Fund-vs-fund · International Equities
Foundation Series US 500 Fund vs Smart Total World 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% | 0.40% | Lower is better |
| Risk indicator (1–7) | 5 | 5 | Higher = more volatility |
| 5-year return p.a. | — | 14.21% | Higher is better (past not future) |
| Fund size | NZ$241m | NZ$264m | 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 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 US 500 Fund profile →
Smartshares
Smart Total World ETF
The Smart Total World ETF is designed to track the return (before tax, fees and other expenses) of the FTSE Global All Cap Index. The Index is comprised of large, mid and small cap companies located around the world.Full Smartshares Smart Total World 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.