Grow it · ETFs

ALTB vs VAF

Compare fees, returns, income and risk for these 2 ASX-listed ETFs side by side.

At a glance

Comparing ALTB and VAF. VAF has the lower management fee at 0.1% a year, VAF has the higher 1 year return at 1% a year, and ALTB offers the higher at 3.34%.
Lower fee
VAF 0.1% p.a.
Higher 1 year return
VAF 1% p.a.
Higher yield
ALTB 3.34%
Larger fund
VAF $3.8bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric ALTB
iShares 15+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF
VAF
Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF
Snapshot
Provider
iShares
Vanguard
Tracks index
Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index
Categories
Bonds, AU
AU, Bonds
Listed since
2012 (14 yrs)
Fund size (AUM)
$222m
$3.8bn
Cost & income
Management fee
0.15%
0.1%
Dividend yield
3.34%
3.24%
Franking
0%
0%
Turnover
20%
30%
Tax drag 1.55% 1.76%
Returns
Tax bracket
1-year return
-2.3%
net
1%
net
3-year return
3.6%
net
5-year return
-0.2%
net
10-year return
1.5%
net
Risk
Volatility (3y)
4%
Volatility (5y)
5.4%
Volatility (10y)
4.5%
Sharpe ratio (3y)
Sharpe ratio (5y)
Sharpe ratio (10y)
Bid/ask spread

marks the strongest fund in each row. “net” shows the after-tax return at your selected bracket. “—” means we don’t have that data point yet.

Each fund at a glance

ALTB iShares 15+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.15% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Cheaper alternatives exist: VAF.
VAF Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.1% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Low volatility (4.45% over 10 years) for a smoother ride.
  • Has lagged most peers over 10 years (97th of 108).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between ALTB vs VAF?

ALTB and VAF are 2 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. VAF carries the lower management fee (0.1%). Over 1 year, VAF has delivered the higher total return (1% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lower fees - ALTB vs VAF?

VAF has the lower management fee at 0.1% a year, versus ALTB 0.15%.

Which has performed higher - ALTB vs VAF?

Over the past 1 year, VAF has delivered the higher total return at 1% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the higher dividend yield?

ALTB pays the higher at 3.34%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the larger and most liquid?

VAF is the larger fund by assets ($3.8bn). Larger funds are typically more liquid and trade on tighter spreads.

Related comparisons

General information only, generated from each 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.

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