On the ASX, the iShares MSCI South Korea Capped Index ETF (ASX: IKO) and Betashares Australian Small Companies Select Fund (Managed Fund) ETF (ASX: SMLL) might be worth digging into in 2021.
What to know about the iShares IKO ETF
The iShares IKO ETF provides investors with exposure to the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the Korean stock market.
According to our most recent data, the IKO ETF had $64.03 million of money invested. Given its funds under management (also known as FUM or ‘market cap’) is less than $100 million, you should consider if this ETF is still too small and if it is sustainable for the ETF issuer. At Best ETFs we say an ETF with more than $100 million invested is typically more sustainable than one with less than $100 million (at least). However, there are exceptions to this general rule, especially if the ETF issuer/provider is reputable and committed to growing the ETF’s FUM through effective marketing strategies and distribution to financial advisers.
Keep learning about the IKO ETF. Click here to access our free ETF review.
The Betashares SMLL ETF – key points
The BetaShares SMLL Fund is an ASX-listed managed fund that aims to outperform the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index and provide investors with regular capital growth and income.
With our numbers for December 2020, SMLL’s FUM stood at $50.91 million. Given it has less than $100 million invested, ask yourself (or your adviser) if the ETF is still too small (and if you should wait to buy into it). If you’re concerned the ETF might not be established enough, compare it alongside one of the other Active ETF (e.g. ETMF) sector ETFs, using our full list of ETFs.
Are the fees for the SMLL ETF bad?
Betashares, the ETF issuer, charges a yearly management fee of 0.39% for the SMLL ETF. Meaning, if you invested $2,000 for a full 12-month period you could expect to pay a base management fee of around $7.80.
The management fee is above the average for all ETFs on our list of ASX ETFs, but keep in mind the ETF may be able to justify the higher price tag with superior performance over time.
Before rushing out and investing in the SMLL fund, consider searching our full ETF list to compare the fees and costs of another ETF side-by-side. Another idea might be using our website to get a free but comprehensive investment review on SMLL.
[ls_content_block id=”4954″ para=”paragraphs”]