Is GGBL a good ETF?
GGBL is the BetaShares Wealth Builder Global Shares Geared (30-40% LVR) Complex ETF from BetaShares. We classify it under Intl, Large-Cap, and Geared. With about $82 million in assets it is a relatively small fund (worth checking spreads and liquidity before buying). Listed on the ASX since 2025-09-30 (12 months ago).
The management fee of 0.59% is on the higher side. For comparison, similar ETFs average around 0.49%. If cost is your priority, BGBL (0.08%) and GHHF (0.35%) cover similar ground for less.
Portfolio turnover is low at about 15% a year — it trades only a small slice of its holdings each year, so trading costs and tax on realised gains stay modest — typical of a passive index strategy.
Things to watch
- Pricier than similar ETFs, which average around 0.49%.
- Cheaper alternatives exist: BGBL and GHHF.
Good to know
- Built on borrowed money (geared), which magnifies both gains and losses — a tactical tool, not a buy-and-hold core.
What GGBL's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Global and international shares from outside Australia — broadening you into thousands of companies and the sectors (tech, healthcare) the local market lacks.
- Market regime
- Essential diversification away from the bank-and-resources-heavy ASX. Unhedged versions carry currency risk; hedged versions remove it at a small cost.
- In a portfolio
- A core holding for almost every long-term Australian portfolio.
The biggest, most established companies. More stable earnings, lower volatility and often steadier dividends than the broad market.
- Market regime
- Holds up comparatively well in downturns and uncertain markets; tends to lag small-caps and growth during the most aggressive bull runs.
- In a portfolio
- A dependable core building block suited to long-term holding.
Uses borrowing (leverage) to amplify the return of the underlying assets — magnifying both gains and losses. Internally geared funds remove the margin-call risk but not the volatility.
- Market regime
- Amplifies whatever the market does. In choppy, sideways markets 'volatility decay' steadily erodes returns even if the index ends up flat.
- In a portfolio
- A tactical, short-to-medium-term tool for experienced investors — explicitly not a buy-and-forget holding. Fees are high and the ride is extreme.
General information only, generated from the 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.