Did you know there are roughly 7,000 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) available globally? If you're looking to add an ETF to your retirement account, you have an overwhelming range of choices -- from funds that track the S&P 500 to funds that are backed by actual gold reserves to oil funds and so much more.
Homing in on the right fund isn't terribly complicated when you're clear on the exact type of exposure you want. But it's a far murkier process if you're just starting to invest for retirement and you're not sure what you need.
In that case, you'll benefit from a low-cost stock fund that's diversified and has a history of producing acceptable returns. Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (NYSEMKT: VT) meets those qualifications. Here's a look at how and why this ETF might fit into your retirement investing program.