Top ASX ETFs for Diverse Investments

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in Australia.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a low-cost investment asset class that generates similar returns to an index or a commodity. ETFs can also help diversify investment portfolios. Someone can purchase and sell ETFs through an intermittent authority, in the same way as practiced in the buying and selling of stocks on the exchange. It has been recorded of 240 ASX listed ETFs as of January 2023.

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How do ETFs Work?

The ETFs can be held in the form of units and do not own the underlying investments, while the ETF provider owns the stocks or assets. ETF units can be created or redeemed to align with investor’s demand, which helps the price of the units stay relatively close to the net asset value (NAV) of the ETF. This differs from stocks in a company or units in a listed investment trust, where the price constantly deviates as per the requisite demand from the investors. The ASX ETF example: The SPDR S&P200 Fund (STW) correlates the performance of the broader Australian index S&P 200 by allocating funds to all 200 constituents in a similar weight as the index. The performance of the S&P/ASX200 can be compared periodically with the STW Funds. Therefore, any investor looking for ETFs can compare their performance with that of the S&P/ASX 200 index.

Pros and Cons of ETFs

There are many ways ETFs play a pivotal role; some of these are as follows:

ETFs provide a good diversification opportunity through a basket of stocks in one go. This will assist in the division of an asset class. It also provides an opportunity to invest in markets or assets that are expensive to access. Risk is lower when investing in ETFs; therefore, the probability of losing capital is also lower. The ETF's net asset value (NAV) updates on a daily basis, which will help in tracking the underlying asset's performance and whether the price of the ETF trades at a relatively close level to the NAV. The ETFs disclose the details of the assets that are included in the fund, which helps to analyze what the ETF is invested in and brings transparency overall. ETFs are available at relatively low costs due to their low management expense ratio; they incur lower costs compared to the equivalent managed funds. The best thing about ETFs is that someone can access buying and selling transactions during the trading hours of the ASX through an intermittently authorized dealer. Someone can place a buying order with smaller quantities of ETF units than the unlisted managed funds.

On the other hand, ETFs are subject to market risk; if the market in which the ETF is invested falls significantly in value, such as the ASX200, the value of the ETF may fall as well. The ETF has currency risk. The risk of currency fluctuation will severely impact investor’s returns. Some ETFs are currency hedged, which reduces the risk of capital loss. Some of the ETFs are highly illiquid, for example, emerging market debt, which can make it difficult at times for the ETF provider to redeem securities. The return on an ETF may differ from the index or asset that it is tracking. This can be due to differences in the assets owned by the ETF and the index it is designed to monitor, fees, and taxes, which means that someone can purchase or sell when it’s not trading at the indicative net asset value (iNAV).

What are ETFs?

An ETF is a managed fund that can be transacted on the Australian security exchange, or Cboe Australia (CXA). There are Australian ETFs are as follows: BetaShares Geared Australian Equity Fund (hedge fund) (code: GEAR) has taken the spot with an attractive return. VanEck Australian Resources ETF (code: MVR); BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian ETF (code: MVR); SPDR® S&P®/ASX 200 Resources Fund (code: OZR); and BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (code: QRE).

What are the Different Types of ETFs?

There are three types of ETFs are as follows:

•    Passively managed ETFs: The majority of Australian ETFs are passive investments that produce systematic returns. The managerial role of a passive investment is to plan constant monitoring of the value of the ASX 2022 or S&P 500 and a specific commodity, for instance gold. The ETFs fluctuate in value with the index and assets under monitoring.

•    Active ETFs and hedge funds: Active ETFs are also known as exchange-traded managed funds, and exchange-traded hedge funds are generally referred to as actively managed funds. Investment managers plan out high-risk trading strategies and potentially try to beat the market for these sorts of funds.

•    Physically backed and synthetic ETFs: the fund manager allocates the fund to all the securities in the benchmark for a physically backed ETF. For synthetic ETFs, hold some of the underlying assets and also use derivatives to replicate the trend of the index or asset. Synthetic ETFs carry more risk because the counterparty to the derivative might default. Usually, this kind of ETF may be termed “synthetic".

ETF Advantages

Diversification opportunities benefit investors by neutralizing the potential risk through a number of shares. It also provides an opportunity to invest in markets or assets that have high costs. Risk is significantly lower when investing in ETFs and the probability of losing capital is also lower. ETFs are available at relatively low costs due to their low management expense ratio; they incur lower costs compared to the equivalent managed funds. The best thing about ETFs is that someone can do transactions of buying and selling during the trading hours of the ASX through a broker. Someone can place a buying order with smaller quantities of ETF units than the unlisted managed funds.

What you can Invest in through an ETF?

ETFs have been well integrated with a number of varied risk-based asset classes so as to meet the risk appetite of individual investors. This includes the following:

•    International stocks.
•    Australian stocks.
•    Sectors such as mining or finance, either Australian or international.
•    Fixed-income securities such as bonds
•    Precious metals and commodities
•    Foreign currencies.
•    Crypto assets.
•    Diversified across multiple asset classes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best Australian ETF?

BetaShares Geared Australian Equity Fund (hedge fund) (code: GEAR) has taken the spot with an attractive return of 105% (calculation based on March 27, 2020, at $11.43 and $23.42 as of August 25, 2023) that surpassed the S&P/ASX200 performance of 47% within the same comparable stipulated time.

What is an ETF on the ASX?

An ETF is a managed fund that can be transacted on the Australian security exchange, or Cboe Australia (CXA). Australian ETFs such as VanEck Australian Resources ETF (code: MVR); BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian ETF (code: MVR); SPDR® S&P®/ASX 200 Resources Fund (code: OZR); and BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (code: QRE)

Are ETFs listed on the ASX?

Australia had recorded 240 ASX-listed ETFs as of January 2023. Any investor can purchase and sell ETFs through a broker in the same way they can buy and sell stocks on the exchange.

Is there a downside to investing in ETFs?

ETFs consist of various stocks, either on a particular sectoral basis or on a selective individual basis that are internally integrated and strongly correlated with the broader market, like the S&P/ASX 200. When broader market sentiment drops, ETF NAV also tends to correlate and fall simultaneously. Generally, due to the diversifying nature of ETFs, the volatility is lower. Active ETF volatility is comparably higher than that of passively managed ETFs.

How much should I invest in ETFs per month?

Someone can purchase ETFs with a small amount of, say, $1000 every month or may invest $100,000 in one shot; it depends on their individual capital management style and financial goals. For any ETF that covers particular thematic areas, an investor may go ahead with systematic investment by allocating every month.

How long do you have to hold an ETF?

Holding an ETF solely depends on an individual's ability to have self-control. Investors should take note that long-term holdings of any asset can only generate a good return. BetaShares Geared Australian Equity Fund (hedge fund) (code: GEAR) performed a 105% return (March 27, 2020, at $11.43 and $23.42 as of August 25, 2023) that surpassed the S&P/ASX200 performance of 47% within the same comparable period.

How much will $10,000 be worth in 30 years?

If someone invests $10,000 for 30 years at a CAGR rate of 7.98%, the return will generate $100,000.

Do you pay tax on ETF?

ETFs incur lower capital gains tax, due to lower portfolio turnover on ETFs as fund manager track a benchmark, like the ASX, rather than buy and sell stocks on a regular basis.

Do ETF pay dividends?

ETFs payouts are basically subject to, on a pro-rata basis, the full amount of a dividend that they receive from the underlying stocks, which are constituents of the ETF. An ETF must pay out dividends to investors and can do so either by distributing cash or by offering a reinvestment in additional shares of the ETF.

Are ETFs good for retirement?

Most fixed-income securities are held for a long-term purpose because their returns are lower, but with a fixed rate of growth, opportunity investment during the early years and remaining in it for a long time might yield a specific targeted return. ETFs are less volatile, and someone can plan to invest systematically for a longer duration, although investors should take note that there is inflationary risk associated with them. An investment of $10,000 for 30 years at a CAGR rate of 7.98% gives a yield of $100,000.

What is the best performing ETF in 2023?

There are Australian ETFs that have performed with a superior return than the S&P/ASX200 since the last three years and will gain traction in 2023: BetaShares Geared Australian Equity Fund (hedge fund) (code: GEAR) has taken the spot with an attractive return. VanEck Australian Resources ETF (code: MVR); BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian ETF (code: MVR); SPDR® S&P®/ASX 200 Resources Fund (code: OZR); and BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (code: QRE).

What are the two ETFs that outperform the market?

Vaneck Australian Resources ETF (MVR) has produced a return of 82.56% from March 13, 2020 ($20.07) until August 25, 2023 ($36.64), while the S&P has delivered 52.06% in the same period.
BetaShares Geared Australian Equity Fund (hedge fund) (code: GEAR) has produced a return of 105% from March 27, 2020, at $11.43 and $23.42 as of August 25, 2023, which has outpaced the broader index S&P/ASX200 performance of approximately 47% in the same comparable period.

What is the best ASX ETF for retirees?

The best passive ETF on the ASX is the SPDR S&P/ASX 200 (STW), which tracks the return of the S&P/ASX 200 Index. These ETFs are actively managed and aim to outperform a benchmark or follow an objective.

What ETF has over 50% yields?

BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (code: QRE) has performed significantly well, which generated return of 62.80% (13 March 2020:$4.57 to 25 Aug 2023:$7.44) surpassed the S&P/ASX200 of 52.06% in the similar comparable period.