MQAE vs VAS - Compare ETFs side by side

At a glance

Comparing MQAE and VAS. MQAE has the lower management fee at 0.03% a year, VAS has the higher 1 year return at 5.8% a year, and VAS offers the higher at 2.93%.

Lower fee

MQAE 0.03% p.a.

Higher 1 year return

VAS 5.8% p.a.

Higher yield

VAS 2.93%

Larger fund

VAS $26.2bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric	MQAE Macquarie Core Australian Equity Active ETF	VAS Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF
Snapshot
Provider	—	Vanguard
Tracks index	S&P/ASX 200 Index	S&P/ASX 300 Index
Categories	AU, Large-Cap	AU, Large-Cap, Market-Cap
Listed since	2023 (3 yrs)	2009 (17 yrs)
Fund size (AUM)	$1.2bn	$26.2bn
Cost & income
Management fee	0.03%	0.07%
Dividend yield	2.55%	2.93%
Franking	78%	75%
Turnover	55%	4%
Tax drag	1.56%	0.39%
Returns	Tax bracket - adjusts tax drag & net returns
1-year return	5.5% net	5.8% net
3-year return	—	10.2% net
5-year return	—	7.8% net
10-year return	—	8.9% net
Risk
Volatility (3y)	—	10.7%
Volatility (5y)	—	12.5%
Volatility (10y)	—	13.4%
Sharpe ratio (3y)	—	0.58
Sharpe ratio (5y)	—	0.41
Sharpe ratio (10y)	—	0.54
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

MQAE Macquarie Core Australian Equity Active ETF

Low-cost: a 0.03% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.

High portfolio turnover (55% a year) means frequent trading that realises capital gains, adding tax drag — less efficient than a low-turnover index fund.

Full MQAE analysis →

VAS Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF

Low-cost: a 0.07% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.

Cheaper alternatives exist: MQAE, A200, and IOZ.

Full VAS analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between MQAE vs VAS?

MQAE and VAS are 2 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. MQAE carries the lower management fee (0.03%). Over 1 year, VAS has delivered the higher total return (5.8% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lower fees - MQAE vs VAS?

MQAE has the lower management fee at 0.03% a year, versus VAS 0.07%.

Which has performed higher - MQAE vs VAS?

Over the past 1 year, VAS has delivered the higher total return at 5.8% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the higher dividend yield?

VAS pays the higher at 2.93%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the larger and most liquid?

VAS is the larger fund by assets ($26.2bn). Larger funds are typically more liquid and trade on tighter spreads.

Related comparisons

MQAE vs DACE MQAE vs IOZ MQAE vs STW MQAE vs A200 MQAE vs FHCO MQAE vs AASF VAS vs IOZ VAS vs STW

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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.