Is GLIN a good ETF?
GLIN is the iShares Core FTSE Global Infrastructure (AUD Hedged) ETF from iShares. It tracks the FTSE Global Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index (AUD Hedged). We classify it under Intl and Thematic. With about $1.74 billion in assets it is a large, highly liquid fund. Listed on the ASX since 2023-10-24 (almost 3 years ago).
On a total-return basis, GLIN has delivered 11.88% a year over 3 years (ranked 94th of 226 ETFs we track) and 16.05% a year over 1 year (ranked 70th of 308 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 1 year, where it sits in the top 23% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.15% is very low — typical of low-cost index funds. That's cheaper than the typical 0.48% for similar ETFs. If cost is your priority, TOLL (0.14%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a high 5.96% yield — generous income, but check it isn't a sign of a narrow or higher-risk portfolio. Bear in mind distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate, so a high yield is less tax-efficient for higher earners and during the accumulation phase.
Over the past 3 years its volatility has been moderate (annualised standard deviation around 10.96%), meaning the kind of swings you'd expect from a diversified equity fund. Its 3-year Sharpe ratio of 0.71 is reasonable — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Portfolio turnover is very low at about 5% a year — the portfolio barely changes from year to year, much like a classic buy-and-hold index fund. Very little of its return is lost to trading or to capital gains being realised early, making it highly tax-efficient.
Strengths
- Top-23% returns over 1 year (70th of 308 ETFs we track).
- Low-cost: a 0.15% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
- High 5.96% income yield — good for investors who want regular cash flow.
Things to watch
- Cheaper alternatives exist: TOLL.
- That income is taxed yearly at your marginal rate, so it's less efficient for higher earners.
- Highly concentrated single-theme bet — keep the position size small.
What GLIN'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.
A concentrated bet on a single trend — AI, battery tech, cybersecurity, robotics and the like. High conviction, high concentration, and often high fees.
- Market regime
- Frequently launched after a theme is already hot, which has historically been a poor entry point. Expect very large swings in both directions.
- In a portfolio
- A small satellite position at most. Treat it as a speculative tilt, never as a core holding.
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.