IGB vs VGB vs VAF vs AGVT - Compare ETFs side by side

At a glance

Comparing IGB, VGB, VAF, and AGVT. VAF has the lowest management fee at 0.1% a year, VAF has the highest 10 years return at 1.5% a year, and AGVT offers the highest at 4%.

Lowest fee

VAF 0.1% p.a.

Highest 10 years return

VAF 1.5% p.a.

Highest yield

AGVT 4%

Lowest volatility

VAF 4.5% (10y)

Largest fund

VAF $3.8bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric	IGB iShares Treasury ETF	VGB Vanguard Australian Government Bond Index ETF	VAF Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF	AGVT BetaShares Australian Government Bond ETF
Snapshot
Provider	iShares	Vanguard	Vanguard	BetaShares
Tracks index	Bloomberg AusBond Treasury 0+ Yr Index	Bloomberg AusBond Govt 0+ Yr Index	Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index	Solactive Australian Government 7-12 Year AUD TR Index
Categories	Bonds, AU	AU, Bonds	AU, Bonds	Bonds, AU
Listed since	—	2012 (14 yrs)	2012 (14 yrs)	—
Fund size (AUM)	$430m	$1.4bn	$3.8bn	$1.1bn
Cost & income
Management fee	0.18%	0.16%	0.1%	0.22%
Dividend yield	2.6%	3.27%	3.24%	4%
Franking	0%	0%	0%	0%
Turnover	30%	25%	30%	30%
Tax drag	1.55%	1.65%	1.76%	2%
Returns	Tax bracket - adjusts tax drag & net returns
1-year return	0.4% net	0.7% net	1% net	0.3% net
3-year return	2.9% net	3.2% net	3.6% net	3.4% net
5-year return	-0.8% net	-0.6% net	-0.2% net	-1.6% net
10-year return	1.1% net	1.3% net	1.5% net	—
Risk
Volatility (3y)	4.2%	4.3%	4%	6.4%
Volatility (5y)	5.8%	5.8%	5.4%	8.2%
Volatility (10y)	5%	4.8%	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

IGB iShares Treasury ETF

Low-cost: a 0.18% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
Low volatility (4.98% over 10 years) for a smoother ride.

Has lagged most peers over 10 years (104th of 108).

Full IGB analysis →

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).

Full VGB analysis →

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).

Full VAF analysis →

AGVT BetaShares Australian Government Bond ETF

Low-cost: a 0.22% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
Pays a useful 4% income yield.

Has lagged most peers over 5 years (179th of 188).

Full AGVT analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between IGB vs VGB vs VAF vs AGVT?

IGB, VGB, VAF, and AGVT are 4 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. VAF carries the lowest management fee (0.1%). Over 10 years, VAF 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 - IGB vs VGB vs VAF vs AGVT?

VAF has the lowest management fee at 0.1% a year, versus IGB 0.18%, VGB 0.16%, and AGVT 0.22%.

Which has performed highest - IGB vs VGB vs VAF vs AGVT?

Over the past 10 years, VAF 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?

AGVT pays the highest at 4%. 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

IGB vs 1GOV IGB vs 5GOV IGB vs ALTB IGB vs BBAB VGB vs IAF VGB vs ILB VGB vs VIF VGB vs OZBD

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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.