<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000081391
<NAME> VANGUARD PREFERRED STOCK FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<CURRENCY> US
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> NOV-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-2000
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<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 8530
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<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (79228)
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</TABLE>