Global markets face early‑year headwinds
Global financial markets were volatile in the first quarter of 2026, marking a shift from the strong momentum at the end of last year. Equity and fixed income markets faced pressure from geopolitical tensions, higher energy prices, and renewed uncertainty around inflation and monetary policy.
Performance of key Vanguard index funds
Fund name(Inception date) |
Q2 2025 |
Q3 2025 |
Q4 2025 |
Q1 2026 |
1 year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (07/07/1997) |
10.99% | 8.24% | 2.44% | -3.96% | 18.19% |
Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (11/29/2010) |
12.11% | 6.96% | 4.51% | 1.75% | 27.52% |
Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (09/18/1995) |
1.30% | 1.93% | 0.99% | 0.06% | 4.34% |
Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund (05/31/2013) |
2.02% |
0.062% | 0.51% | -0.42% | 2.75% |
Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund (10/17/2012) |
0.98% | 1.54% | 0.39% | 0.97% | 3.92% |
Source of performance figures: Vanguard, Institutional share class, as of March 31, 2026.
The performance data shown represent past performance, which is not a guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, so investors' shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data cited. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, visit our website at workplace.vanguard.com. Standard performance of the funds can be located in the Quarterly Review Appendix.
For more information about Vanguard funds, visit vanguard.com to obtain a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information about a fund are contained in the prospectus; read and consider it carefully before investing.
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