Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Vanguard

  •   18 June 2025
  •      
  •   

VAS Hits $20 Billion: Australia’s largest ETF continues to lead the way

18 June 2025: Vanguard’s Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX:VAS) has become the first Australian exchange-traded fund to surpass $20 billion in funds under management, solidifying its position as the country’s largest ETF.

The milestone, reached at the end of May, marks a period of exceptional growth for VAS. Since January 2020, when the fund held $4.9 billion in assets, it has more than quadrupled in size.

“The growth of VAS reflects the increasing confidence Australian investors have in index investing and the Vanguard approach,” said Daniel Shrimski, Managing Director, Vanguard Australia.

“Vanguard’s mission is to give investors the best chance for investment success. We’re incredibly proud to see Australians embrace that mission through our market-leading ETFs and managed funds as well as our low-fee superannuation offer.”

Vanguard is Australia’s number one provider of ETFs, with $74.6 billion in total ETF assets under management, across 31 ETFs, as of 31 May.

Launched in 2009, VAS has long held the title of Australia’s largest ETF. It provides investors with exposure to the top 300 companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) for a fee of just 0.07% — that works out to just 70 cents each year for every $1,000 invested. The fee has been reduced over time and is now less than half the rate it was at the start of 2017 (0.15%).

Mr Shrimski said VAS’s remarkable growth reflects both strong market performance and rising interest in ETFs across all age groups.

“The benefits of indexing — transparency, diversification, and low costs — are better understood now, but we’ve still got work to do,” he said.

ETFs have transformed the investment landscape in Australia, offering cost-effective, liquid, and transparent access to diversified portfolios with a single trade.

“ETFs like VAS have democratised investing,” Mr Shrimski added. “They’ve made it possible for everyday Australians to build wealth in a simple, low-cost and effective way.”

“VAS is part of a global movement that began with Vanguard’s founder, Jack Bogle, the pioneer of index investing. His vision was to give investors a fair go — and that legacy lives on in VAS,” Mr Shrimski said.

To learn more about the benefits of Vanguard’s range of simple, low cost and diversified ETFs, visit the Vanguard website.

 

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

7 examples of how the new super tax will be calculated

You've no doubt heard about Division 296. These case studies show what people at various levels above the $3 million threshold might need to pay the ATO, with examples ranging from under $500 to more than $35,000.

The revolt against Baby Boomer wealth

The $3m super tax could be put down to the Government needing money and the wealthy being easy targets. It’s deeper than that though and this looks at the factors behind the policy and why more taxes on the wealthy are coming.

Meg on SMSFs: Withdrawing assets ahead of the $3m super tax

The super tax has caused an almighty scuffle, but for SMSFs impacted by the proposed tax, a big question remains: what should they do now? Here are ideas for those wanting to withdraw money from their SMSF.

Are franking credits hurting Australia’s economy?

Business investment and per capita GDP have languished over the past decade and the Labor Government is conducting inquiries to find out why. Franking credits should be part of the debate about our stalling economy.

Here's what should replace the $3 million super tax

With Div. 296 looming, is there a smarter way to tax superannuation? This proposes a fairer, income-linked alternative that respects compounding, ensures predictability, and avoids taxing unrealised capital gains. 

The huge cost of super tax concessions

The current net annual cost of superannuation tax subsidies is around $40 billion, growing to more than $110 billion by 2060. These subsidies have always been bad policy, representing a waste of taxpayers' money.

Latest Updates

Investment strategies

9 winning investment strategies

There are many ways to invest in stocks, but some strategies are more effective than others. Here are nine tried and tested investment approaches - choosing one of these can improve your chances of reaching your financial goals.

Planning

Super, death and taxes – time to rethink your estate plans?

The $3 million super tax has many rethinking their super strategies, especially issues of wealth transfer on death. This reviews the taxes on super benefits and offers investment alternatives.

Taxation

Raising the GST to 15%

Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to tackle tax reform but faces challenges. Previous reviews struggled due to political sensitivities, highlighting the need for comprehensive and politically feasible change.

Shares

The megatrend you simply cannot ignore

Markets are reassessing the impact of AI, with initial euphoria giving way to growing scepticism. This shift is evident in the performance of ASX-listed AI beneficiaries, creating potential opportunities.

Gold

Is this the real reason for gold's surge past $3,000?

Concerns over the US fiscal position seem to have overtaken geopolitics and interest rates as the biggest tailwind for gold prices. Even if a debt crisis doesn't seem likely, there could be more support on the way.

Exchange traded products

Is now the time to invest in small caps?

With further RBA rate cuts forecast this year, small caps may be key beneficiaries. There are quality small cap LICs and LITs trading at discounts to net assets, offering opportunities for astute investors.

Strategy

Welcome to the grey war

Forget speculation about a future US-China conflict - it's already happening. Through cyberwarfare and propaganda, China is waging a grey war designed to weaken democracies without firing a single shot.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.