Is HQUS a good ETF?
HQUS is the BetaShares S&P 500 Equal Weight Currency Hedged ETF from BetaShares. It tracks the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (AUD Hedged). We classify it under Intl, Large-Cap, Market-Cap, US, and Factor. With about $284 million in assets it is a solidly established fund.
On a total-return basis, HQUS has delivered 17.6% a year over 1 year (ranked 66th of 308 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 1 year, where it sits in the top 21% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.32% is reasonable. That's cheaper than the typical 0.46% for similar ETFs. If cost is your priority, VTS (0.03%), IVV (0.04%), and V500 (0.07%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a moderate 2.64% yield.
Strengths
- Top-21% returns over 1 year (66th of 308 ETFs we track).
- Low-cost: a 0.32% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
Things to watch
- Cheaper alternatives exist: VTS, IVV, and V500.
What HQUS'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.
Holdings are weighted by company size, so the largest companies carry the most weight. These funds are cheap, tax-efficient and self-rebalancing.
- Market regime
- Works in almost any regime as a low-maintenance core. The trade-off is concentration — you automatically own more of whatever has already become expensive at the top of a bull market.
- In a portfolio
- The classic buy-and-hold core of most portfolios. Well suited to long-term, hands-off investing.
US-listed companies — the world's deepest, most innovation-heavy market and home to the mega-cap tech names. Has led global returns for over a decade.
- Market regime
- Strong leadership has left valuations high and the index heavily concentrated in a handful of tech giants. Unhedged funds also rise and fall with the AUD/USD exchange rate.
- In a portfolio
- A legitimate core holding for global exposure, but be aware you are buying after a long run of outperformance and at elevated valuations.
Tilts toward academically-backed drivers of return — value, quality, momentum, size or low volatility — aiming to beat plain market-cap weighting over a full cycle.
- Market regime
- Any single factor can underperform the broad market for years before rewarding patient holders. Multi-factor funds smooth this out somewhat.
- In a portfolio
- A long-term tilt that demands discipline: the edge only shows up if you hold through the inevitable lean stretches.
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.