Top 20 ETFs Australians are investing in now

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) - where you can buy many different companies, sometimes thousands - in one single trade has democratised investing, opening it up to the masses including younger generations. ETFs are a simple, low-cost way to build a diversified portfolio and investors can access every market, sector and investment style available. So which ETFs are right for you?

The growth in ETFs has been the single most disruptive trend within the asset management industry over the past 30 years. The sector has rocketed from $0 under management in 1993 when State Street launched the first ETF in the US to US$16.99 trillion ($26.12 trillion) at June 30, 2025, according to data from independent research firm ETFGI.

That first ETF - the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) - has returned its investors 10.03%pa for 32 years since its inception in January 1993 and it is still one of the biggest in the world.

Australian investors have well and truly jumped on the ETF bandwagon. Record inflows, combined with a positive market performance, pushed the total value of the Australian ETF industry to a fresh all-time high of $289.2 billion in funds under management (FUM) at the end of July, according to data from Betashares.

Strong and growing appetite from investors reflects rising confidence in ETFs as a simple, low-cost way to build a diversified portfolio, says investment advice firm The Motley Fool.

"ETFs enable investors to buy a basket of shares, usually tracking a specific index through a single trade for one brokerage fee. They're less volatile than individual ASX shares and they remove the need to spend hours researching individual companies."

"It's no wonder more and more Australians are using ETFs to build wealth, save for retirement and invest for their children's future," says Ron Hodge, InvestSmart group chief executive.

How ETFs work

An ETF is a fund that is listed on an exchange, such as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and Cboe Global Markets (CBOE) in Australia. Investors can trade ETFs in the same way they buy and sell shares, bonds and real estate trusts on an exchange.

You can buy an ETF for $500, sometimes less and, if you use an online broker, your fees may be as low as $0.

An ETF holds a basket of securities on behalf of the investor. Some investors own shares, others invest in bonds and some in property. There are myriad other choices including commodities, currencies, private credit, alternatives and multi-sector. Thanks to the 388 ETFs listed in Australia, investors can access every market, sector and investment style available.

What's new

There were 49 new Australian ETFs launched in the year to June 30, 2025: 25 active and 24 passive.

Some experts say the increase in active funds partly signals rent-seeking by fund managers keen to keep the money rolling in. Many urge investors, especially newbies, to be wary of active funds as many of these underperform.

ETF major players

• Vanguard is the number one player in the Australian ETF market, with $68.5 billion FUM at March 31, 2025, according to financial research provider Rainmaker, publisher of Money. It's also one of the biggest global ETF and managed fund providers, headquartered in the US. After five decades of housing its mutual funds and ETFs under one umbrella, Vanguard has decided to divide them into two wholly owned management units. According to a statement from Vanguard: "Establishing separate investment management teams will create a number of benefits for our investors and our organisation, including management teams with an even deeper focus, investment teams with greater flexibility, and highly talented crew with more opportunities for growth."
• The second largest player is Betashares, an Australian-founded and managed firm specialising in ETFs. It has $46.14 billion FUM, according to Rainmaker data. 
• The world's largest asset manager BlackRock, headquartered in New York, comes in as the third biggest in Australia with $42.69 billion FUM. 
• VanEck is the fourth largest player in Australia with $24.13 billion FUM. Established in 1955 and headquartered in the US, VanEck has become a global ETF leader, offering cutting-edge strategies in smart beta, alternative assets and thematic exposures. In 2006, as investors' desire for liquidity, diversification and efficiency led to the growth of ETFs, it launched the US's first-ever gold miners ETF. 
• Global X, State Street, Perth Mint, Russell Investments, Legg Mason and Fidelity round out the top 10, according to analysis from Rainmaker.

Vanguard

In March 2025, Vanguard launched the Vanguard Diversified All Growth Index ETF (VDAL) and the Vanguard Diversified Income ETF (VDIF) to add to its four existing diversified ETFs, which range from conservative to high growth.

VDAL gives investors exposure to more than 6000 stocks listed on more than 50 global markets, such as Australian stocks, global stocks, emerging markets and global small caps. It's designed for investors with a high-risk tolerance who are seeking long-term capital growth and is likely to especially appeal to younger investors.

VDIF is constructed for investors looking for regular income with some capital growth potential, without giving up the benefits of diversification. It has a 40% allocation to defensive assets and 60% to growth. It offers exposure to more than 12,000 securities. VDAL's management fee is 0.27% and VDIF's is 0.32% and both are available on Vanguard's Personal Investor platform where minimum investment is $200 and brokerage is $0.

Betashares In August, Betashares launched a new ETF - the S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (HYLD), for income-orientated investors, paying monthly dividends. It aims to provide higher income than the broad Australian sharemarket, while avoiding the shortcomings of traditional high-dividend strategies by seeking to screen out potential dividend traps.

BlackRock

With 52 passive ETFs in Australia, BlackRock launched its first Australian active ETF in June: iShares US Factor Rotation Active ETF (IACT) - off the back of its US counterpart of the same name, DYFN.

IACT aims to outperform the broad US equity market by tactically allocating across six economic drivers of returns: value, quality, momentum, size, growth, and minimum volatility - based on evolving market conditions.

It's actively managed to favour stocks demonstrating these return characteristics, ultimately seeking to reduce short-term cyclical volatility and deliver outperformance relative to the broader market over time.

VanEck This year, VanEck launched two new Australian funds that tap traditionally hard-to-reach markets for retail investors. These are the VanEck Australian RMBS ETF (RMBS), a residential mortgage-backed securities strategy, and the VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF (GRIN).

Global defence

Reflecting global geopolitical tensions, three global defence ETFs, with somewhat quirky acronyms, were launched in the past year. Global X Defence Tech ETF (DTEC) aims to give investors access to the sectors driving the future of defence. This includes AI, drones and cybersecurity.

• Betashares Global Defence ETF (ARMR) gives investors exposure to up to 60 leading companies, which derive more than 50% of their revenue from the development and manufacturing of military and defence equipment, as well as defence technology, including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, General Dynamics and Palantir Technologies. It only holds global companies headquartered in NATO-member and major NATO-ally countries, such as Australia, Japan and South Korea.

• VanEck Global Defence ETF (DFND) aims to give investors exposure to the largest global companies involved in aerospace and defence, research and consulting, application software and electronic equipment and instruments, which are typically under-represented 
in benchmarks.

What you need to know about fees 

While ETFs are a great product for beginners, you do need to understand the costs involved.

If you're starting your investment journey, you may be attracted to micro-investing apps, which let you start investing with small amounts, sometimes just spare change.

Most of these invest your money in ETFs. But a problem can be the fees, including flat fees, which can  be expensive, especially on smaller balances. For example, if you invest $20 and there is a $4.50 monthly fee, the investment will be worth zero in six months if there is no capital appreciation.

For most people who decide to start out investing directly in ETFs, a big attraction is that they are usually cheaper than actively managed funds, but cost is still important.

"Fundamentally, you need to know the ongoing management fees and what the trading costs are," says John Dyall, head of investment research at Rainmaker.

"Some ETF managers - specifically Vanguard and Betashares - have their own investment platforms where investors can invest with no brokerage and with as little as $200. Start early enough and $200 a month builds to something meaningful."

Dyall also hails State Street's reduction of fees on 12 out of 17 Australian ETF products, starting in late 2023 as potentially a "game changer".

"State Street is the third largest ETF provider in the US and can't afford to let the Australian market be its one failure point. The fee reduction means that State Street is back in the business of providing ETFs to Australian investors. And for investors looking for a market that has both size and competition, this is good news."

The appeal of ETFs

Apart from low cost, the obvious attractions of ETFs for beginner and more experienced investors include diversification, transparency - ETFs publish their NAV (net asset value) daily - and liquidity as most are easy to trade on a daily basis.

From a tax point of view, index-tracking ETFs are tax effective because they generally pursue a 'buy and hold' strategy as they seek to track their benchmark. Low turnover reduces distributed capital gains in a portfolio meaning that investors can delay the amount of tax they pay.

When an ETF receives dividends that include franking credits, those dividends and the attached franking credits flow through to investors directly via the quarterly distributions.

InvestSmart's Ron Hodge says: "The 10 top performing ETFs speak volumes about three key trends that have shaped investment markets over the past 12 months - the extraordinary rise of digital currencies, the boom in gaming and esports and the flight to gold, which has been driven by volatile markets and an uncertain geopolitical environment."

1. Digitalx Bitcoin ETF (BTXX) 

"This ETF couldn't help but delight investors over the past year, with a one-year return of 95.5% that would have seen investors nearly double their money in 12 months," says Hodge. But the fund faces some challenges having launched just over a year ago and still to prove itself over the long term. "It's a passive holder of Bitcoin, leaving it highly exposed to downturns in a single cryptocurrency and history tells us just how volatile Bitcoin can be."

2. Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF (GAME) 

With a one-year return of 90.3%, this ETF is a close second.

"While themed funds have the downside of concentrating risk, GAME capitalises on a market where continued growth is real, with the global online gaming market valued at US$225 billion ($343.83 billion) and forecast to grow to US$424 billion ($647.92 billion) by 2032," says Hodge. Investors get exposure to major industry names including Roblox Corp and Nintendo and offers geographic diversity with holdings in the US, Japan and China.

3. VanEck Bitcoin ETF (VBTC) 

This ETF returned 76.5%. It gives investors access to the world's first and largest decentralised currency. It's only a year old and carries similar risks to Digitalx Bitcoin.

4. VanEck Video Gaming and Esports (ESPO) 

Returning 66.4%, this fund gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of the largest and most liquid companies involved in video game development, esports and related hardware and software globally. The three-year return to June 30, 2025 is 35.34%pa.

5. Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF (MNRS) 

With a 54.7% return, this fund invests in a portfolio of the world's leading gold-mining companies, enabling investors to spread risk simply and cost-effectively beyond the relatively small Australian gold mining sector. Since inception in July 2016, it has returned 7.84% a year to July 31, 2025.

6. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) returned 52.7%.

7. iShares China Large-Cap ETF (IZZ) returned 44.9 %.

8. Global X Gold Bullion ETF (GXLD) returned 43.0%.

9. VanEck Gold Bullion ETF (NUGG) returned 42.7%.

10. iShares Physical Gold ETF (GLDN) returned 42.7%.

Active and passive ETFs explained

While some investment managers talk up the benefits of active management - to tap into different types of investors and to keep the funds rolling in - the statistics and weight of money flowing into ETFs tell a different story.

Passive ETFs - market cap index products - held 83% of total FUM at the end of March 2025, according to Rainmaker. Active products contributed 5% and smart beta 11%.

The SPIVA scorecard (S&P indices versus active) for the 2024 calendar year paints a gloomy picture for Australian active managers, in particular over the long haul.

In Australian equities, 56% of active managers failed to match the benchmark return of 11.4%. Over the longer term, 15 years, 85% of active managers underperformed.

In global equities, 85% underperformed over 2024 and 95% over 15 years. It was a similar story in Australian equity A-REITs (Australian real estate investment trusts) with 86% failing to beat the benchmark of 18.5% in 2024 and 87% underperformance over 15 years.

Australian mid and small caps fared best over 2024 with only 30% underperforming the benchmark of 10.5%. Over 15 years, 58% underperformed. Active Australian Bond managers also did relatively well with 37% underperforming the benchmark of 2.9% over 2024. But over 15 years underperformance amounted to 82% of active managers.

High fees are a barrier to investing in active ETFs, with investment research company Morningstar finding the average asset weighted fee for an Australian active ETF is 0.97%, while it is 0.23% for a passive one.

"High fees are a major reason active funds continue to fail in Australia, and active managers aren't really using the ETF structure to solve that problem. They're just hoping the ETF label will attract new money, but the data shows investors are increasingly voting with their feet towards lower-cost, index-based strategies," says Chris Brycki, founder and chief executive of online investing platform Stockspot.

Brycki criticises active managers for "simply repacking their existing managed funds into an ETF format rather than creating lower-cost, fit-for-purpose active products that align with what investors want - simplicity, transparency and value".

The ongoing decline in managed funds has meant that "dual access is seen by many managers - particularly active managers - as a way of tapping into a rapid growth distribution channel. And to access self-directed investors," says Rainmaker's Dyall.

ETFs with 'dual access' structures, accessible through both ASX-listed and unlisted distribution channels, are not included in Money's list of its top 20 ETFs (based on FUM) because, as Dyall points out, it's difficult to determine how much money is held in the different distribution channels.

"The success of index ETFs is not just about the format. It's about a bigger shift in the investment world. Power is moving from product manufacturers to investors. People want simple, low-cost, diversified investments that do what they say on the tin. They want transparency and control," says Brycki.

"There is still something missing from this brave new world of portfolio construction; a platform where investors can input their ETFs, change their allocations, and understand systemic risks that are the underlying drivers of returns," says Dyall.]

Top five ETF platforms

1. CMC Invest $0 brokerage for ASX trading of less than $1000. ETF screeners allow investors to filter funds to suit their investment strategy.

2. Betashares Direct The auto-invest feature allows investors to set up recurring deposits into their Betashares ETF. $0 brokerage on ASX-listed ETFs. A good option for investors looking to dollar-cost average into the market.

3. Wellbull $0 brokerage offer on Australian and US ETFs.

4. Vanguard Personal Investor $0 brokerage for trading in Vanguard ETFs with a $9 fee for other trades.

5. Tiger Brokers Low fees and a low minimum investment. ETF brokerage fees are $3 per trade on Australian stocks and US$2 on US stocks. Investors can set up a regular deposit into US stocks or ETFs with as low as US$2.

How to choose the right ETF

Investment platform Pearler recommends the following:

• If you are starting out and want the simplest investment experience, a low-cost diversified ETF that matches your risk -return appetite - conservative to high growth - might fit the bill. 
• For investors who want the lowest cost and/or slightly more control, passive ETFs might suit. "With these ETFs, you typically want to choose one to five ETFs, then allocate percentages to them. For example, you may want 40% in an Australian Shares ETF; 40% in a Global Shares ETF; 10% in an Australian Bonds ETF; and 10% in a Global Bonds ETF."
• Factors to consider:
  • How big is the ETF - size matters because an ETF must reach a certain size to be viable.
  • How much it trades - if liquidity is important to you, favour those with higher trading volumes, 
  • How much it costs - the fewer fees paid the faster your investments grow.
  • Its track record - look for competitive and consistent long-term performance.
  • Success in tracking its index - measures how well an ETF has mirrored its benchmark or index and the closer the better.
• It's important to include global ETFs for diversification.
• Be aware of doubling up on investments. As can be seen from the Top 20 funds with similar labels all invest in the same stocks, so choose the one that best fits your needs in each category rather than several and doubling up on securities unless that is your aim.

1. Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) 

Australia's largest ETF, giving investors exposure to Australia's top 300 companies listed on the ASX. It offers potential long-term capital growth plus dividend income and franking credits.

Fund facts
• Assets under management (market capitalisation) at August 11, 2025 - $21.68 billion.
• Benchmark - S&P/ASX 300 Index. 
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 11.81% (11.88% benchmark).
• 5 years - 12.16% (12.17%). 
• Since inception in May 2009 - 9.39% (9.49%). Quarterly distributions.
• Top 5 holdings - CBA, BHP, CSL, NAB, WBC.
• Management fee - 0.07%.

2. Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS) 

Invests in about 1300 companies from developed countries, excluding Australia. With just one trade, investors can go global with exposure to the world's largest companies from about 23 countries.

Fund facts
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $12.22 billion.
• Benchmark - MSCI World ex-Australia (with net dividends reinvested) in Australian dollars Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 17.52% (17.49% benchmark).
• 5 years - 16.38% (16.32%). Quarterly distributions.
• Top 5 holdings - NVIDIA, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet. 
• Management fee - 0.18%.

3. iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) 

Provides low-cost access to the top 500 US stocks in a single fund, making it an easy way to diversify into large US companies.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at 
August 11, 2025 - $11.57 billion.
• Benchmark - S&P 500 Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 16.29% (16.33% benchmark).
• 5 years - 15.85% (15.88%).
• Since inception on May 15, 2000 - 7.96% (8.02%). Quarterly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - Microsoft, NVIDIA, Apple, Amazon, Meta. 
• Management fee - 0.04%.

4. Betashares Australia 200 ETF (A200) 

Gives diversified exposure to Australia's 200 largest companies listed on the ASX in a single trade. It's the lowest cost Australian shares index ETF available on the ASX.

Fund facts
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $8.09 billion.
• Benchmark - Solactive Australia 200 Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 11.58% (11.64% benchmark).
• 5 years - 12.45% (12.53%).
• Since inception in May 2018 - 9.32% (9.41%). Quarterly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - CBA, BHP, CSL, NAB, WBC.
• Management fee - 0.04%.

5. VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (QUAL)

Gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of the world's highest quality companies listed on exchanges in developed markets around the world, excluding Australia. Companies are included based on key fundamentals including high return on equity, earnings stability and low financial leverage.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $7.46 billion.
• Benchmark - MSCI World ex Australia Quality Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 8.13% (8.36% benchmark).
• 5 years - 15.68% (15.92%).
• Since inception in October 2014 - 15.82% (16.11%). Annual distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - NVIDIA, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Visa. 
• Management fee - 0.4%.

6. iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (IOZ) 

Gives investors low-cost access to the 200 largest companies listed on the ASX in a single fund.

Fund facts
• Funds under management August 11, 2025 - $7.39 billion. 
• Benchmark - S&P/ASX 200. Accumulation Index.
Total returns to June 30, 2024
• 1 year - 11.77% (11.81% benchmark).
• 5 years - 12.17% (12.26%).
• Since inception on December 6, 2010 -8.53 % (8.69%). Quarterly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - CBA, BHP, CSL, NAB, WBC.
• Management fee - 0.05%.

7. Betashares NASDAQ 100 ETF (NDQ)  

Invests in the top 100 companies listed on the NASDAQ. With its strong focus on technology, NDQ provides diversified exposure to a high-growth sector that is under-represented on the ASX.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $6.89 billion.
• Benchmark - NASDAQ-100 Notional Net Total Return Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 21.81% (benchmark 22.26%).
• 5 years - 19.08% (19.51%).
• Since inception in May 2015 - 20.09% (20.49 %). Half-yearly distributions.
• Top 5 holdings - NVIDIA Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Broadcom.
• Management fee and expenses - 0.48%.

8. BSPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund (STW) 

Was the first ETF to list in Australia and is designed to capture potential growth opportunities, dividends and franking credits offered by the 200 largest listed Australian companies.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $6.15 billion.
• Benchmark - S&P/ASX 200 Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 11.82% (11.81% benchmark).
• 5 years - 12.21% (12.26%).
• Since inception in August 2001 - 8.27% (8.54%). Quarterly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - CBA, BHP, CSL, NAB, WBC.
• Management fee - 0.05%.

9. Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index (VTS) 

Provides low-cost exposure to more than 3500 companies listed in the US, providing access to sectors under-represented in Australia, including technology and manufacturing.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $5.85 billion.
• Index - CRSP US Total Market Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 17.25% (benchmark 17.28%).
• 5 years - 17.62% (17.63%).
• Since inception in May 2009 - 15.84% (15.85%). Quarterly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - NVIDIA, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet.
• Management fee - 0.03%.

10. Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (VHY) 

Aims to provide low-cost exposure to ASX listed companies that have higher forecast dividends relative to other ASX-listed companies.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at June 11, 2025 - $5.29 billion. 
• Benchmark - FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index. 
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 11.95% (12.13% benchmark).
• 5 years - 14.45%% (14.71%).
• Since inception in May 2011 - 9.42% (9.65%). Quarterly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - BHP, CBA, NAB, WBC, Telstra. 
• Management fee - 0.25%.

11. Vanguard MSCI International Shares (Hedged) ETF (VGAD) 

Gives investors exposure to many of the world's companies listed on the exchanges of major developed economies around the world. It's hedged to Australian dollars.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $5.26 billion. 
• Benchmark - MSCI World ex-Australia (with net dividends reinvested), hedged into Australian dollars Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 14.40% (14.42% benchmark).
• 5 years - 13.33% (13.29 %).
• Since inception in Nov 2014 - 10.52% (10.49%). Half-yearly distributions.
• Top 5 holdings - NVIDIA, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet.
• Management fee - 0.21%.

12. iShares Global 100 ETF (100 

Gives investors access to 100 of the largest global stocks in a single fund. Investors can use it to diversify internationally and seek long-term growth opportunities.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $4.77 billion. 
• Benchmark - S&P Global 100 Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 18.73% (19.10% benchmark).
• 5 years - 19.19% (19.46%).
• Since inception in Dec 2000 - 6.08% (6.13%). Half-yearly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - NVIDIA, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Broadcom. 
• Management fee - 0.40%.

13. Vanguard All-World Ex-US Shares Index ETF (VEU)  

Gives investors access to almost 4000 of the world's largest companies listed in developed and emerging countries outside the US. It offers low-cost access to a broadly diversified range of securities, industries, and economies. It's exposed to currency fluctuations as it's not hedged.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $4.43 billion.
• Benchmark - FTSE All-World ex-US Shares Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 15.46% (16.42% benchmark).
• 5 years - 11.68% (11.89%).
• Since inception on March 6, 2007 - 8.42% (na). Quarterly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent Holdings, Sap SE, ASML Holding NV, Samsung. Management fee - 0.04%.

14. Betashares Australian High Interest Cash ETFs (AAA)

Aims to provide attractive, regular income distributions and a high level of capital security via cash held in Australian dollar interest-bearing bank accounts.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $4.17 billion.
• Benchmark - 30-day Bank Bill Swap Rate. 
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 4.38 % (4.17% benchmark).
• 5 years - 2.59% (2.39%).
• Since inception in March 2012 - 2.61% (2.20%). Monthly distributions.
• Current deposit accounts with Citibank, BOQ, Rabobank, MUFG Bank, NAB, J.P.Morgan Chase Bank, Bendigo Bank, Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. 
• Management fee - 0.18%.

15. Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ETHI) 

Holds a diversified portfolio of large, sustainable, ethical companies from a range of global locations. It combines positive climate leadership screens with a broad set of ESG criteria, offering investors a true-to-label ethical investment solution.

Fund facts
• Assets under management at Aug 11,2025- $3.59 billion 
• Benchmark - Nasdaq Future Global Sustainability Leaders Index
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 7.59% (7.99 % benchmark)
• 5 years - 14.42% (14.87%)
• Since inception in Jan 2017 16.81% (17.27%)
Half yearly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings -Broadcom, NVIDIA, Mastercard, Home Depot, Visa
• Management fee and costs - 0.59% .

16. Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond Index (Hedged) ETF (VBND) 

Provides low-cost exposure to high-quality, income-generating securities issued by governments, government-owned entities, government-guaranteed entities, investment-grade corporate issues and securitised assets from around the world. Investments are predominantly rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor's or equivalent ratings agency. The ETF is hedged to Australian dollars.

Fund facts
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $3.41 billion.
• Benchmark - Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float-Adjusted and Scaled Index hedged into AUD.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 2.97% (3.14% benchmark).
• 5 years - minus 1.56% (minus 1.43%). 
• Since inception in October 2017 - 0.79% (0.97%). Quarterly distributions.
• Top 5 issuers - US Treasury, Uniform Mbs, Govt of Japan, Rep of France, Rep of Italy. 
• Management fee - 0.20%.

17. Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index (VAP)

Provides a low-cost way to invest in a diversified blend of A-REITs with residential, office, retail, and industrial assets. The ETF offers potential long- term capital growth and tax-effective income that may include a tax-deferred component.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $3.25 billion. 
• Benchmark - S&P/ASX 300 A-REIT Index.
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 9.83% (10.15% benchmark).
• 5 years - 12.80% (13.08%).
• Since inception in October 2010 - 10.26% (10.45%). Quarterly distributions.
• Top 5 holdings - Goodman, Scentre, Stockland, GPT Group, Vicinity.
• Management fee - 0.23%.

18. iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (IAF) 

Provides investors with low cost, diversified exposure to Australian investment grade fixed income securities. It suits investors with a medium risk/return profile who are seeking capital preservation and/or income distribution.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management August 11, 2025 - $3.18 billion.
• Benchmark - Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index. 
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 5.14% (5.22% benchmark).
• 5 years - minus 0.31% (minus 0.18%).
• Since inception in March 2012 - 3.01% (3.17%). 
Quarterly distributions. 
• Top holdings - Commonwealth of Australia, Treasury Corporation of Victoria, NSW Treasury Corporation, QLD Treasury Corporation, WA Treasury Corporation.
• Management fee - 0.10%.

19. Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (VDHG)

A ready-made solution that invests in 90% growth assets (e.g. shares) and 10% defensive assets (e.g. bonds). Provides access to Vanguard's best investment thinking, in a ready-made portfolio that makes investing simple for you.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $3.16 billion.
• Benchmark - High Growth Composite Index. 
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 13.13% (13.74% benchmark).
• 5 years - 11.91% (12.37%).
• Since inception in November 2017 - 9.67% (10.12%). Quarterly distributions. 
• Asset Allocation

• Australian shares: 36.1%
• International shares: 26.6%
• International shares hedged: 15.9%
• International small caps: 6.4%
• Australian fixed income: 3.0%
• International fixed income: 7.0%
• Management fee: 0.27%.

20. VanEck Vectors Equal Weight ETF (MVW) 

Gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of Australian equities in which all the holdings are equally weighted, reducing sector concentration.

Fund facts 
• Assets under management at August 11, 2025 - $3.16 billion. 
• Benchmark - MVIS Australia Equal Weight Index (MVMVWTRG).
Total returns to July 31, 2025
• 1 year - 12.58% (13.0% benchmark).
• 5 years - 11.90% (12.3%).
• Since inception in March 2014 - 9.59% (9.97%). Half-yearly distributions. 
• Top 5 holdings - Lynas Rare Earths, Origin Energy, Fortescue, SEEK, Ampol. 
• Management fee - 0.35%.

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