STW vs MQAE - Compare ETFs side by side

At a glance

Comparing STW and MQAE. MQAE has the lower management fee at 0.03% a year, STW has the higher 1 year return at 2.6% a year, and STW offers the higher at 3.85%.

Lower fee

MQAE 0.03% p.a.

Higher 1 year return

STW 2.6% p.a.

Higher yield

STW 3.85%

Larger fund

STW $6.6bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric	STW State Street SPDR S&P/ASX 200 ETF	MQAE Macquarie Core Australian Equity Active ETF
Snapshot
Provider	State Street	—
Tracks index	S&P/ASX 200 Index	S&P/ASX 200 Index
Categories	AU, Large-Cap, Market-Cap	AU, Large-Cap
Listed since	2001 (25 yrs)	2023 (3 yrs)
Fund size (AUM)	$6.6bn	$1.3bn
Cost & income
Management fee	0.05%	0.03%
Dividend yield	3.85%	2.59%
Franking	80%	78%
Turnover	3%	55%
Tax drag	0.41%	1.56%
Returns	Tax bracket - adjusts tax drag & net returns
1-year return	2.6% net	0.9% net
3-year return	11.4% net	—
5-year return	7.6% net	—
10-year return	8.9% net	—
Risk
Volatility (3y)	10.6%	—
Volatility (5y)	12.4%	—
Volatility (10y)	13.3%	—
Sharpe ratio (3y)	0.68	—
Sharpe ratio (5y)	0.38	—
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

STW State Street SPDR S&P/ASX 200 ETF

Low-cost: a 0.05% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
Pays a useful 3.85% income yield.

Cheaper alternatives exist: A300, MQAE, and A200.

Full STW analysis →

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between STW vs MQAE?

STW and MQAE are 2 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. MQAE carries the lower management fee (0.03%). Over 1 year, STW has delivered the higher total return (2.6% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lower fees - STW vs MQAE?

MQAE has the lower management fee at 0.03% a year, versus STW 0.05%.

Which has performed higher - STW vs MQAE?

Over the past 1 year, STW has delivered the higher total return at 2.6% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the higher dividend yield?

STW pays the higher at 3.85%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the larger and most liquid?

STW is the larger fund by assets ($6.6bn). Larger funds are typically more liquid and trade on tighter spreads.

Related comparisons

STW vs IOZ STW vs VAS STW vs A200 STW vs SFY STW vs ILC STW vs A300 MQAE vs DACE MQAE vs IOZ

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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.