GEAR vs BBOZ: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
GEAR comes out ahead on 6 of 9 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $34,550 on $100,000 over 20 years.
Bigger funds usually trade more cheaply and are less likely to close.
GEAR vs BBOZ side by side
| GEAR leads on 6, BBOZ on 3 | GEARBetashares Geared Australian Equities ETF | BBOZBetashares Australian Equities Strong Bear ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | Not an index fund: geared exposure to large Australian shares | S&P/ASX 200 Index |
| Fund manager | Betashares | Betashares |
| Asset class | Australian shares | Australian shares |
| Listed | May 2014 | Apr 2015 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.80%✓ | 1.38% |
| AUMfund size | $572m✓ | $165m |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $22m✓ | −$22m |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.07% | 0.08% |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | −5.5% | +7.0%✓ |
| 1 year | −1.2% | +0.7%✓ |
| 3 years p.a. | +17.1%✓ | −15.9% |
| 5 years p.a. | +8.4%✓ | −12.4% |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $9,880 | $10,065✓ |
| 5 years ago | $14,966✓ | $5,172 |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
GEAR vs BBOZ price chart
Both ETFs on one chart as % change. Use the 1D to All buttons to change the period. Price only, so it leaves out distributions · TradingView
What $10,000 invested is worth now
$10,000 put into GEAR 5 years ago is worth $14,966 today, against $5,172 in BBOZ. That is $9,794 more in GEAR.
Total returns to 30 September 2026, with distributions reinvested, before tax and brokerage. The price chart above leaves out distributions, so it can look worse. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
What the fees cost you
GEAR's lower fee leaves about $34,550 more in your pocket over 20 years.
Total fees paid on a $100,000 investment, assuming a 7% a year return before fees. Illustration only: it ignores tax, brokerage and differences in returns.
Get the full GEAR vs BBOZ report
- Every holding of each ETF: the top 50 companies, with sectors and countries
- Exactly which companies they share, and how much of each
- Fees in dollars over 10, 20 and 30 years
- Every metric side by side, including the index each tracks
- ★ FREE BONUSIs now a good time to invest? The Market Health-O-Meter
FAQs
Which is better, GEAR or BBOZ?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers GEAR wins on 6 measures and BBOZ on 3. GEAR is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.80% vs 1.38%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $34,550. GEAR is the larger fund at $572m vs $165m. BBOZ has the better 1-year return: +0.7% vs −1.2%.
Which is cheaper, GEAR or BBOZ?
GEAR charges 0.80% a year and BBOZ charges 1.38% a year.
Can I hold both GEAR and BBOZ?
You can, but check how much they overlap. GEAR is a Australian shares fund and BBOZ is a Australian shares fund.
More comparisons
General information only, not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.