05/10/2026
7 low-cost ETFs South Africans should understand before investing 🇿🇦
(You probably don’t need all seven. one or two may be enough.)
1️⃣ STX40 - Satrix 40
0.10% TER
Tracks the JSE Top 40. Your local core holding South Africa’s largest listed companies in one fund.
2️⃣ STXWDM - Satrix MSCI World Feeder
0.25% TER (lowered from 0.34%, effective Oct 2025)
Broad exposure to developed global markets via the iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF. Often paired with Satrix 40 for a balanced local + international mix. TFSA-eligible.
3️⃣ SYG500 - Sygnia Itrix S&P 500
0.19% TER
Direct exposure to the 500 largest US companies, rand-denominated and JSE-listed.
4️⃣ STXNDQ - Satrix Nasdaq 100
0.46% TER
The 100 largest non-financial Nasdaq companies - heavy tech tilt. Higher fee than the others, so it’s a “spice,” not a core holding.
5️⃣ STXDIV - Satrix Divi Plus
0.41% TER
Tracks the FTSE/JSE Dividend Plus Index - 30 JSE shares selected for strong expected dividend payouts.
6️⃣ STXPRO - Satrix Property
0.32% TER
Tracks the S&P SA Composite Property Capped Index -South African listed property in one fund.
7️⃣ Sygnia Skeleton Balanced 70 (unit trust, not ETF)
~0.40% TER
Not JSE-listed, but a common low-cost building block for retirement annuities (RAs) and tax-free savings - worth knowing about.
An ETF is a basket of investments you can buy through a single fund.
💰 Use your TFSA (tax-free savings account) where you can - no tax on growth or dividends, up to R46,000/year (raised from R36,000 in the 2026 Budget, effective 1 March 2026), R500,000 lifetime cap.
📱 EasyEquities is the easiest starting point for beginners - no minimums, simple app, TFSA access.
The goal isn’t to collect the most ETFs.
It’s to choose a simple, diversified portfolio you understand.
TERs sourced from each fund’s latest Minimum Disclosure Document / factsheet (Satrix, Sygnia - 2026). TERs can change, so always check the current factsheet before investing.
⚠️ Not financial advice - always do your own research or speak to a licensed financial advisor before investing.
