VanEck MSCI International Growth ETF vs Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF
Overlap is calculated from each fund's full published holdings list. Where there are no shared listed holdings it is shown as not reliably estimable.
GWTH and VGS are both Global Broad Market ETFs. VGS has the lower management fee (0.18% vs 0.4% p.a.). Holdings overlap is approximately 16% (full holdings data).
VanEck MSCI International Growth ETF
VanEck
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF
Vanguard
Comparison scores reflect how each ETF compares to the other on these specific dimensions only. They are not absolute ratings or recommendations.
Key differences at a glance
GWTH and VGS suit different goals rather than one being "better" than the other. The clearest differences:
Green highlights the leading comparison score, the factually lower fee, or the higher scale or income figure. Performance is never highlighted. Data from issuer disclosures and the ASX Investment Products report. Fund size, yield, return and holdings figures each state the date they are as at; sector and geography figures for some funds are category-inferred estimates, clearly labelled on each fund's page.
Category scores compare these two ETFs only and are not absolute ratings.
Cost (management fee): VGS has the lower management fee - the one objective "cheaper" axis.
Fund size (assets): VGS is the larger fund. Larger is not inherently better, but greater scale can support tighter spreads and lower closure risk.
Holdings breadth: VGS spreads exposure across more holdings (GWTH 90, VGS 1,252); the other is more concentrated. Neither is inherently better - it depends on whether you want breadth or a focused tilt.
General information only, not financial advice. ETFLens does not hold an AFSL. Always read the relevant PDS and consider seeking advice from a licensed financial adviser.
Fund sizes as at 30 Sep 2026 for both funds.
Yield figures are estimates based on recent distributions and may vary. VGS yield as at 31 Mar 2026. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns or distributions. These figures may be out of date. Check the fund manager's website for current performance.
Returns as at 30 Sep 2026 for both funds.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Top shared holdings ranked by overlap contribution, the smaller of each company's weight in the two funds. Basis: full holdings data.
Top 10 listed holdings for each fund, from issuer disclosures. Listed top holdings are as at different dates (GWTH 29 Oct 2026, VGS 30 Sep 2026), so the two funds' figures are not directly comparable.
GWTH top holdings
VGS top holdings
Sector weights for GWTH are approximate, inferred from the fund's category.
GWTH sectors
VGS sectors
Geographic weights for GWTH are approximate, inferred from the fund's category.
GWTH geography
VGS geography
GWTH and VGS can each make sense depending on your objectives, horizon and existing portfolio. The key differences are near the top of this page, and the full side-by-side data is below.
GWTH and VGS have approximately 16% holdings overlap, based on each fund's full published holdings list. This is considered low overlap.
VGS has the lower management fee. GWTH charges 0.4% per year ($40 per year on a $10,000 investment) and VGS charges 0.18% per year ($18 per year on a $10,000 investment). The difference is $22 per year per $10,000 invested.
GWTH (VanEck MSCI International Growth ETF) manages approximately $16.28M and VGS (Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF) manages approximately $18.7B. Fund sizes as at 30 Sep 2026 for both funds. Fund size can affect liquidity and bid-ask spreads but does not by itself change the management fee.
You can hold both, but with approximately 16% estimated holdings overlap the two funds hold mostly different companies, so they can be more complementary. Whether that suits you depends on your own objectives.
There is no universally right choice. It depends on your goals, time horizon and existing holdings. GWTH charges 0.4% and VGS charges 0.18%, so VGS has the lower management fee, and they have approximately 16% estimated holdings overlap. Compare their fees, holdings and sectors above and consider each fund's Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination.
General information only. This comparison and the ETFLens tools on this page provide general information about two exchange-traded funds and do not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not personal financial product or investment advice. ETFLens does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Holdings overlap is calculated from each fund's published holdings (full lists where the issuer publishes one, listed top holdings otherwise), and fee data is sourced from fund manager PDS documents. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider each fund's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD), and seek advice from a registered tax agent or licensed financial adviser, before making investment decisions.
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