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 5.9% a year, and STW offers the higher at 3.63%.

Lower fee

MQAE 0.03% p.a.

Higher 1 year return

STW 5.9% p.a.

Higher yield

STW 3.63%

Larger fund

STW $6.7bn

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)	$6.7bn	$1.2bn
Cost & income
Management fee	0.05%	0.03%
Dividend yield	3.63%	2.55%
Franking	80%	78%
Turnover	3%	55%
Tax drag	0.39%	1.56%
Returns	Tax bracket - adjusts tax drag & net returns
1-year return	5.9% net	5.5% net
3-year return	10.4% net	—
5-year return	7.9% net	—
10-year return	8.9% net	—
Risk
Volatility (3y)	10.7%	—
Volatility (5y)	12.4%	—
Volatility (10y)	13.3%	—
Sharpe ratio (3y)	0.6	—
Sharpe ratio (5y)	0.42	—
Sharpe ratio (10y)	0.55	—
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 3.63% 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 (5.9% 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 5.9% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the higher dividend yield?

STW pays the higher at 3.63%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the larger and most liquid?

STW is the larger fund by assets ($6.7bn). Larger funds are typically more liquid and trade on tighter spreads.

Related comparisons

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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.