VAF — the Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF — is Australia’s most widely held bond ETF. It tracks a broad index of investment-grade Australian bonds (government and corporate), providing a diversified fixed income exposure with monthly distributions and a low MER of 0.20%. This review covers what VAF holds, how it distributes, and how it fits into a portfolio.
VAF at a Glance (2026)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| ASX code | VAF |
| Full name | Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF |
| Index tracked | Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index |
| Holdings | 500+ bonds |
| MER | 0.20% per year |
| Distribution frequency | Monthly |
| Average duration | ~7 years |
| Inception date | November 2012 |
| Fund size | $2.5B+ (AUM) |
| Provider | Vanguard Australia |
Verify current details at vanguard.com.au.
What Does VAF Hold?
VAF tracks the Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index — a broad index of investment-grade Australian bonds. Its portfolio includes:
| Bond type | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| Australian Commonwealth Government bonds | ~40–45% |
| State government (semi-government) bonds | ~25–30% |
| Corporate bonds (investment grade) | ~20–25% |
| Supranational/sovereign agency bonds | ~5–10% |
Weights change with bond market composition. Check vanguard.com.au for current detail.
Credit quality: All bonds in VAF are investment-grade (BBB- or better by S&P/Fitch rating). There are no high-yield or “junk” bonds.
VAF Distributions — Monthly Income
VAF pays monthly distributions — one of its most attractive features for income-focused investors. Monthly income is generated from interest payments collected from 500+ underlying bonds.
Current yield context (2026): With Australian government bond yields at approximately 4.0–4.5% and investment-grade corporate bond yields slightly higher, VAF’s distribution yield is meaningfully higher than in the low-rate period of 2012–2021. The exact yield changes with market interest rates — check Vanguard’s website for current distribution data.
VAF and Interest Rate Risk
VAF has an average duration of approximately 7 years. This means:
- If interest rates rise by 1%, VAF’s unit price falls by approximately 7%
- If interest rates fall by 1%, VAF’s unit price rises by approximately 7%
In 2022, as the RBA raised rates from 0.10% to 4.35%, VAF’s unit price fell significantly (roughly 12–15%) — a reminder that bond ETFs can experience capital losses when rates rise. Investors who reinvest distributions and hold for long periods recoup this through higher ongoing interest income.
VAF vs Shorter Duration Bond ETFs
For investors concerned about interest rate sensitivity, shorter-duration bond ETFs are available:
- Shorter duration = less price sensitivity to rate changes
- Lower yield (shorter-term bonds typically pay less)
| ETF | Duration | MER | Yield sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAF | ~7 years | 0.20% | Moderate-high |
| QPON (floating rate corporate) | ~0.1 years | 0.22% | Very low |
| Cash ETF (BILL, AAA) | ~1 day | 0.18% | Minimal |
VAF vs IAF
| Feature | VAF | IAF |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares (BlackRock) |
| MER | 0.20% | 0.18% |
| Index | Bloomberg AusBond Composite | Bloomberg AusBond Composite |
| Duration | ~7 years | ~7 years |
| Distribution | Monthly | Monthly |
IAF is marginally cheaper (0.18% vs 0.20%). Both track the same index with similar portfolio compositions. The difference is negligible — $2 per year on $10,000.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is VAF suitable for a defensive or conservative investor? VAF’s investment-grade Australian bond portfolio and monthly distributions are often discussed in the context of defensive or conservative portfolios — particularly for investors who want stable income and lower share market exposure than pure equity ETFs. However, VAF is not capital-stable — it carries interest rate risk (duration ~7 years). Investors seeking true capital stability may prefer shorter-duration fixed income or high-interest cash management accounts.
Can I hold VAF inside superannuation? VAF is an ASX-listed ETF and can be held in an SMSF. Some retail super funds (particularly platform-based wrap accounts) also allow ETF investing. The tax treatment of VAF income inside super is generally 15% (compared to your marginal rate outside super), making it potentially more tax-efficient for higher-income individuals.
Does VAF pay franking credits? No. VAF holds bonds, not shares. Bonds pay interest, not franked dividends. VAF distributions are interest income — taxed at your marginal rate with no franking credits attached.
This article provides general financial information only. Bond investments involve interest rate risk. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser. You can find one through the ASIC financial advisers register or MoneySmart.