How to buy the iShares Core S&P 500

The iShares Core S&P 500 ETF is an investment that gives you exposure to the largest US stocks through a single fund. It aims to track the performance of the S&P Index, which is based on large cap US equities. The benefit for you as an investor is that you can access this through one fund which is also low fee.

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How to buy iShares Core S&P 500 units

1. Compare online brokers. To invest in exchange traded funds (ETFs) listed in Australia, you'll need to sign up to an ETF broker platform with access to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Our table below can help you choose.
2. Open and fund your brokerage account. Complete an application with your personal and financial details, like your ID and tax file number. Fund your account with a bank transfer, PayPal or debit card.
3. Search for the iShares Core S&P 500 . Find the ETF by name or ticker symbol. Research its history to confirm it's a solid investment against your financial goals.
4. Purchase now or later. Buy today with a market order or use a limit order to delay your purchase until the iShares Core S&P 500 reaches your desired price. To spread out your risk, look into dollar-cost averaging, which smooths out buying at consistent intervals and amounts.
5. Decide on how many to buy. At today's price, weigh your budget against a diversified portfolio that can minimise risk through the market's ups and downs.
6. Check in on your investment. Congratulations, you've invested in the iShares Core S&P 500 . Optimise your portfolio by tracking how your stock — and even the business — performs with an eye on the long term. You may be eligible for dividends and shareholder voting rights on directors and management that can affect your stock.

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5 of 33 results

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Finder Score	Brokerage on AU ETFs	Inactivity fee	Asset Class
Promoted Finder Score 9.6 Excellent Moomoo Share Trading Finder Award	Finder Score 9.6 Excellent	$3.00	$0	ASX shares,Global shares,Options trading,US shares,ETFs	Trade major markets with built-in social trading tools.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted Finder Score 8.7 Great eToro	Finder Score 8.7 Great	US$2.00	US$10 per month if there’s been no log-in for 12 months	ASX shares,Global shares,US shares,ETFs,Cryptocurrencies	CFD service. Capital at risk. Trade a range of assets from a single account with access to social trading features.	$150 REWARD Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted Finder Score 9.8 Excellent Webull Finder Award	Finder Score 9.8 Excellent	$0.00	$0	ASX shares,Global shares,Options trading,US shares,ETFs,Cryptocurrencies	Welcome offer: Receive 5 US fractional shares by depositing or transferring AUD$500 or more into a new account. 2% cashback is also available to those who provide additional funding and execute a trade in the US market. Expires on 30 June. T&Cs apply.	Invest in over 15,000 shares, options, and $0 Brokerage on all U.S. and Australian Chess-Sponsored ETFs.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder Score 9.3 Excellent Tiger Brokers Finder Award	Finder Score 9.3 Excellent	$3.00	$0	ASX shares,Global shares,Options trading,US shares,ETFs	Deposit any amount and receive $20 to trade in Tiger Brokers. Plus 4x zero brokerage trades and no FX fees on the first $2,000 you exchange every month. T&Cs apply.	Trade US, Asian and CHESS-sponsored ASX stocks, China A-class shares, plus US and Hong Kong options and ETFs.	$120 REWARD Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder Score 9.9 Excellent CMC Invest Finder Award	Finder Score 9.9 Excellent	$0.00	$0	ASX shares,Global shares,Options trading,US shares,mFunds,ETFs,Cryptocurrencies	Trade 45,000+ listed securities across the local markets and 15 major global exchanges.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading

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Frequently asked questions

• Is the iShares S&P 500 ETF a good investment for Australians?

  It can be a solid way for Australians to gain exposure to the largest US companies without needing to pick individual stocks. However, whether it’s “good” depends on your goals, risk tolerance and time frame. It’s designed to track the performance of the S&P 500 Index, which means returns will broadly follow the US share market rather than the Australian one.

• How are dividends from the iShares S&P 500 ETF paid to Australian investors?

  Dividends are paid in Australian dollars and deposited into your brokerage account. Distributions are typically made quarterly and include income from the US companies held in the fund, minus fees and taxes. Keep in mind, you may need to declare these earnings in your Australian tax return.

• What are the tax implications of investing in a US ETF from Australia?

  When investing in US ETFs like the iShares S&P 500 ETF, Australian investors may be subject to US withholding tax on dividends, generally 15% under the US-Australia tax treaty. You’ll also pay Australian tax on the income and capital gains. Completing a W‑8BEN form with your broker ensures you’re not double-taxed at the higher US rate.

• Can I buy the iShares S&P 500 ETF with my superannuation?

  Yes, if you’re using a self-managed super fund (SMSF). Many online brokers supporting SMSFs allow trading in ETFs listed on the ASX, including the iShares S&P 500 ETF. However, consider your fund’s investment strategy and compliance rules before adding international exposure.

• What’s the difference between buying this ETF on the ASX versus in the US?

  The iShares S&P 500 ETF listed on the ASX (ASX: IVV) is structured for Australian investors and traded in Australian dollars. The US-listed version (NYSE: IVV) trades in US dollars. Performance is similar, but your choice may depend on brokerage costs, currency exposure and tax treatment.

• Does currency exchange affect my returns from the iShares S&P 500 ETF?

  Yes. The ETF’s underlying assets are priced in US dollars, so your Australian dollar returns will rise or fall depending on the exchange rate. A falling Australian dollar generally increases your returns, while a stronger Aussie dollar can reduce them.

• How often should I review my iShares S&P 500 ETF investment?

  It’s sensible to review your holdings at least once or twice a year, or if your financial goals or circumstances change. While the ETF tracks the S&P 500 automatically, your broader portfolio may need rebalancing to maintain your ideal mix of assets.

• What fees will I pay on the iShares S&P 500 ETF?

  You’ll typically pay a small management fee called the expense ratio (currently around 0.04% p.a.) plus your broker’s usual trading commissions. There are no entry or exit fees charged by iShares, but brokerage and bid–ask spreads can slightly impact your total cost.

• What percentage of iShares Core S&P 500 is owned by insiders or institutions?

  Currently N/A% of iShares Core S&P 500 shares are held by insiders and N/A% by institutions.