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Vanguard Materials Index Fund ETF Shares (VAW)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/12/2025: VAW (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit -1.31% | Avg. Invested days 34 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | ETF Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 1.27 | 52 Weeks Range 160.75 - 213.05 | Updated Date 06/30/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 160.75 - 213.05 | Updated Date 06/30/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Vanguard Materials Index Fund ETF Shares
ETF Overview
Overview
The Vanguard Materials Index Fund ETF Shares (VAW) seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of stocks of companies in the materials sector. It offers exposure to U.S. companies that produce basic materials, including chemicals, construction materials, glass, paper, forest products, and metals and mining.
Reputation and Reliability
Vanguard is a well-respected and reliable issuer known for its low-cost index funds and ETFs.
Management Expertise
Vanguard has extensive experience in managing index funds and ETFs, with a strong team of investment professionals.
Investment Objective
Goal
To track the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: Tracks a market-cap-weighted index of materials sector stocks.
Composition Primarily holds stocks of U.S. companies in the materials sector.
Market Position
Market Share: VAW holds a significant market share within the materials sector ETFs.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 2860000000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB)
- iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM)
- Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Materials ETF (RTM)
Competitive Landscape
The materials sector ETF market is dominated by VAW and XLB, with the remaining market share split among several smaller ETFs. VAW's advantage lies in its low expense ratio, while XLB benefits from higher trading volume. IYM offers a more concentrated portfolio, and RTM provides equal-weight exposure.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data should be retrieved from financial data providers.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF is designed to closely track its benchmark index, the MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index.
Expense Ratio: 0.1
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
VAW exhibits healthy liquidity based on its average trading volume.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread for VAW is generally tight, reflecting good liquidity.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic growth, infrastructure spending, and commodity prices significantly impact VAW's performance.
Growth Trajectory
Growth trends in VAW are tied to the overall health of the materials sector and the broader economy, as well as any changes to Vanguard's investment strategy or the fund's holdings.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
VAW's competitive edge stems from Vanguard's reputation for low-cost investing and efficient index tracking. Its broad diversification within the materials sector and its low expense ratio make it an attractive option for investors seeking cost-effective exposure to this market segment. Vanguardu2019s well-established brand and large AUM contribute to greater liquidity, making it easy for investors to buy and sell shares. The ETF's adherence to its benchmark index ensures consistent and predictable performance.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
VAW's volatility is tied to the cyclical nature of the materials sector and commodity price fluctuations.
Market Risk
Specific risks include fluctuations in commodity prices, economic downturns affecting demand for materials, and regulatory changes impacting the materials sector.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is seeking broad exposure to the U.S. materials sector as part of a diversified portfolio.
Market Risk
VAW is best suited for long-term investors and passive index followers seeking exposure to the materials sector.
Summary
Vanguard Materials Index Fund ETF Shares (VAW) offers broad exposure to U.S. companies in the materials sector, tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index. As a Vanguard fund, it benefits from a low expense ratio and efficient index tracking. VAW's performance is closely tied to economic growth, commodity prices, and the overall health of the materials sector. It is most suitable for long-term investors and those seeking passive exposure to materials stocks. Potential investors should consider the risks associated with the cyclical nature of the materials sector.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Vanguard
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
Disclaimers:
Data is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual circumstances and consultation with a financial advisor.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Vanguard Materials Index Fund ETF Shares
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website |
The fund employs an indexing investment approach designed to track the performance of the index, an index made up of stocks of large, mid-size, and small U.S. companies within the materials sector, as classified under the GICS. The Advisor attempts to replicate the target index by seeking to invest all, or substantially all, of its assets in the stocks that make up the index, in order to hold each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the index. The fund is non-diversified.

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