Grow it · ETFs

BNDS vs VAF

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

At a glance

Comparing BNDS and VAF. VAF has the lower management fee at 0.1% a year, BNDS has the higher 5 years return at 0.1% a year, and BNDS offers the higher at 4.32%.
Lower fee
VAF 0.1% p.a.
Higher 5 years return
BNDS 0.1% p.a.
Higher yield
BNDS 4.32%
Lower volatility
VAF 5.4% (5y)
Larger fund
VAF $3.8bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric BNDS
BetaShares Western Asset Australian Bond Active ETF
VAF
Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF
Snapshot
Provider
BetaShares
Vanguard
Tracks index
Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index
Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index
Categories
AU, Bonds
AU, Bonds
Listed since
2020 (6 yrs)
2012 (14 yrs)
Fund size (AUM)
$844m
$3.8bn
Cost & income
Management fee
0.42%
0.1%
Dividend yield
4.32%
3.24%
Franking
0%
0%
Turnover
150%
30%
Tax drag 4.98% 1.76%
Returns
Tax bracket
1-year return
1.1%
net
1%
net
3-year return
4%
net
3.6%
net
5-year return
0.1%
net
-0.2%
net
10-year return
1.5%
net
Risk
Volatility (3y)
4.3%
4%
Volatility (5y)
5.7%
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

BNDS BetaShares Western Asset Australian Bond Active ETF
  • Pays a useful 4.32% income yield.
  • Low volatility (5.7% over 5 years) for a smoother ride.
  • Has lagged most peers over 5 years (162nd of 188).
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 BNDS vs VAF?

BNDS and VAF are 2 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. VAF carries the lower management fee (0.1%). Over 5 years, BNDS has delivered the higher total return (0.1% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lower fees - BNDS vs VAF?

VAF has the lower management fee at 0.1% a year, versus BNDS 0.42%.

Which has performed higher - BNDS vs VAF?

Over the past 5 years, BNDS has delivered the higher total return at 0.1% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the higher dividend yield?

BNDS pays the higher at 4.32%. 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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