Grow it · ETFs

FRAR vs IAF vs OZBD vs VAF

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

At a glance

Comparing FRAR, IAF, OZBD, and VAF. IAF has the lowest management fee at 0.1% a year, IAF has the highest 10 years return at 1.5% a year, and OZBD offers the highest at 4.23%.
Lowest fee
IAF 0.1% p.a.
Highest 10 years return
IAF 1.5% p.a.
Highest yield
OZBD 4.23%
Lowest volatility
IAF 4.5% (10y)
Largest fund
VAF $3.8bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric FRAR
Franklin Australian Absolute Return Bond Fund - Active ETF
IAF
iShares Core Composite Bond ETF
OZBD
BetaShares Australian Composite Bond ETF
VAF
Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF
Snapshot
Provider
iShares
BetaShares
Vanguard
Tracks index
Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index
Solactive Australian Composite Bond Select Index
Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index
Categories
Bonds, AU, Active
AU, Bonds
AU, Bonds
AU, Bonds
Listed since
2012 (14 yrs)
2022 (4 yrs)
2012 (14 yrs)
Fund size (AUM)
$706m
$3.8bn
$1.4bn
$3.8bn
Cost & income
Management fee
0.5%
0.1%
0.19%
0.1%
Dividend yield
3.15%
4.23%
3.24%
Franking
0%
0%
0%
0%
Turnover
30%
35%
25%
30%
Tax drag 0.72% 1.85% 1.95% 1.76%
Returns
Tax bracket
1-year return
1%
net
1.1%
net
1%
net
3-year return
3.6%
net
4.3%
net
3.6%
net
5-year return
-0.2%
net
-0.2%
net
10-year return
1.5%
net
1.5%
net
Risk
Volatility (3y)
4%
4.8%
4%
Volatility (5y)
5.4%
5.4%
Volatility (10y)
4.5%
4.5%
Sharpe ratio (3y)
0.14
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

FRAR Franklin Australian Absolute Return Bond Fund - Active ETF
  • Pricier than similar ETFs, which average around 0.45%.
IAF iShares Core Composite Bond 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).
OZBD BetaShares Australian Composite Bond ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.19% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Pays a useful 4.23% income yield.
  • Has lagged most peers over 3 years (185th of 226).
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 FRAR vs IAF vs OZBD vs VAF?

FRAR, IAF, OZBD, and VAF are 4 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. IAF carries the lowest management fee (0.1%). Over 10 years, IAF has delivered the highest total return (1.5% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lowest fees - FRAR vs IAF vs OZBD vs VAF?

IAF has the lowest management fee at 0.1% a year, versus FRAR 0.5%, OZBD 0.19%, and VAF 0.1%.

Which has performed highest - FRAR vs IAF vs OZBD vs VAF?

Over the past 10 years, IAF has delivered the highest total return at 1.5% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the highest dividend yield?

OZBD pays the highest at 4.23%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the largest and most liquid?

VAF is the largest 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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