Is ALTB a good ETF?
ALTB is the iShares 15+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF from iShares. We classify it under Bonds and AU. With about $222 million in assets it is a solidly established fund.
On a total-return basis, ALTB has delivered -2.27% a year over 1 year (ranked 270th of 308 ETFs we track). It has trailed most comparable ETFs over the periods we measure, so look closely at whether its strategy fits what you're after.
The management fee of 0.15% is very low — typical of low-cost index funds. That's cheaper than the typical 0.32% for similar ETFs. If cost is your priority, VAF (0.1%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a moderate 3.34% yield.
Portfolio turnover is modest at about 20% a year — it reshuffles a meaningful but still limited part of the portfolio annually, which keeps the tax and trading drag manageable.
Strengths
- Low-cost: a 0.15% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
Things to watch
- Cheaper alternatives exist: VAF.
Good to know
- Australian focus means franked dividends and no currency risk, but heavy concentration in banks and miners.
What ALTB's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Australian shares. Home-market familiarity, fully franked dividends and no currency risk for local investors — but very concentrated in banks and miners, which dominate the index.
- Market regime
- Sensitive to commodity prices, Chinese demand and domestic interest rates. Generous income, but narrow sector diversification.
- In a portfolio
- A natural core for Australian investors thanks to franking, but should be paired with global exposure so you aren't over-reliant on a handful of banks and resource giants.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.