Betashares Western Asset Aus Bond Active ETF (BNDS) Review & Analysis
- −0.9% in September (total return), behind the median Australian bonds ETF at −0.4%.
- Investors added a net $11m (1.3% of the fund).
- The unit price closed the month at $22.79, 6% below its 12-month high (range $22.63 to $24.21).
About BNDS
BNDS is an actively managed Australian bond fund, run by Western Asset Management and offered through Betashares. It aims to beat the Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index by investing in Australian government, semi-government, supranational and high-quality corporate bonds, with the manager adjusting the mix and interest rate exposure along the way.
The portfolio is investment grade, so default risk is low, and returns are driven mainly by interest rates. When rates rise, bond prices fall; when they fall, prices rise. The active manager's choices on which bonds to hold and how long their maturities should be can lift or lower results compared with the index. BNDS pays income monthly, which is unfranked, and there is no meaningful currency risk. Its fee is higher than index bond funds, so the manager needs to add value to make up the difference.
BNDS may suit investors wanting an active core holding for the defensive part of a portfolio. Index alternatives include IAF and VAF, and FIXD is another active option; see IAF vs BNDS and BNDS vs HCRD.
BNDS distributions and dividend dates
BNDS pays distributions monthly, with payment about 15 days after the ex-date. (Pattern estimated from recent payments.)
The latest distribution was $0.1042 per unit (0% franked), ex-distribution on 2 November 2026 and paid on 17 November 2026. To receive it you need to own BNDS before the ex-date.
Its distribution yield over the past 12 months is about 4.8%. Distributions vary and past payments are not a guide to future ones.
From ASX announcements, updated nightly. See every ETF in the dividend calendar.
Compare BNDS with
| Fee | 0.42% | 0.50% |
| 1 year | −0.4% | – |
| 5 yrs p.a. | −0.1% | – |
| Size | $836m | $580m |
| Fee | 0.42% | 0.29% |
| 1 year | −0.4% | +3.6% |
| 5 yrs p.a. | −0.1% | – |
| Size | $836m | $365m |
| Fee | 0.42% | 0.10% |
| 1 year | −0.4% | −0.4% |
| 5 yrs p.a. | −0.1% | −0.2% |
| Size | $836m | $3.7bn |
| Fee | 0.42% | 0.22% |
| 1 year | −0.4% | +4.6% |
| 5 yrs p.a. | −0.1% | +3.8% |
| Size | $836m | $2.4bn |
BNDS price by TradingView
| Stock Code | BNDS |
|---|---|
| Fund Manager | Betashares |
| Asset Class | Australian bonds |
| AUM | $836m |
| MER (%) | 0.42% |
| Net flows (Sep) | +$11m |
| Last Price | $22.79 |
| 52-Week Range | $22.63 – $24.21 |
| Bid/Ask Spread | 0.09% |
| Listing Date | 16/11/2018 |
| Exchange | ASX |
| Benchmark index | Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index |
| Issuer website | Betashares ↗ |
Performance (% return)
$10,000 invested…
Value at 30 September 2026 with distributions reinvested, before tax and brokerage.
Total returns including distributions, to 30 September 2026. 1M, 1Y, 3Y and 5Y bars are cumulative.
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