF): This ETF provides investors with exposure to international stocks, tracking the FTSE Developed ex-U.S. Index.

9. iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM): This ETF seeks to replicate the performance of the Russell 2000 Index, which includes small-cap U.S. stocks.

10. Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund (VGSLX): This fund tracks the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index, offering investors exposure to the real estate sector.

Investing in index funds can be a smart strategy for long-term investors. The top 10 index funds mentioned in this article provide investors with diversified exposure to various asset classes and market segments. It is important for investors to conduct thorough research and consider their investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in any index fund.