VAF and VGB are Vanguard’s two main Australian bond ETFs. Both provide exposure to Australian fixed-income securities, but with different portfolio compositions and risk profiles. Choosing between them depends on how much credit risk you want and the role bonds play in your portfolio.
VAF — Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF
Index: Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Year Index Holdings: ~180 bonds — Australian government bonds + investment-grade corporate bonds MER: 0.20%/year Credit quality: Investment grade (BBB- and above) Approximate composition: ~65–70% government/semi-government; ~30–35% investment-grade corporate
What it provides: Broad Australian fixed income — the most common bond ETF held by Australian investors as a defensive portfolio component.
VGB — Vanguard Australian Government Bond Index ETF
Index: Bloomberg AusBond Government 0+ Year Index Holdings: ~65 bonds — Australian federal and state government bonds only MER: 0.20%/year Credit quality: Government (AAA/AA+; effectively zero credit risk) Composition: 100% Commonwealth and state government bonds
What it provides: Pure government bond exposure — maximum credit safety; primarily interest rate risk only.
Key Differences
| Feature | VAF | VGB |
|---|---|---|
| Credit risk | Low (corporate + government) | Negligible (government only) |
| Yield | Slightly higher (corporate spread) | Slightly lower |
| Diversification | Broader (government + corporate) | Narrower (government only) |
| MER | 0.20% | 0.20% |
| Correlation with shares | Slightly lower negative correlation | Higher negative correlation (stronger safe haven) |
| Suitable for | General defensive allocation | Maximum safety; crisis hedge |
Yield Difference
VAF typically offers a slightly higher yield than VGB — the additional yield reflects the credit spread from corporate bond exposure. The difference is modest (~0.10–0.30% in normal markets) but meaningful over time.
Safe Haven Properties
During share market crises, government bonds tend to rally more strongly than corporate bonds — investors flee to the safest assets. VGB is a purer safe-haven than VAF. In a severe market downturn, VGB may appreciate more than VAF, providing better portfolio protection at the moment it’s most needed.
VAF’s corporate bond component may suffer more during a crisis (corporate credit spreads widen — prices fall) than the government component.
Which to Choose?
| Investor profile | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Standard defensive allocation (20–30% of portfolio) | VAF — slightly higher yield; good diversification |
| Maximum crisis protection | VGB — pure government exposure; strongest negative correlation |
| Three-fund portfolio (shares + international + bonds) | VAF (most common choice) |
| SMSF or retirement income portfolio | VAF or VGB depending on income vs safety priority |
| Already holding corporate bonds elsewhere | VGB — avoids duplication |
Using Both Together
Some investors hold both VAF and VGB:
- VGB: Core government bond allocation (crisis hedge)
- VAF or HBND: Additional corporate bond exposure for yield enhancement
This is a reasonable approach for larger portfolios wanting precise control, but for most investors, one of VAF or VGB is sufficient.
Alternatives to Consider
| ETF | Description | MER |
|---|---|---|
| IAF | iShares Australian Composite Bond ETF (government + corporate) | 0.15% |
| GOVT | Betashares Australian Government Bond ETF | 0.22% |
| VBND | Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond (AUD-hedged) | 0.20% |
IAF is worth noting — lower MER than VAF at 0.15% with similar broad Australian fixed income exposure. A cost-competitive alternative.
Related Articles
- How to Buy Bonds in Australia
- Bond ETFs vs Direct Bonds Australia
- Australian Government Bonds Explained
- International Bonds Australia
- Bonds hub
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VAF or VGB better for an Australian portfolio? VAF is the more commonly held option — broader diversification including corporate bonds, with a slightly higher yield. VGB is preferable for investors specifically seeking maximum credit safety or a stronger crisis hedge. Both are reasonable choices. General information only.
What is the difference in yield between VAF and VGB? VAF typically yields slightly more than VGB due to the corporate bond component’s credit spread. The difference is usually 0.10–0.30% in normal market conditions. During periods of credit stress, the gap may widen.
Do VAF and VGB pay monthly distributions? Yes — both VAF and VGB pay monthly distributions from the coupon income collected on their underlying bonds. The distribution per unit varies month to month based on the portfolio’s composition and maturity profile.
This article provides general financial information only and does not constitute a product recommendation. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser through the ASIC financial advisers register or MoneySmart.