The Vanguard Group is an American investment management company founded in 1975 by John C. Bogle. It is known for its pioneering role in creating low-cost index funds, which allow investors to buy a broad market index rather than individual stocks. Vanguard is one of the largest asset management firms in the world, managing trillions of dollars in assets for individual and institutional investors. Vanguard operates on a unique structure where it is owned by the funds it manages, which means that its profits are returned to investors in the form of lower fees. This investor-centric approach has made Vanguard a popular choice for those looking to invest in a cost-effective manner while benefiting from diversified portfolios.