Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) Review & Analysis
- −2.5% in September (total return), behind the median Australian shares ETF at −2.1%.
- Investors added a net $449m (1.7% of the fund). That ranked #2 of 508 ETFs for new money.
- The unit price closed the month at $110.12, 4% below its 12-month high (range $103.21 to $115.13).
- 🏆 Won Top 5 inflows: September in the September ReviewETF Awards.
About VAS
VAS is Vanguard's flagship Australian shares ETF. It tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index, so one trade gives you a slice of around 300 of the largest companies on the ASX, from the household names down to a long tail of mid and smaller companies. It is passive, low cost and has been running since 2009.
Despite the 300 names, the fund is top heavy. BHP and the big four banks make up a large share of it, and financials and materials together account for more than half. That reflects the Australian market itself rather than any choice by Vanguard. Income is a real strength: distributions are paid quarterly and usually come with generous franking credits, which are especially valuable for retirees and super funds in pension phase. Because it holds only Australian companies, there is no currency risk, but there is plenty of exposure to commodity prices and the banking cycle.
VAS is often used as the Australian core of a portfolio, alongside a global fund. The closest alternatives are A200, IOZ and STW, which hold the top 200 instead. See VAS vs A200, VAS vs IOZ and VAS vs VGS.
VAS distributions and dividend dates
VAS pays distributions quarterly, usually going ex-distribution in January, April, July and October, with payment about 16 days after the ex-date.
The latest distribution was $1.2907 per unit (82% franked), ex-distribution on 1 October 2026 and paid on 16 October 2026. To receive it you need to own VAS before the ex-date.
Its distribution yield over the past 12 months is about 3.1%, with distributions around 75% franked. 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 VAS with
| Fee | 0.07% | 0.04% |
| 1 year | +2.2% | +2.9% |
| 5 yrs p.a. | +6.5% | +6.9% |
| Size | $26.7bn | $11.1bn |
| Fee | 0.07% | 0.05% |
| 1 year | +2.2% | +2.6% |
| 5 yrs p.a. | +6.5% | +6.8% |
| Size | $26.7bn | $9.7bn |
| Fee | 0.07% | 0.05% |
| 1 year | +2.2% | +2.6% |
| 5 yrs p.a. | +6.5% | +6.7% |
| Size | $26.7bn | $6.5bn |
| Fee | 0.07% | 0.18% |
| 1 year | +2.2% | +10.1% |
| 5 yrs p.a. | +6.5% | +11.8% |
| Size | $26.7bn | $18.7bn |
VAS price by TradingView
| Stock Code | VAS |
|---|---|
| Fund Manager | Vanguard |
| Asset Class | Australian shares |
| AUM | $26.7bn |
| MER (%) | 0.07% |
| Net flows (Sep) | +$449m |
| Last Price | $110.12 |
| 52-Week Range | $103.21 – $115.13 |
| Bid/Ask Spread | 0.02% |
| Listing Date | 08/05/2009 |
| Exchange | ASX |
| Index tracked | S&P/ASX 300 Index |
| Issuer website | Vanguard ↗ |
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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