Updated Reviewed quarterly
VGT ETF: Information Technology
TER0.10%·Yield (TTM)0.6%·DistributionQuarterly·NZ taxFIF (US-domiciled, > NZ$50K cost-basis)
Vanguard's pure-play technology sector ETF. 300+ tech stocks including Apple, Microsoft, and NVIDIA at just 0.10% expense ratio.
VGT Key Stats (2026)
What is VGT ETF?
VGT tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index, providing exposure to US companies in the information technology sector.
This includes software, hardware, semiconductors, and IT services companies — but notably excludes companies like Amazon (classified as consumer) and Tesla (classified as autos).
Top 10 Holdings
Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Broadcom, Salesforce, Adobe, AMD, Cisco, Oracle, Accenture
VGT vs QQQ: Which Tech ETF?
| Feature | VGT | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.20% |
| Holdings | 300+ | 100 |
| Focus | Pure tech sector | Nasdaq-100 (tech-heavy) |
| Includes Amazon? | No (consumer sector) | Yes |
| Includes Tesla? | No (auto sector) | Yes |
| Includes Meta? | No (communication) | Yes |
The key difference: VGT is a pure technology sector fund, while QQQ includes tech-adjacent companies like Amazon, Tesla, and Meta. VGT has lower fees but narrower focus.
How to Buy VGT from New Zealand
Choose a Platform
VGT is available on Hatch, Stake, Sharesies, and Interactive Brokers. IBKR offers the lowest fees for larger portfolios.
Fund & Convert
Deposit NZD and convert to USD. VGT trades around US$580 per share — one of the higher-priced ETFs.
Buy VGT
Search "VGT" and place your order. Fractional shares available on some platforms if the share price is too high.
Why Choose VGT?
Lower Fees than QQQ
VGT's 0.10% expense ratio is half of QQQ's 0.20%. Over time, this fee difference compounds significantly.
Pure Tech Exposure
If you specifically want tech sector exposure without consumer or communication companies, VGT is more focused.
More Holdings
300+ stocks vs QQQ's 100 means more diversification within the tech sector, including mid and small-cap tech.
Vanguard Trust
Vanguard is known for low costs and investor-friendly practices. VGT benefits from Vanguard's scale.
VGT: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low 0.10% expense ratio (half of QQQ)
- Pure tech sector focus
- 300+ holdings for diversification
- Strong historical returns
Cons
- ✕ No Amazon, Tesla, or Meta exposure
- ✕ High share price (~US$580) limits accessibility
- ✕ Sector-concentrated (tech only)
- ✕ Higher volatility than broad market ETFs
Invest in the Tech Sector
Compare platforms for buying VGT from New Zealand
Related to VGT
QQQ — Nasdaq-100 alternative
Broader large-cap exposure, includes Amazon + Tesla.
QQQ vs VGT comparison
Pure tech vs Nasdaq-100 trade-off.
VOO — diversified S&P 500
Broader market, lower concentration risk.
How to buy US ETFs from NZ
Hatch, Stake, IB, Tiger.
FIF tax explained
When the FIF regime kicks in (NZ$50K threshold) + how it lands on your IR3.
Tracking error explained
How well VGT tracks its IT index.
Next typical distribution: June.VGT typically pays in Mar · Jun · Sep · Dec. Issuer sets the exact date — verify on the distribution calendar before relying on a payment date.
Platform availability
Where to buy VGT from New Zealand
Based on each platform's advertised market coverage and fee schedule. Verify with the platform before transacting — instrument coverage can change.
| Platform | Per-trade fee | FX | Min | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sharesies Sharesies | 1.9% per trade | 0.5% | NZ$0 | Beginners, fractional shares, mixing NZ + US ETFs |
 Hatch Hatch | US$3 per trade (≤300 shares) | 0.5% | NZ$0 (US$1 to invest) | NZ investors who want US-only ETFs (SPY, VOO, QQQ, SCHD, JEPI) |
 Stake Stake | US$0 trades | 0.70% | NZ$0 | Frequent US-share traders who hate per-trade fees |
 Interactive Brokers Interactive Brokers | From US$0.35 / trade (Tiered) or US$1 flat (Fixed) | ~0.002% (US$2 min) | US$0 | Larger portfolios, frequent traders, multi-market investors |
 Tiger Brokers Tiger Brokers | US$1.99 per US trade | 0.50% | NZ$0 | NZ investors who want NZ + US + Asian markets in one account |
 Jarden Direct Jarden Direct | NZ$29.90 per NZX trade | ~0.40% | NZ$0 | Larger NZX trades and global market access through one NZ broker |
 ASB Securities ASB Securities | NZ$30 per NZX trade | Bank rates (~1%) | NZ$0 (ASB customer) | Existing ASB customers wanting one login for banking + brokerage |
Showing 7 platforms that list this ETF. Full platform comparison: all 11 NZ brokers → · Full coverage matrix: availability matrix →
NZ tax treatment
How is VGT taxed for NZ investors?
VGT is US-domiciled. NZ investors apply Foreign Investment Fund rules once total overseas-share cost basis crosses the de-minimis threshold. Below it, only dividends are taxable.
The FIF de-minimis threshold is NZ$50,000 (source) of overseas-share cost basis. Below it, FIF rules do not apply and only dividends are taxable.
Most NZ retail investors use Fair Dividend Rate (FDR): deemed income = 5% × opening market value × your marginal rate. Comparative Value (CV) can be lower in flat or down years.
US dividends carry 15% (source) withholding under the NZ–US tax treaty (file W-8BEN; default rate without it is 30% (source) ). The withheld amount can be claimed as a foreign tax credit on your IR3.
FDR vs CV method → · PIE vs FIF comparison →
🧮 Model your own after-tax outcome
Mechanical NZ-tax calculator comparing PIE @ PIR vs FIF @ FDR vs FIF @ CV on your principal, assumed return, time horizon, PIR, and marginal rate. → Open the after-tax calculator
General information only — not personalised tax advice. Confirm your treatment with a registered NZ tax adviser before transacting.
Add up to 4 more tickers to compare TER · yield · distribution · NZ tax structure.
FAQ
Common questions about VGT
What is the VGT ETF?⌄
VGT is the Vanguard Information Technology ETF — a sector-focused ETF tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index. Concentrated almost entirely in US tech: Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, software, semiconductors, and IT services. 0.10% TER.
VGT vs QQQ — concentration comparison⌄
VGT is sector-pure (~100% tech). QQQ tracks the Nasdaq-100 (~50% tech, plus Tesla, Amazon, healthcare, consumer). VGT is cheaper (0.10% vs 0.20%) and more concentrated. QQQ is broader and more liquid. Most investors hold one or the other — not both — to avoid double-counting tech exposure.
Can NZ residents buy VGT?⌄
Yes — via Hatch, Stake, Sharesies (US market), and Interactive Brokers. As a US-listed ETF, VGT is subject to NZ FIF rules above NZ$50,000 cost base. 15% US withholding tax on dividends with a W-8BEN. No NZX-listed tech-only equivalent currently available.
Should sector-pure tech ETFs be a core or satellite holding?⌄
Most NZ investors treat sector ETFs (including VGT) as satellite holdings layered on top of broader market exposure (VTI / VOO / Smartshares USF), rather than core holdings. Tech sector concentration adds historical volatility — past drawdowns have been larger than the broad market. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
