VGAD vs HGBL: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
HGBL comes out ahead on 5 of 7 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $7,030 on $100,000 over 20 years.
Bigger funds usually trade more cheaply and are less likely to close.
VGAD vs HGBL side by side
| VGAD leads on 2, HGBL on 5 | VGADVanguard MSCI Index International Shares (Hedged) ETF | HGBLBetashares Global Shares Currency Hedged ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | MSCI World ex Australia Index, hedged to AUD | Solactive GBS Developed Markets ex Australia Large & Mid Cap Index, hedged to AUD |
| Fund manager | Vanguard | Betashares |
| Asset class | International shares | International shares |
| Listed | Nov 2014 | May 2023 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.21% | 0.11%✓ |
| AUMfund size | $7.9bn✓ | $3.0bn |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $136m✓ | $135m |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.02% | 0.03% |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | −0.4% | −0.3%✓ |
| 1 year | +17.1% | +17.4%✓ |
| 3 years p.a. | +19.8% | +20.6%✓ |
| 5 years p.a. | +10.8% | – |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $11,706 | $11,737✓ |
| 5 years ago | $16,737 | – |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
VGAD vs HGBL 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 VGAD has a 5 years record: $10,000 then is worth $16,737 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
HGBL's lower fee leaves about $7,030 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.
VGAD and HGBL overlap
360 companies appear in both funds. Overlap is the share of the portfolio that is the same in both, counting the smaller weight of each shared company.
| Biggest shared holdings | % of VGAD | % of HGBL |
|---|---|---|
| 5.79% | 5.46% | |
| 5.39% | 5.65% | |
| 3.99% | 4.38% | |
| 3.98% | 3.50% | |
| 2.66% | 2.65% | |
| 1.75% | 1.75% | |
| 1.76% | 1.54% | |
| 1.33% | 1.14% | |
| 1.12% | 1.40% | |
| 1.02% | 1.36% | |
| 0.97% | 1.04% | |
| 1.10% | 0.94% |
Add more ETFs and see the overlap in Compare ETFs →
Best-endeavours estimate. Built from each issuer's published holdings, which may be weeks or months old, may cover only part of a fund (some publish only their top 10) and are matched by company name. Figures may be incomplete or inaccurate. Check the issuer's website and PDS before relying on them. General information only.
Get the full VGAD vs HGBL 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, VGAD or HGBL?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers VGAD wins on 2 measures and HGBL on 5. HGBL is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.11% vs 0.21%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $7,030. VGAD is the larger fund at $7.9bn vs $3.0bn. HGBL has the better 1-year return: +17.4% vs +17.1%.
Which is cheaper, VGAD or HGBL?
VGAD charges 0.21% a year and HGBL charges 0.11% a year.
Can I hold both VGAD and HGBL?
You can, but check how much they overlap. VGAD is a international shares fund and HGBL is a international shares fund.
More comparisons
General information only, not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.