Fund-vs-fund · International Equities
Foundation Series US Dividend Equity Fund vs Smart Japan 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 | 0.06% | 0.55% | Lower is better |
| Risk indicator (1–7) | 5 | 5 | Higher = more volatility |
| 5-year return p.a. | — | 8.82% | Higher is better (past not future) |
| Fund size | NZ$11m | NZ$15m | 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 Dividend Equity Fund
The Fund aims for high long-run returns by investing in an ETF that invests in high dividend yielding shares issued by companies in the United States that have a record of consistently paying dividends.Full Foundation Series Foundation Series US Dividend Equity Fund profile →
Smartshares
Smart Japan ESG ETF
The Smart Japan ESG ETF is designed to track the return (before tax, fees and other expenses) of the MSCI Japan Screened Index. The Index is comprised of Japanese 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 Japan 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.