Is 2020 going to be the year to invest in ASX ETFs like the SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Resource Fund ETF (ASX: OZR) and Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM)?
How an Aussie (or Kiwi!) investor can use the OZR ETF
The SPDR OZR ETF invests in resources companies from within the ASX 200 and aims to track the S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index.
According to our most recent data, the OZR ETF had $79.72 million of money invested. Given its funds under management (also known as FUM or ‘market cap’) is less than $100 million, you should consider if this ETF is still too small and if it is sustainable for the ETF issuer. At Best ETFs we say an ETF with more than $100 million invested is typically more sustainable than one with less than $100 million (at least). However, there are exceptions to this general rule, especially if the ETF issuer/provider is reputable and committed to growing the ETF’s FUM through effective marketing strategies and distribution to financial advisers.
Fees to consider
According to our numbers, the annual management fee on the OZR ETF is 0.4%. The issuer, SPDR, collects this fee automatically.
Meaning, if you invested $2,000 in the OZR ETF for a full year you could expect to pay management fees of around $8.00. This fee is different from the fee you pay to your brokerage provider (e.g. CommSec, NabTrade, SelfWealth, etc.), which is the fee to buy or sell the ETF. In addition to a management fee charged by the issuer, be mindful to check the ‘spread‘ for the ETF.
A fee comparison
Fees aren’t the only key consideration for ETF investors, but it’s an easy thing to do. To understand if the ETF you’re looking at is too costly, compare it with other ETFs from the same sector, and against the industry average. For example, the average management fee (MER) across all of the ETFs covered by the Best ETFs Australia team was 0.5%, which is $10.00 per $2,000 invested. Keep in mind that small changes in the fees paid can make a big difference after 10 or 20 years. You should read the OZR Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), available on the ETF issuer’s website, because it will detail the fees, tax implications and the latest information.
You can get a copy of our free investment review when click here to see the OZR ETF report.
Key facts about the VISM ETF
The Vanguard VISM ETF provides investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of small-cap companies from developed countries around the world, excluding Australia.
With our numbers for Oct 2020, VISM’s FUM stood at $56.12 million. Given it has less than $100 million invested, ask yourself (or your adviser) if the ETF is still too small (and if you should wait to buy into it). If you’re concerned the ETF might not be established enough, compare it alongside one of the other Growth factor sector ETFs, using our full list of ETFs.
Are the fees for the VISM ETF bad?
Vanguard, the ETF issuer, charges a yearly management fee of 0.32% for the VISM ETF. Meaning, if you invested $2,000 for a full 12-month period you could expect to pay a base management fee of around $6.40.
This management fee is below the average for all ETFs on our Best ETFs Australia list of ETFs. However, you might still be able to find a cheaper ETF for less.
Get the full VISM review available on our website by clicking this link to access our report.
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