How can the fees of a Managed Portfolio vs ETF impact your retirement?
Compare a low-cost global index fund (such as Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap at 0.23% OCF) against a typical UK managed portfolio charging 1–2% per year. See how fees compound over time and how much they can reduce your final investment value.
How the Calculator Works?
This calculator models your starting lump sum, ongoing monthly contributions, expected annual return, and two different fee structures (e.g., 0.23% ETF fee vs 1.50% managed portfolio fee). It applies your assumptions and runs a year-by-year projection for both scenarios in parallel. By subtracting annual fees from the gross growth, it calculates your total fees paid, net return, final portfolio value, and the impact of fee drag over your chosen timeframe.
Step One: Enter your inputs
Add your initial investment, monthly contributions, and the number of years you want to model.
Step Two: Adjust your assumptions
Set your expected annual return (before fees), your ETF fee, and your managed portfolio fee. Both scenarios use the same return — the only difference is the cost.
Step Three: View your results
The calculator shows your total fees paid, net investment growth, final portfolio values, and the overall impact of fee drag. A table and chart help you compare the two options clearly.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides illustrative projections only and does not constitute financial advice. Retirement outcomes depend on personal circumstances, tax treatment and future market conditions. Speak with a qualified financial adviser before making significant financial decisions.
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What is the ETF vs Managed Fund Calculator?
The ETF vs Managed Portfolio Fee Drag Calculator helps you understand how investment fees impact your long-term returns. By modelling your initial investment today, monthly contributions, time horizon, and expected growth rate, it shows you how different fee levels affect your final investment value. This tool is designed for UK investors comparing low-cost index funds to higher-fee managed portfolios, helping you make clearer long-term decisions
What does the calculator do?
It compares two investment options, a low-fee ETF and a higher-fee managed portfolio, to show how fees affect long-term growth.
How does it work?
It models both scenarios year-by-year using your lump sum, monthly contributions, expected return, and fee assumptions, then displays the total cost and final values.
What information do I need?
You will need:
: The fees for each investment option
: Your starting investment
: Your monthly contributions
: How many years you want to model
: Your expected annual return
Does it include taxes, charges, or pension rules?
No, it focuses solely on the effect of investment fees. Tax rules vary depending on whether you use an ISA, pension, or GIA.
How accurate are the results?
Results are illustrative only. Markets fluctuate, but this model uses constant growth so you can clearly see the impact of fees.
Is my information stored?
No, all tools run client-side, and nothing is saved.