VGSvsBGBL
Two low-cost global equity ETFs. Different indexes, different fees.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF · BetaShares Global Shares ETF
These ETFs cover similar markets at different price points - BGBL is 10bp cheaper at 0.08%. The fee gap compounds over time even with comparable index exposure. VGS scores notably higher on fund size.
Score Breakdown
Fund Profiles
Vanguard's VGS is one of Australia's most popular international ETFs, tracking the MSCI World ex-Australia Index across 23 developed markets with approximately 1,500 holdings. The fund is unhedged, meaning returns include the effect of currency movements, and carries a heavy US weighting of roughly 70 per cent, reflecting America's dominance in global equity markets. Investors seeking a simple, low-cost core international equity holding to pair with an Australian ETF like VAS - building a two-fund global portfolio - will find VGS an ideal foundation for long-term wealth building.
BetaShares Global Equity Leaders ETF tracks the Solactive GBS Developed Markets ex Australia Large & Mid Cap Index, offering broad exposure to international developed-market equities. As an unhedged fund, returns are influenced by movements in the Australian dollar against major currencies, which can amplify or dampen performance relative to the underlying index. Suited to investors seeking very low-cost core international equity exposure to complement an Australian-focused portfolio, BGBL is a popular building block for diversified long-term strategies.