GIFL vs MCSI: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
GIFL comes out ahead on 5 of 7 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $30,439 on $100,000 over 20 years.
Bigger funds usually trade more cheaply and are less likely to close.
A tighter gap between the buy and sell price.
GIFL vs MCSI side by side
| GIFL leads on 5, MCSI on 2 | GIFLLazard Global Listed Infrastructure Active ETF | MCSIMagellan Core Infrastructure Fund Active ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | See the PDS | See the PDS |
| Fund manager | Lazard | Magellan |
| Asset class | Property & infrastructure | Property & infrastructure |
| Listed | Jun 2024 | Dec 2020 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.98% | 0.50%✓ |
| AUMfund size | $3.0bn✓ | $450m |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $75m✓ | −$16m |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.20%✓ | 0.59% |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | −4.7% | −3.8%✓ |
| 1 year | +6.1%✓ | +3.5% |
| 3 years p.a. | – | +11.4% |
| 5 years p.a. | – | +5.0% |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $10,612✓ | $10,348 |
| 5 years ago | – | $12,743 |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
What $10,000 invested is worth now
Only MCSI has a 5 years record: $10,000 then is worth $12,743 today.
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
MCSI's lower fee leaves about $30,439 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 GIFL vs MCSI 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, GIFL or MCSI?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers GIFL wins on 5 measures and MCSI on 2. MCSI is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.50% vs 0.98%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $30,439. GIFL is the larger fund at $3.0bn vs $450m. GIFL has the better 1-year return: +6.1% vs +3.5%.
Which is cheaper, GIFL or MCSI?
GIFL charges 0.98% a year and MCSI charges 0.50% a year.
Can I hold both GIFL and MCSI?
You can, but check how much they overlap. GIFL is a property & infrastructure fund and MCSI is a property & infrastructure fund.
More comparisons
General information only, not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.