MQAE vs IESG: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
MQAE comes out ahead on 6 of 6 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $4,294 on $100,000 over 20 years.
Bigger funds usually trade more cheaply and are less likely to close.
MQAE vs IESG side by side
| MQAE leads on 6, IESG on 0 | MQAEMacquarie Core Australian Equity Active ETF | IESGiShares Core MSCI Australia ESG ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | See the PDS | MSCI Australia IMI Custom ESG Leaders Index |
| Fund manager | Macquarie | iShares |
| Asset class | Australian shares | Australian shares |
| Listed | May 2024 | Jun 2021 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.03%✓ | 0.09% |
| AUMfund size | $1.3bn✓ | $607m |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $63m✓ | $37m |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.11% | 0.07% |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | −1.7%✓ | −2.6% |
| 1 year | +1.6%✓ | −3.0% |
| 3 years p.a. | – | +9.7% |
| 5 years p.a. | – | +5.9% |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $10,155✓ | $9,701 |
| 5 years ago | – | $13,348 |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
MQAE vs IESG 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
Only IESG has a 5 years record: $10,000 then is worth $13,348 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
MQAE's lower fee leaves about $4,294 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 MQAE vs IESG 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, MQAE or IESG?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers MQAE wins on 6 measures and IESG on 0. MQAE is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.03% vs 0.09%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $4,294. MQAE is the larger fund at $1.3bn vs $607m. MQAE has the better 1-year return: +1.6% vs −3.0%.
Which is cheaper, MQAE or IESG?
MQAE charges 0.03% a year and IESG charges 0.09% a year.
Can I hold both MQAE and IESG?
You can, but check how much they overlap. MQAE is a Australian shares fund and IESG is a Australian shares fund.
More comparisons
General information only, not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.