VDBA vs IBAL - Compare ETFs side by side

At a glance

Comparing VDBA and IBAL. IBAL has the lower management fee at 0.22% a year, IBAL has the higher 3 years return at 10.1% a year, and VDBA offers the higher at 5.19%.

Lower fee

IBAL 0.22% p.a.

Higher 3 years return

IBAL 10.1% p.a.

Higher yield

VDBA 5.19%

Higher risk-adjusted

IBAL Sharpe 0.89 (3y)

Lower volatility

VDBA 5.9% (3y)

Larger fund

VDBA $942m

Side-by-side comparison

Metric	VDBA Vanguard Diversified Balanced Index ETF	IBAL iShares Balanced ESG ETF
Snapshot
Provider	Vanguard	iShares
Tracks index	—	—
Categories	AU, Intl, Market-Cap	AU, Intl, ESG
Listed since	2017 (9 yrs)	—
Fund size (AUM)	$942m	$25m
Cost & income
Management fee	0.27%	0.22%
Dividend yield	5.19%	2.65%
Franking	35%	15%
Turnover	8%	15%
Tax drag	1.32%	1.09%
Returns	Tax bracket - adjusts tax drag & net returns
1-year return	3.8% net	3.9% net
3-year return	9.6% net	10.1% net
5-year return	4.5% net	—
10-year return	—	—
Risk
Volatility (3y)	5.9%	6.5%
Volatility (5y)	7.3%	—
Volatility (10y)	—	—
Sharpe ratio (3y)	0.88	0.89
Sharpe ratio (5y)	0.18	—
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

VDBA Vanguard Diversified Balanced Index ETF

Low-cost: a 0.27% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
Pays a useful 5.19% income yield.

Cheaper alternatives exist: IBAL.

Full VDBA analysis →

IBAL iShares Balanced ESG ETF

Low-cost: a 0.22% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
Low volatility (6.47% over 3 years) for a smoother ride.

Full IBAL analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between VDBA vs IBAL?

VDBA and IBAL are 2 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. IBAL carries the lower management fee (0.22%). Over 3 years, IBAL has delivered the higher total return (10.1% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lower fees - VDBA vs IBAL?

IBAL has the lower management fee at 0.22% a year, versus VDBA 0.27%.

Which has performed higher - VDBA vs IBAL?

Over the past 3 years, IBAL has delivered the higher total return at 10.1% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the higher dividend yield?

VDBA pays the higher at 5.19%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the larger and most liquid?

VDBA is the larger fund by assets ($942m). Larger funds are typically more liquid and trade on tighter spreads.

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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.