Updated Reviewed quarterly
ASF vs EMG: ETF Comparison
ASF · Smartshares
TER 0.55% · Yield —
EMG · Smartshares
TER 0.59% · Yield —
Both ASF and EMG are NZX-listed PIE-wrapped funds. Distributions are taxed in-fund at your Prescribed Investor Rate (max 28%) and Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules do not apply to either. The choice is about exposure, fee, and issuer — not tax wrapper.
In 30 seconds: ASF (Smartshares Asia Pacific ETF, Smartshares) trades on the NZX at 0.55% TER. EMG (Smartshares Emerging Markets ETF, Smartshares) trades on the NZX at 0.59% TER. Both ASF and EMG are NZX-listed PIE-wrapped funds. Distributions are taxed in-fund at your Prescribed Investor Rate (max 28%) and Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules do not apply to either. The choice is about exposure, fee, and issuer — not tax wrapper.
- ASF: Smartshares Asia Pacific ETF — 0.55% TER, PIE (max 28% PIR)
- EMG: Smartshares Emerging Markets ETF — 0.59% TER, PIE (max 28% PIR)
- ASF yield: not currently published
- EMG yield: not currently published
- Cheaper TER: ASF
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | ASF | EMG |
|---|---|---|
| Fund | Smartshares Asia Pacific ETF | Smartshares Emerging Markets ETF |
| Issuer | Smartshares | Smartshares |
| Exchange | NZX | NZX |
| Total expense ratio | 0.55% | 0.59% |
| Dividend yield (TTM) | — | — |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| NZ tax wrapper | PIE (max 28% PIR) | PIE (max 28% PIR) |
Where to buy
ASF trades on the NZX. EMG trades on the NZX. Both are available on every NZX broker (Sharesies, InvestNow, Kernel direct, BNZ, Jarden, ASB). See all 11 NZ investment platforms compared.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ASF and EMG? ▾
ASF (Smartshares Asia Pacific ETF) charges 0.55% TER vs EMG (Smartshares Emerging Markets ETF) at 0.59%. Both are issued by Smartshares. Both ASF and EMG are NZX-listed PIE-wrapped funds. Distributions are taxed in-fund at your Prescribed Investor Rate (max 28%) and Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules do not apply to either. The choice is about exposure, fee, and issuer — not tax wrapper.
Which has the lower fee, ASF or EMG? ▾
ASF is cheaper at 0.55% TER vs EMG at 0.59% — a gap of 0.04 percentage points. Over 30 years on a NZ$50,000 portfolio at 7% pre-fee return, that fee gap compounds to roughly NZ4,245 of foregone wealth.
Which yields more, ASF or EMG? ▾
Yield data for at least one fund is not currently published — check the issuer fact sheet for the latest trailing 12-month yield. Headline yield is gross; after-tax outcome depends on your tax wrapper (PIE (max 28% PIR) for ASF, PIE (max 28% PIR) for EMG).
Can NZ residents buy both ASF and EMG? ▾
Yes. ASF (NZX) is available via Sharesies, InvestNow (Smartshares zero fee), Kernel direct, BNZ Direct Broking, Jarden Direct, ASB Securities. EMG (NZX) is available via Sharesies, InvestNow, Kernel direct, BNZ Direct Broking, Jarden, ASB.
How does NZ tax differ between ASF and EMG? ▾
ASF is PIE (max 28% PIR). EMG is PIE (max 28% PIR). Same tax wrapper, no structural tax difference between the two for NZ residents. See /tax/pie-vs-fif/ for the full mechanics.
