Fund-vs-fund · International Equities
Foundation Series Hedged US 500 Fund vs Smart US ESG ETF
Both are International Equities funds available to NZ retail investors. Numbers below are sourced from the FMA Disclose register via Sorted Smart Investor and reflect the latest published quarterly fund updates.
| Metric | Foundation Series | Smartshares | Lower / higher is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fund charge | 0.03% | 0.34% | Lower is better |
| Risk indicator (1–7) | 6 | 5 | Higher = more volatility |
| 5-year return p.a. | — | 17.72% | Higher is better (past not future) |
| Fund size | NZ$42m | NZ$43m | Larger = more stable, lower close-risk |
| Growth / income split | 98% / 2% | 98% / 2% | More growth = higher long-run return + volatility |
What each fund says it does
Foundation Series
Foundation Series Hedged US 500 Fund
The fund aims for high long-run returns by investing in an Exchange-Traded Fund ('ETF') that invests in shares of the largest companies listed on stock markets in the United States.Full Foundation Series Foundation Series Hedged US 500 Fund profile →
Smartshares
Smart US ESG ETF
The Smart US ESG ETF is designed to track the return (before tax, fees and other expenses) of the MSCI USA Screened Index. The Index is comprised of US companies screened for exposure to controversial weapons, civilian firearms, tobacco, thermal coal and oil sands. The Index excludes companies that fail to comply with the United Nations Global Compact Principles. For more information, please refer to the Smart Responsible Investment Policy.Full Smartshares Smart US ESG ETF profile →
Important: This comparison is general information only — not personalised financial advice.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. The right fund for you depends on your personal
circumstances. Read each fund's Product Disclosure Statement and consider speaking to a licensed financial adviser.