Grow it · ETFs

IAF vs BNDS

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

At a glance

Comparing IAF and BNDS. IAF 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 4.6%.
Lower fee
IAF 0.1% p.a.
Higher 5 years return
BNDS 0.1% p.a.
Higher yield
BNDS 4.6%
Lower volatility
IAF 5.4% (5y)
Larger fund
IAF $3.7bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric IAF
iShares Core Composite Bond ETF
BNDS
BetaShares Western Asset Australian Bond Active ETF
Snapshot
Provider
iShares
BetaShares
Tracks index
Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index
Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index
Categories
AU, Bonds
AU, Bonds
Listed since
2012 (14 yrs)
2020 (6 yrs)
Fund size (AUM)
$3.7bn
$836m
Cost & income
Management fee
0.1%
0.42%
Dividend yield
3.18%
4.6%
Franking
0%
0%
Turnover
35%
150%
Tax drag 1.86% 5.07%
Returns
Tax bracket
1-year return
-0.5%
net
-0.6%
net
3-year return
3.5%
net
3.9%
net
5-year return
-0.1%
net
0.1%
net
10-year return
1.4%
net
—
Risk
Volatility (3y)
3.9%
4.2%
Volatility (5y)
5.4%
5.7%
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

IAF iShares Core Composite Bond ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.1% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Low volatility (4.46% over 10 years) for a smoother ride.
  • Has lagged most peers over 10 years (97th of 110).
BNDS BetaShares Western Asset Australian Bond Active ETF
  • Pays a useful 4.6% income yield.
  • Low volatility (5.67% over 5 years) for a smoother ride.
  • Has lagged most peers over 3 years (202nd of 236).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between IAF vs BNDS?

IAF and BNDS are 2 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. IAF 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 - IAF vs BNDS?

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

Which has performed higher - IAF vs BNDS?

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 4.6%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the larger and most liquid?

IAF is the larger fund by assets ($3.7bn). 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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