VGS vs IACT: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
VGS comes out ahead on 4 of 7 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $18,467 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.
VGS vs IACT side by side
| VGS leads on 4, IACT on 3 | VGSVanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF | IACTiShares U.S. Factor Rotation Active ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | MSCI World ex Australia Index | See the PDS |
| Fund manager | Vanguard | iShares |
| Asset class | International shares | International shares |
| Listed | Nov 2014 | Jun 2025 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.18%✓ | 0.45% |
| AUMfund size | $18.7bn✓ | $520m |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $532m✓ | $177m |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.02%✓ | 0.10% |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | +1.9% | +2.9%✓ |
| 1 year | +10.1% | +11.3%✓ |
| 3 years p.a. | +17.9% | – |
| 5 years p.a. | +11.8% | – |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $11,007 | $11,130✓ |
| 5 years ago | $17,457 | – |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
VGS vs IACT 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 VGS has a 5 years record: $10,000 then is worth $17,457 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
VGS's lower fee leaves about $18,467 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 VGS vs IACT 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, VGS or IACT?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers VGS wins on 4 measures and IACT on 3. VGS is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.18% vs 0.45%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $18,467. VGS is the larger fund at $18.7bn vs $520m. IACT has the better 1-year return: +11.3% vs +10.1%.
Which is cheaper, VGS or IACT?
VGS charges 0.18% a year and IACT charges 0.45% a year.
Can I hold both VGS and IACT?
You can, but check how much they overlap. VGS is a international shares fund and IACT is a international shares fund.
More comparisons
General information only, not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.