IFRA vs MCSI: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
IFRA comes out ahead on 9 of 10 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $20,392 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.
IFRA vs MCSI side by side
| IFRA leads on 9, MCSI on 1 | IFRAVanEck FTSE Global Infrastructure (AUD Hedged) ETF | MCSIMagellan Core Infrastructure Fund Active ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index, hedged to AUD | See the PDS |
| Fund manager | VanEck | Magellan |
| Asset class | Property & infrastructure | Property & infrastructure |
| Listed | May 2016 | Dec 2020 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.20%✓ | 0.50% |
| AUMfund size | $2.1bn✓ | $450m |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $56m✓ | −$16m |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.07%✓ | 0.59% |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | −5.3% | −3.8%✓ |
| 1 year | +5.3%✓ | +3.5% |
| 3 years p.a. | +12.1%✓ | +11.4% |
| 5 years p.a. | +5.3%✓ | +5.0% |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $10,530✓ | $10,348 |
| 5 years ago | $12,942✓ | $12,743 |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
What $10,000 invested is worth now
$10,000 put into IFRA 5 years ago is worth $12,942 today, against $12,743 in MCSI. That is $199 more in IFRA.
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
IFRA's lower fee leaves about $20,392 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 IFRA 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, IFRA or MCSI?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers IFRA wins on 9 measures and MCSI on 1. IFRA is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.20% vs 0.50%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $20,392. IFRA is the larger fund at $2.1bn vs $450m. IFRA has the better 1-year return: +5.3% vs +3.5%.
Which is cheaper, IFRA or MCSI?
IFRA charges 0.20% a year and MCSI charges 0.50% a year.
Can I hold both IFRA and MCSI?
You can, but check how much they overlap. IFRA 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.