Grow it · ETFs

VAF vs XGOV

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

At a glance

Comparing VAF and XGOV. VAF has the lower management fee at 0.1% a year, VAF has the higher 3 years return at 3.5% a year, and XGOV offers the higher at 4.34%.
Lower fee
VAF 0.1% p.a.
Higher 3 years return
VAF 3.5% p.a.
Higher yield
XGOV 4.34%
Lower volatility
VAF 3.9% (3y)
Larger fund
VAF $3.9bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric VAF
Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF
XGOV
VanEck 10+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF
Snapshot
Provider
Vanguard
VanEck
Tracks index
Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index
—
Categories
AU, Bonds
Bonds, AU
Listed since
2012 (14 yrs)
—
Fund size (AUM)
$3.9bn
$476m
Cost & income
Management fee
0.1%
0.22%
Dividend yield
3.27%
4.34%
Franking
0%
0%
Turnover
30%
20%
Tax drag 1.77% 1.87%
Returns
Tax bracket
1-year return
-0.5%
net
-3.1%
net
3-year return
3.5%
net
2.9%
net
5-year return
-0.1%
net
—
10-year return
1.4%
net
—
Risk
Volatility (3y)
3.9%
7.6%
Volatility (5y)
5.4%
—
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

VAF Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.1% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Low volatility (4.46% over 10 years) for a smoother ride.
  • Has lagged most peers over 10 years (97th of 110).
XGOV VanEck 10+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.22% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Pays a useful 4.34% income yield.
  • Has lagged most peers over 3 years (218th of 236).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between VAF vs XGOV?

VAF and XGOV are 2 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. VAF carries the lower management fee (0.1%). Over 3 years, VAF has delivered the higher total return (3.5% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lower fees - VAF vs XGOV?

VAF has the lower management fee at 0.1% a year, versus XGOV 0.22%.

Which has performed higher - VAF vs XGOV?

Over the past 3 years, VAF has delivered the higher total return at 3.5% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the higher dividend yield?

XGOV pays the higher at 4.34%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the larger and most liquid?

VAF is the larger fund by assets ($3.9bn). 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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