Is U100 a good ETF?
U100 is the BetaShares S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF from BetaShares. It tracks the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index. We classify it under US, Factor, Large-Cap, Tech, and Growth. With about $99 million in assets it is a relatively small fund (worth checking spreads and liquidity before buying). Listed on the ASX since 2025-04-01 (over 1 year ago).
On a total-return basis, U100 has delivered 8.6% a year over 1 year (ranked 141st of 308 ETFs we track).
The management fee of 0.18% is reasonable. That's cheaper than the typical 0.4% for similar ETFs. If cost is your priority, VTS (0.03%), IVV (0.04%), and IJH (0.07%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a high 12.37% 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.
Portfolio turnover is modest at about 20% a year — it reshuffles a meaningful but still limited part of the portfolio annually, which keeps the tax and trading drag manageable.
Strengths
- Low-cost: a 0.18% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
- High 12.37% income yield — good for investors who want regular cash flow.
Things to watch
- Cheaper alternatives exist: VTS, IVV, and IJH.
- That income is taxed yearly at your marginal rate, so it's less efficient for higher earners.
What U100's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
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.
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.
Concentrated in technology and high-growth innovation. The highest long-run growth potential on offer, paired with the deepest drawdowns.
- Market regime
- Very sensitive to interest rates and sentiment: powers ahead when money is cheap and optimism is high, and falls hardest when rates rise or risk appetite sours. Low dividends, high volatility.
- In a portfolio
- A long-horizon, high-conviction holding for investors with a strong stomach. Size the position so a 40-50% drawdown wouldn't derail your plan.
Companies expected to grow earnings quickly, which typically reinvest profits rather than pay dividends. Low yield, higher volatility, valuation-driven.
- Market regime
- Shines when interest rates are low or falling and risk appetite is high. Hit hardest when rates rise, because more of their value sits in distant future earnings.
- In a portfolio
- Long-horizon growth engine for investors who can stomach deeper drawdowns and little income along the way.
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.