Grow it · ETFs

DBBF vs VDBA vs IBAL vs GROW

Compare fees, returns, income and risk for these 4 ASX-listed ETFs side by side.

At a glance

Comparing DBBF, VDBA, IBAL, and GROW. IBAL has the lowest management fee at 0.22% a year, VDBA has the highest 5 years return at 4.5% a year, and VDBA offers the highest at 5.17%.
Lowest fee
IBAL 0.22% p.a.
Highest 5 years return
VDBA 4.5% p.a.
Highest yield
VDBA 5.17%
Highest risk-adjusted
VDBA Sharpe 0.71 (3y)
Lowest volatility
VDBA 7.4% (5y)
Largest fund
VDBA $927m

Side-by-side comparison

Metric DBBF
BetaShares Ethical Diversified Balanced ETF
VDBA
Vanguard Diversified Balanced Index ETF
IBAL
iShares Balanced ESG ETF
GROW
Schroder Real Return Active ETF
Snapshot
Provider
BetaShares
Vanguard
iShares
Tracks index
Categories
AU, Intl, ESG
AU, Intl, Market-Cap
AU, Intl, ESG
AU, Intl, Active
Listed since
2017 (9 yrs)
Fund size (AUM)
$33m
$927m
$25m
$79m
Cost & income
Management fee
0.39%
0.27%
0.22%
0.69%
Dividend yield
3.11%
5.17%
2.67%
Franking
20%
35%
15%
15%
Turnover
15%
8%
15%
45%
Tax drag 1.17% 1.32% 1.1% 1.08%
Returns
Tax bracket
1-year return
1.1%
net
6.5%
net
4.4%
net
3-year return
6.5%
net
8.6%
net
9%
net
5-year return
2.8%
net
4.5%
net
10-year return
Risk
Volatility (3y)
7.2%
6.2%
6.8%
Volatility (5y)
8.5%
7.4%
Volatility (10y)
Sharpe ratio (3y)
0.34
0.71
0.71
Sharpe ratio (5y)
0.2
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

DBBF BetaShares Ethical Diversified Balanced ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.39% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Has lagged most peers over 1 year (240th of 308).
VDBA Vanguard Diversified Balanced Index ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.27% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Pays a useful 5.17% income yield.
  • Cheaper alternatives exist: IBAL.
IBAL iShares Balanced ESG ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.22% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Low volatility (6.8% over 3 years) for a smoother ride.
GROW Schroder Real Return Active ETF
  • Pricier than similar ETFs, which average around 0.44%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between DBBF vs VDBA vs IBAL vs GROW?

DBBF, VDBA, IBAL, and GROW are 4 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. IBAL carries the lowest management fee (0.22%). Over 5 years, VDBA has delivered the highest total return (4.5% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lowest fees - DBBF vs VDBA vs IBAL vs GROW?

IBAL has the lowest management fee at 0.22% a year, versus DBBF 0.39%, VDBA 0.27%, and GROW 0.69%.

Which has performed highest - DBBF vs VDBA vs IBAL vs GROW?

Over the past 5 years, VDBA has delivered the highest total return at 4.5% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the highest dividend yield?

VDBA pays the highest at 5.17%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the largest and most liquid?

VDBA is the largest fund by assets ($927m). 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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