Own VAS ETF? Here's how your investment performed in FY26

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) delivered a total gross return of 6.19% in FY26.

This was slightly higher than the total return of the index that VAS tracks, the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO).

The ASX 300 gained 2.84% in value and paid a 3.32% dividend yield for a total return of 6.16% in FY26.

After the teeny-tiny management fee of 0.07%, VAS ETF gave investors a 6.12% net return.

The VAS exchange-traded fund (ETF) closed out the year at $109.30 per unit on 30 June.

The ETF hit a 52-week high of $114.25 on 27 February.

With $25.377 billion in funds under management, VAS remains the largest ETF by market cap on the ASX today.

We've reviewed VAS ETF's performance and identified the 10 stocks that rose the most within its basket.

Let's check them out.

10 biggest risers within the VAS ETF in FY26

1. Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL)

This ASX 300 mining share stunned investors with a 2,040% gain in FY26 to finish the year at $17.23.

Sunrise Energy Metals is developing scandium and nickel-cobalt projects in central-west NSW.

2. 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

This ASX 300 healthcare share skyrocketed 1,786% to close out the year at $4.53.

The respiratory imaging technology company received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its CT:VQ product in FY26.

CT:VQ is a post‑processing technology that transforms routine chest CTs into quantitative, lobar ventilation (V), and perfusion (Q) maps.

3. Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

This ASX 300 gold share soared 508% to end FY26 at 73 cents per share. 

This mineral explorer is building the Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields.

4. Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)

The Weebit Nano share price turbocharged itself 414% higher to $8.35 on 30 June.

Weebit develops advanced semiconductor memory technology.

5. Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV)

This ASX 300 lithium share rocketed 327% higher to finish at $9.60 on 30 June.

Elevra was formed through the merger of Piedmont Lithium and Sayona Mining.

Its flagship mine is the North American Lithium Project.

6. Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS) 

The Elsight share price soared 300% to finish FY26 at $7.10. 

Elsight's Halo product provides Beyond the Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) connectivity for drones, UAVs, and other unmanned air and land defence systems.

7. PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, this ASX 300 lithium share soared 275% to $5.02 apiece.

The company's flagship is the Pilgangoora Operation, the world's largest independent hard-rock lithium mine. 

Like all ASX lithium miners, PLS shares benefited from rapidly rebounding lithium commodity prices in FY26.

8. Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The Electro Optic Systems share price increased 261% to close FY26 at $10.30.

Electro Optic specialises in defence technology, advanced weapon systems, and counter-drone solutions.

9. Macmahon Holdings Ltd (ASX: MAH) 

This ASX 300 materials share increased 213% to finish the year at 96 cents apiece.

Macmahon is a contract mining and civil infrastructure company providing operations services in Australia and Southeast Asia.

10. Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) 

The Mineral Resources share price soared 188% to finish the year at $62.65.

The stock was in rebound mode after corporate governance issues and financial concerns dragged it down in FY25.

The post Own VAS ETF? Here's how your investment performed in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026