Grow it · ETFs

GOVT vs VGB

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

At a glance

Comparing GOVT and VGB. GOVT has the lower management fee at 0.1% a year, VGB has the higher 10 years return at 1.3% a year, and VGB offers the higher at 3.27%.
Lower fee
GOVT 0.1% p.a.
Higher 10 years return
VGB 1.3% p.a.
Higher yield
VGB 3.27%
Lower volatility
VGB 4.8% (10y)
Larger fund
VGB $1.4bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric GOVT
State Street SPDR S&P/ASX Australian Government Bond ETF
VGB
Vanguard Australian Government Bond Index ETF
Snapshot
Provider
State Street
Vanguard
Tracks index
Bloomberg AusBond Govt 0+ Yr Index
Categories
Bonds, AU
AU, Bonds
Listed since
2012 (14 yrs)
Fund size (AUM)
$77m
$1.4bn
Cost & income
Management fee
0.1%
0.16%
Dividend yield
3.01%
3.27%
Franking
0%
0%
Turnover
15%
25%
Tax drag 1.32% 1.65%
Returns
Tax bracket
1-year return
0.7%
net
0.7%
net
3-year return
3.3%
net
3.2%
net
5-year return
-1%
net
-0.6%
net
10-year return
1.1%
net
1.3%
net
Risk
Volatility (3y)
4.9%
4.3%
Volatility (5y)
6.5%
5.8%
Volatility (10y)
5.3%
4.8%
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

GOVT State Street SPDR S&P/ASX Australian Government Bond ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.1% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Low volatility (5.32% over 10 years) for a smoother ride.
  • Has lagged most peers over 10 years (103rd of 108).
VGB Vanguard Australian Government Bond Index ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.16% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Low volatility (4.84% over 10 years) for a smoother ride.
  • Has lagged most peers over 10 years (102nd of 108).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between GOVT vs VGB?

GOVT and VGB are 2 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. GOVT carries the lower management fee (0.1%). Over 10 years, VGB has delivered the higher total return (1.3% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lower fees - GOVT vs VGB?

GOVT has the lower management fee at 0.1% a year, versus VGB 0.16%.

Which has performed higher - GOVT vs VGB?

Over the past 10 years, VGB has delivered the higher total return at 1.3% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the higher dividend yield?

VGB pays the higher at 3.27%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the larger and most liquid?

VGB is the larger fund by assets ($1.4bn). 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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