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Trading platforms analysed
If you're looking to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), you'll need to be signed up to the right trading platform.
That means finding a platform or online broker that offers a great range of ETFs, low ETF trading fees and the right tools to match your trading strategy.
Our investment experts have analysed more than 40 trading platforms available in Australia to make it easier for you to select the right one as an ETF investor. The 5 brokers featured here achieved the highest scores for Finder's Best ETF Broker award in the Finder Awards. Keep in mind that these picks are suggestions and that the best platform for you will depend on your individual needs. There may be other products on the market not included in our picks. You can read more on our Best ETF platform methodology here.
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Trading platforms analysed
4,370
Data points
300+
Hours of research
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To invest in ETFs, you need to be signed up to a share trading platform or online broker. Because ETFs are listed on a stock exchange, you invest in them the same way you buy and sell stocks. Instead of buying and selling stocks, you'll be buying ETF units.
However not all share trading platforms are catered to ETF investors. For instance, some trading platforms offer only a small range of ETFs or feature tools better suited to active stock traders. Trading platform eToro, for example, only offers US-listed ETFs and Australian shares, it does not support ASX-listed ETFs.
In Australia, ETF investors typically choose ASX-listed ETFs. This means the funds are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Australia's main stock exchange. To date, there are over 200 ASX-listed funds.
Just because an ETF is listed in the Australian market, doesn't mean that you're only investing in Australian assets. ASX-listed funds allow you to invest in stocks and other assets from right around the world, including the US market, emerging markets like India, UK stocks and even global commodities.
For more information on the types of ETFs available in Australia, check out our guides:
The best ETF platform for you will depend on your investment strategy, the types of ETFs you plan to invest in and whether you also want to buy other types of securities such as stocks.
If you plan to make small regular deposits into your ETF of choice, look for a platform that charges a low brokerage fee per trade and allows you to invest small, recurring amounts. It's worth noting that many platforms require a minimum deposit of $500 per trade, so make sure you check this before signing up.
If you only plan to deposit funds into your ETF once or twice a year, the brokerage fee is less important and you may instead prefer to find a platform that offers quality filtering or research tools that will help you select the best ETF for you.
Here are a few factors to consider:
Choosing the perfect ETF trading platform boils down to personal preference and trading style. Consider your unique needs and goals, then select a platform that aligns. Here's to successful trading!
"Did you know some ETF platforms actually charge no brokerage fees when you invest in ETFs? While trading fees might not seem like a lot, they can quickly add up over time, especially if you are making regular investments."
Many ETFs have averaged an annualised return of more than 15% over the last 5 years, however this has been during a period of relatively high growth for the stock market. Like with any investment, the value of an ETF can go up or down.
ETFs that track popular stock indices like the S&P 500 and ASX 200 have also enjoyed strong returns over recent years, and averaged around a 10% return over the last few decades.
| ASX Code | Type | Fund Name | Fund Name | Fee | 5-Year Return | 3-Year Return | 1-Year Return | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GDX | Global equity | VanEck Gold Miners ETF | VanEck Gold Miners ETF | 0.53% | 32.88% | 60.55% | 157.32% | ||
| MNRS | Global equity | Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF - Currency Hedged | Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF - Currency Hedged | 0.57% | 29.00% | 60.35% | 189.42% | ||
| ETPMAG | Commodity | Global X Physical Silver | Global X Physical Silver | 0.49% | 28.64% | 59.31% | 149.27% | ||
| PMGOLD | Commodity | Perth Mint Gold | Perth Mint Gold | 0.15% | 26.10% | 39.00% | 58.04% | ||
| GOLD | Commodity | Global X Physical Gold | Global X Physical Gold | 0.40% | 25.89% | 38.68% | 58.06% | ||
| GEAR | Australia equity | Betashares Geared Australian Equities Complex ETF | Betashares Geared Australian Equities Complex ETF | 0.78% | 21.45% | 21.99% | 32.45% | ||
| QAU | Commodity | Betashares Gold Bullion ETF (Currency Hedged) | Betashares Gold Bullion ETF (Currency Hedged) | 0.59% | 21.31% | 39.09% | 78.22% | ||
| HJPN | Asia equity | Betashares Japan Currency Hedged ETF | Betashares Japan Currency Hedged ETF | 0.56% | 20.29% | 33.25% | 55.14% | ||
| ETPMPM | Commodity | Global X Physical Precious Metals Basket | Global X Physical Precious Metals Basket | 0.44% | 19.81% | 37.41% | 81.26% | ||
| FANG | Global equity | Global X FANG+ ETF | Global X FANG+ ETF | 0.35% | 18.76% | 35.40% | -0.38% |
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