Vanguard Australia Review: Compare Stockspot vs Vanguard

The Vanguard Group is a registered investment advisor based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, recognised for being the first to launch index funds.

Stockspot is Australia's first & largest online investment adviser with a strong track record of returns since 2014.

We review Vanguard and compare Vanguard to Stockspot, so you can make an informed decision about how you want to invest.

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Vanguard Australia vs Stockspot

VANGUARD AUSTRALIA VS STOCKSPOT

StockspotAustralia's first & largest digital investment advisor with a strong track record of returns since 2014.

VanguardVanguard Australia is part of the Vanguard Group. The Vanguard Group is a US entity, and they pioneered index funds and index investing.

PERFORMANCE

Stockspot

5 years to 31 December 2025 (per annum)

Conservative (Amethyst): +6.7%
Balanced (Turquoise): +8.8%
Growth (Topaz): +11.0%
Performance is after-fees as at 31 December 2025. Returns are after ETFs fees and after Stockspot fees based on the Gold tier. We use the compound time weighted return methodology including the reinvestment of distributions but excluding individual tax. Comparison is based on the after-fee returns of a Gold tier investment in either Stockspot Amethyst, Turquoise or Topaz portfolios (our most popular portfolio in each risk category) on the basis that they have similar exposure to growth assets to the funds that have been compared. Investing in financial products involves risk. Past performance of financial products is no guarantee of future performance.

Vanguard diversified ETF funds

5 years to 31 December 2025 (per annum)

Conservative (Vanguard Diversified Conservative Index Fund VDCO): +3.3%
Balanced (Vanguard Diversified Balanced Index Fund VDBA): +5.6%
Growth (Vanguard Diversified Growth Index Fund VDGR): +8.0%
Vanguard performance information has been taken from ASX data as at 31 December 2025.

LOW FEES

StockspotStockspots fees are considerably lower than industry average and a fraction of the cost of typical advisors or fund managers, starting from just $1 per month for accounts up to $20,000. See Stockspot’s fee tiers here.

VanguardFees below 1% per annum, a fraction of the cost of typical advisors or fund managers. Vanguard's index investing model has outperformed the average active fund manager over time.

PERSONALISED ADVICE

StockspotPersonal investment advice based on your situation, your goals, your timeframe and your personal capacity to take risks with returns. You receive a personal Statement of Advice and can speak to a dedicated Stockspot investment adviser about your personal situation.

VanguardIt is up to you to select an investment strategy and work out whether it is appropriate for your personal situation. Vanguard does not provide personal financial advice in Australia.

RECOMMENDS A RANGE OF FUND ISSUERS

StockspotA large contribution to Stockspot's outperformance is the selection of ETFs and inclusion of gold as a defensive asset. Stockspot does not receive payments from the ETFs we recommend, meaning Stockspot can use a variety of different ETF issuers for better return opportunities.

VanguardVanguard diversified index funds exclusively use Vanguard products.

CONTROL YOUR INVESTMENTS

StockspotChoose investment options, like socially responsible shares or dividend shares via Stockspot Themes, when investing $20,000 or more. Stockspot also offers five sustainable investing portfolio options. Stockspot ensures your portfolio is right for your financial situation. We give clients 3 different rebalance settings so they have more control over when they receive income and when they lock in gains.

VanguardVanguard offers four diversified index ETFs ranging from conservative to high growth.

TRANSITION YOUR PORTFOLIO

StockspotIf you're investing more than $200,000 you can speak with a dedicated Stockspot investment adviser to create your personal transition and implementation plan.

VanguardVanguard does not provide personal financial advice in Australia.

INVEST FOR KIDS FOR FREE

StockspotKids invest for free with Stockspot with zero management fees for kids accounts up to $10,000 or until they turn 18. As you grow your account balance so too does your kids fee-free limit, see the full fees and pricing tiers here.

VanguardNo fee-free option for kids.

NO DIRECT TAX CONSEQUENCES FROM INVESTORS REDEEMING

StockspotStockspot exclusively recommended ETFs. When investors redeem, ETFs benefit from the ability to stream the capital gains tax bill away from the fund’s investors to their market makers.

VanguardVanguard diversified index funds are constructed using unlisted managed funds. This may lead to additional tax consequences due to differences in how ETFs and unlisted funds pay out (redeem) investors leaving the fund.According to Morningstar “When investors exit an unlisted fund, they’re paid out in cash. If fund managers sell assets to get that cash, it can create capital gains for the fund’s remaining investors. Those gains are passed on to investors as a taxable distribution. In effect, investors leaving unlisted funds can leave behind capital gains taxes for those that remain.”You can learn more here.

* Information on Vanguard is based on details from their website, blog, Financial Services Guide (FSG) and ASX as at 31 December 2025.

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Benefits of Stockspot portfolios

Investment expertise

We continually research and review the best investments for your portfolio

Keeps risk under control

We precisely rebalance your portfolio as the market changes

View your portfolio anytime

You can keep track of your portfolio and investing goals online and on our app

Enjoy fewer ups and downs

Diversification into bonds makes our portfolios less risky than just owning Australian shares

Makes your money work harder

We automatically reinvest your dividends, earning you more

Local team available to help

We help thousands of people every day, from those just starting out to experienced investors

Meet the team

Founder Chris Brycki started Stockspot to help Australians invest better and achieve financial freedom. As a professional fund manager he saw too many people getting ripped off by bad investment advice and high fees. Chris left his career to build Australia's first personalised online investing platform.

Today, Stockspot has a team of qualified professionals who help guide thousands of clients to build wealth with a proven investment strategy.

Our set of principles guides how we advise clients and invest their money. This is our DNA and what sets us apart from other products and investment managers.

Stockspot team
Our principles
Meet our senior investment experts
Meet our financial advisers

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