In this The Australian Finance Podcast, your host Owen Rask walks through 5 expert-level steps to research any ETF with confidence.
Whether you’re a beginner or just want to know what’s actually in your ETF, this checklist will help you make better investing decisions.
Owen covers:
- How to understand an ETF’s goal & investment universe
- What to watch out for with fees
- Why holdings and weightings matter
- What tracking difference really means
- How to check an ETF’s size, liquidity and structure
Plus, you’ll learn some key beginner takeaways to avoid costly mistakes, and how to use real ASX ETFs like VAS, A200, IVV and NDQ to compare.
If you liked this episode, subscribe to the podcast for new weekly episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen!

Topics Covered
- Why ETF research matters
- Step 1: Understand the ETF’s Objective
- Step 2: Check the Fees & MER
- Step 3: Look Under the Hood: Holdings & Weightings
- Step 4: Compare Performance to the Index
- Step 5: Assess Structure, Size & Liquidity
- Why these 5 steps matter for beginners
- What the “4% rule” has to do with ETFs
- The risk of chasing high yield
- How diversification helps smooth income
- Real ETF comparisons: VAS, A200, IVV, NDQ, GOLD, EMKT
- How to use a checklist for your own portfolio research

Resources for This Episode
Learn more about ETF research:<a href="https://education.rask.com.au/p/etf-investing"> ETF Investing Course (Beginner to Pro): </a><a href="https://education.rask.com.au/courses/etf-course/">https://education.rask.com.au/courses/etf-course/</a><a href="https://education.rask.com.au/p/etf-investing"> </a>
ETF Provider Websites:<a href="https://www.vanguard.com.au"> Vanguard ETFs</a><a href="https://www.betashares.com.au"> Betashares</a><a href="https://www.blackrock.com/au"> iShares (BlackRock)</a><a href="https://www.vaneck.com.au"> VanEck Australia</a><a href="https://www.globalxetfs.com.au"> Global X ETFs</a>
Example ETFs Referenced:<a href="https://www.vanguard.com.au/personal/products/en/detail/overview?portfolioId=8205"> </a>
<a href="https://www.vanguard.com.au/personal/products/en/detail/overview?portfolioId=8205">VAS (Aussie Shares)</a><a href="https://www.betashares.com.au/fund/a200/"> </a>
<a href="https://www.betashares.com.au/fund/a200/">A200 (Aussie Shares)</a><a href="https://www.blackrock.com/au/individual/products/251806/ishares-sp-500-etf"> </a>
<a href="https://www.blackrock.com/au/individual/products/251806/ishares-sp-500-etf">IVV (US S&P 500)</a><a href="https://www.vanguard.com.au/personal/products/en/detail/overview?portfolioId=8211"> </a>
<a href="https://www.vanguard.com.au/personal/products/en/detail/overview?portfolioId=8211">VGS (Global Shares)</a><a href="https://www.betashares.com.au/fund/ndq/"> </a>
<a href="https://www.betashares.com.au/fund/ndq/">NDQ (NASDAQ 100)</a><a href="https://www.globalxetfs.com.au/funds/gold/"> </a>
<a href="https://www.globalxetfs.com.au/funds/gold/">GOLD (Physical Gold)</a>
<a href="https://www.vaneck.com.au/funds/emkt/">EMKT (Emerging Markets)</a>

Show partner resources
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DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): <a href="https://www.rask.com.au/fsg">https://www.rask.com.au/fsg</a>
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