05/06/2026
This article from Betashares highlights how the new CGT rules for share investing have far different outcomes for the same shares held directly as opposed to being held in a fund/ETF
Betashares have over 1,000,000 Aussie investors and over $75B in assets.
They offer a range of ETF share options that allow you to hold a portion of larger markets. For example, I used to hold the Australia 200 ETF, which gave me exposure to a percentage of the top 200 public companies in Australia. Likewise, I also used to hold the NASDAQ 100 ETF, which held all of the top US tech companies.
This article shows how a portfolio of 3 shares held via an ETF would attract far lower tax on the sale and profit ($800 with an ETF) than if you owned and sold those same 3 shares, but owned them personally, with a taxable gain of $4,500, which is 5 times more tax paid.
The reason is that with the new CGT changes, if 1 stock makes a loss, you do not get to claim that as a loss if owned directly.
It’s hard to see how this is a fair outcome, especially when clients who buy stocks are generally investing using their after-tax income.
It’s also hard to see how this helps first home buyers get into the market quicker, when so many younger Aussies invest in shares, which they will then use as a deposit for a home.
See full article link in the comment.
