Updated Reviewed quarterly
KGH vs VOO: ETF Comparison
KGH · Kernel
TER 0.25% · Yield —
VOO · Vanguard
TER 0.03% · Yield 1.0%
KGH is a NZX-listed PIE fund (capped at 28% PIR, FIF-exempt). VOO is US-listed and triggers FIF tax once your overseas-share holdings exceed NZ$50,000 cost-basis, plus 15% US withholding tax on dividends. The trade-off is headline TER (VOO often cheaper) vs NZ tax simplicity (KGH cleaner).
In 30 seconds: KGH (Kernel High Growth Fund, Kernel) is an unlisted PIE fund (not exchange-traded) at 0.25% TER. VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, Vanguard) trades on the NYSE Arca at 0.03% TER. KGH is a NZX-listed PIE fund (capped at 28% PIR, FIF-exempt). VOO is US-listed and triggers FIF tax once your overseas-share holdings exceed NZ$50,000 cost-basis, plus 15% US withholding tax on dividends. The trade-off is headline TER (VOO often cheaper) vs NZ tax simplicity (KGH cleaner).
- KGH: Kernel High Growth Fund — 0.25% TER, PIE (max 28% PIR)
- VOO: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF — 0.03% TER, FIF above NZ$50K
- KGH yield: not currently published
- VOO yield: 1.0% (Quarterly)
- Cheaper TER: VOO
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | KGH | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Fund | Kernel High Growth Fund | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF |
| Issuer | Kernel | Vanguard |
| Exchange | Unlisted | NYSE Arca |
| Total expense ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% |
| Dividend yield (TTM) | — | 1.0% |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| NZ tax wrapper | PIE (max 28% PIR) | FIF above NZ$50K |
Where to buy
KGH is an unlisted PIE fund (not exchange-traded) — buy via the issuer platform only (unlisted PIE — buy units direct on Kernel). VOO trades on the NYSE Arca — buy via Hatch, Stake, Sharesies, Tiger and Interactive Brokers. See all 11 NZ investment platforms compared.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between KGH and VOO?▾
KGH (Kernel High Growth Fund) charges 0.25% TER vs VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) at 0.03%. KGH is from Kernel; VOO is from Vanguard. KGH is a NZX-listed PIE fund (capped at 28% PIR, FIF-exempt). VOO is US-listed and triggers FIF tax once your overseas-share holdings exceed NZ$50,000 cost-basis, plus 15% US withholding tax on dividends. The trade-off is headline TER (VOO often cheaper) vs NZ tax simplicity (KGH cleaner).
Which has the lower fee, KGH or VOO?▾
VOO is cheaper at 0.03% TER vs KGH at 0.25% — a gap of 0.22 percentage points.
Which yields more, KGH or VOO?▾
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 KGH, FIF above NZ$50K for VOO).
Can NZ residents buy both KGH and VOO?▾
Yes. KGH is available via the issuer platform only (unlisted PIE — buy units direct on Kernel). VOO is available via Hatch, Stake, Sharesies, Tiger and Interactive Brokers.
How does NZ tax differ between KGH and VOO?▾
KGH is PIE (max 28% PIR). VOO is FIF above NZ$50K. The PIE-wrapped fund is simpler — no FIF return, no US withholding, capped at 28% PIR. See /tax/pie-vs-fif/ for the full mechanics.
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