VAS vs A200

Hi Grace.

The reason you can’t decide is because they are damn near identical, as the AI is pointing out.

The vast majority of people simply go for either the lowest fee (currently A200), though fees are reducing on average for both over time. Or they go with the fund manager they trust the most (which is often Vanguard as it has been around a lot longer).

But it honestly doesn’t matter. What matters way way more is your personal finances and how much you save and invest :)

Hello! Deciding between VAS (Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF) and A200 (BetaShares Australia 200 ETF) is a common consideration for many investors looking to add Australian equities to their portfolios. Both ETFs aim to track the performance of Australian shares, but they do have some differences that might influence your decision depending on your investment goals and risk tolerance.

1. Index Coverage and Diversification:

   • VAS tracks the ASX 300 index, which includes the top 300 companies by market capitalization on the Australian Securities Exchange. This provides a broader exposure to the Australian equity market.
     
   • A200 tracks the ASX 200 index, comprising the top 200 companies. This focus means it’s slightly less diversified than VAS, concentrating on the larger companies within the Australian market.
     

2. Costs:

   • Both ETFs are known for their low management fees, but there might be slight differences. Typically, A200 is noted for having slightly lower fees compared to VAS. However, it’s essential to check the current management fees and consider other costs like brokerage fees when buying or selling shares.
     

3. Performance:

   • The performance of VAS and A200 can be quite similar since they both track large-cap Australian stocks. However, because VAS includes an additional 100 smaller companies, there might be slight variations in performance, especially in different market conditions.
     

4. Risk and Volatility:

   • With VAS’s broader diversification, it might offer a slightly more balanced risk profile, given its wider range of companies. On the other hand, the more focused exposure of A200 could mean more pronounced movements in the ETF’s price, aligning with the larger companies’ performance in Australia.
     

5. Liquidi

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