Is QAU a good ETF?
QAU is the BetaShares Gold Bullion ETF (Currency Hedged) from BetaShares. We classify it under Commodities. With about $1.18 billion in assets it is a large, highly liquid fund.
On a total-return basis, QAU has delivered 10.08% a year over 10 years (ranked 42nd of 110 ETFs we track), 16.92% a year over 5 years (ranked 15th of 189 ETFs we track), 28.58% a year over 3 years (ranked 12th of 236 ETFs we track), and 8.74% a year over 1 year (ranked 113th of 318 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 3 years, where it sits in the top 5% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.59% is on the higher side. For comparison, similar ETFs average around 0.49%. If cost is your priority, NUGG (0.14%), PMGOLD (0.15%), and GXLD (0.15%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a healthy 5.29% yield, attractive if you want regular income. 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 10 years its volatility has been elevated (annualised standard deviation around 15.68%), meaning noticeably larger swings than the broad market. Its 10-year Sharpe ratio of 0.55 is reasonable — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Strengths
- Top-5% returns over 3 years (12th of 236 ETFs we track).
- Pays a useful 5.29% income yield.
Things to watch
- Pricier than similar ETFs, which average around 0.49%.
- Cheaper alternatives exist: NUGG, PMGOLD, and GXLD.
What QAU's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Exposure to physical commodities (gold, silver, oil) or the companies that produce them. A portfolio diversifier and a classic inflation hedge.
- Market regime
- Gold in particular tends to shine during crises, high inflation and falling real interest rates. Commodities generate no yield or earnings and can trend sideways for years.
- In a portfolio
- A tactical or satellite allocation for diversification and inflation protection — not a long-term compounding engine.
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.