Grow it · ETFs

VSO vs EX20

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

At a glance

Comparing VSO and EX20. EX20 has the lower management fee at 0.25% a year, VSO has the higher 5 years return at 5.5% a year, and VSO offers the higher at 4.92%.
Lower fee
EX20 0.25% p.a.
Higher 5 years return
VSO 5.5% p.a.
Higher yield
VSO 4.92%
Higher risk-adjusted
VSO Sharpe 0.22 (5y)
Lower volatility
EX20 13.9% (5y)
Larger fund
VSO $1.1bn

Side-by-side comparison

Metric VSO
Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF
EX20
BetaShares Australian Ex-20 Portfolio Diversifier ETF
Snapshot
Provider
Vanguard
BetaShares
Tracks index
MSCI Australian Shares Small Cap Index
Nasdaq Australia Completion Cap Index
Categories
AU, Small-Cap, Market-Cap
AU, Small-Cap
Listed since
2011 (15 yrs)
Fund size (AUM)
$1.1bn
$645m
Cost & income
Management fee
0.3%
0.25%
Dividend yield
4.92%
2.87%
Franking
65%
55%
Turnover
18%
25%
Tax drag 1.07% 1.06%
Returns
Tax bracket
1-year return
7%
net
-2.6%
net
3-year return
9.3%
net
6.2%
net
5-year return
5.5%
net
5%
net
10-year return
8.4%
net
Risk
Volatility (3y)
13.2%
12.4%
Volatility (5y)
15.6%
13.9%
Volatility (10y)
16.6%
Sharpe ratio (3y)
0.43
0.22
Sharpe ratio (5y)
0.22
0.19
Sharpe ratio (10y)
0.44
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

VSO Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.3% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Pays a useful 4.92% income yield.
  • Cheaper alternatives exist: VAS and EX20.
EX20 BetaShares Australian Ex-20 Portfolio Diversifier ETF
  • Low-cost: a 0.25% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
  • Has lagged most peers over 1 year (273rd of 308).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between VSO vs EX20?

VSO and EX20 are 2 Australian-listed ETFs we compare side by side. EX20 carries the lower management fee (0.25%). Over 5 years, VSO has delivered the higher total return (5.5% a year). The table above breaks down fees, returns, income and risk for each.

Which has the lower fees - VSO vs EX20?

EX20 has the lower management fee at 0.25% a year, versus VSO 0.3%.

Which has performed higher - VSO vs EX20?

Over the past 5 years, VSO has delivered the higher total return at 5.5% a year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Which pays the higher dividend yield?

VSO pays the higher at 4.92%. Remember distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate.

Which is the larger and most liquid?

VSO is the larger fund by assets ($1.1bn). 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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