The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX:VGS) has more than doubled the ASX 200's returns in 2021

Why is this ETF performing so strongly in 2021?

| More on:
One girl leapfrogs over her friend's back.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Investors in the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) have something to cheer about in 2021.

Despite only being up a measly 0.12% today, at the time of writing to $100.93, the VGS share price has had a phenomenal 2021. Since the beginning of the year, shares in the popular exchange-traded fund (ETF) have appreciated 20.2%. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 8.74% since 1 January. In other words, VGS has more than doubled the gains of the benchmark index.

Let's take a closer look at the ETF.

What is VGS invested in?

As The Motley Fool has previously reported, VGS is invested in over 1500 shares, none of which are listed on the ASX.

These 5 companies, all listed on NASDAQ, individually account for more than 1% of the fund's total:

Other notable companies the ETF is invested in include Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), PayPal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: PYPL) and Visa Inc (NYSE: V).

Whatever shares the fund is invested in, it's clearly doing wonders for shareholders in its ASX-traded ETF.

What are the professionals saying about ASX VGS?

The Motley Fool's own Scott Phillips says VGS can be a good starting point for ASX investors. Buying into the fund gives investors instant access to 1505 of the biggest companies outside of Australia. Vanguard also offers an ASX alternative, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS). This gives investors access to the 300 largest companies on the ASX.

Another reason Vanguard may be attractive to investors is its low rates. With a management fee of just 0.18%, it's a lot lower than a lot of other managed funds.

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Teresa Kersten, an employee of LinkedIn, a Microsoft subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Motley Fool contributor Marc Sidarous has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, PayPal Holdings, Tesla, Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2022 $1,920 calls on Amazon, long January 2022 $75 calls on PayPal Holdings, long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple, short January 2022 $1,940 calls on Amazon, and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Apple, Facebook, PayPal Holdings, and Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ETFs

asx share price boosted by us investment represented by hand waving US flag across winning athlete
ETFs

Which ASX ETFs give Aussie investors access to US stocks?

We canvas some options to help you get your research started.

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

Want the latest dividend from the Vanguard Australia Shares ETF (VAS)? Here's what you have to do

If you want to bag the latest VAS dividend, here's what you need to do.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

Why these ASX income ETFs could be top options

Here's how investors can use ETFs to generate income.

Read more »

ETF written on cubes sitting on piles of coins.
ETFs

2 rewarding ASX ETFs I'd buy to build a second income

There are a few different ETFs that can provide good dividends. Here are two.

Read more »

A young man wearing glasses writes down his stock picks in his living room.
ETFs

The pros and cons of buying the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) right now

It’s important to ask the question of whether it’s a good time to buy.

Read more »

A graphic illustration with the words NASDAQ atop a US city and currency
ETFs

How much would I have now if I'd invested $10,000 in the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (NDQ) a year ago?

Was it a good idea to buy this ETF a year ago?

Read more »

young man smiling in blue shirt
ETFs

Invest $500 in these outstanding ASX ETFs

Could these ETFs deliver the goods for investors over the long term?

Read more »

A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.
ETFs

Buy and hold these ASX ETFs until 2034

These ETFs could be great long-term options. Let's see why.

Read more »