Our Take on VIAC Global 40
0.29% total cost. The absolute cheapest 3a investment fund in Switzerland.
VIAC Global 40 ranks #11 among 67 3a investment funds in Switzerland. At just 0.29% annually, it's the lowest-cost 3a fund you can buy, period. The 40% stock / 60% bond split is conservative enough for investors approaching retirement, while the VIAC platform keeps costs razor-thin.
What Does a 0.29% Total Cost Mean?
Your all-in annual cost is 0.29% (0.01% TER plus 0.28% flat fee). On a CHF 100,000 balance, you pay CHF 290 per year. A traditional bank charging 1.0% would cost CHF 1,000. That's CHF 710 saved annually, which compounds dramatically over decades.
The five-year return of +26.32% is solid for a conservative allocation. You're not going to match equity-heavy funds, but you're significantly outperforming any 3a savings account. The bond-heavy mix means less volatility and more predictable growth.
What Actually Stands Out
VIAC reduces its flat fee as you reduce equity exposure. Global 100 costs 0.40%, Global 60 costs 0.38%, and Global 40 costs just 0.28%. This progressive pricing rewards conservative investors rather than penalizing them, which is the opposite of how most providers operate.
The 60% bond allocation provides meaningful income and stability. During market crashes, your drawdown is substantially smaller than equity-heavy funds. For investors within 5-10 years of retirement, this matters more than chasing maximum returns. FINMA regulations govern all Swiss 3a products, and VIAC's conservative option stays well within guidelines.
What Most Reviews Miss
Even a 40/60 split lost value in 2022 when bonds and stocks dropped together. The three-year return of +21.88% versus the five-year +26.32% shows the 2022 impact clearly. Conservative doesn't mean loss-proof. If you can't accept any temporary losses, even a savings account might suit you better.
At 40% equities, you're still taking meaningful market risk. Some investors choose this allocation thinking it's "safe" and are surprised when their balance drops 5-8% during a sell-off. Set your expectations correctly: this is an investment fund, not a guaranteed product.
The Bottom Line
The cheapest 3a investment fund in Switzerland, hands down. If you want some market exposure without aggressive risk, and fees are your top priority, VIAC Global 40 is unbeatable. Run the numbers for your specific situation with our Pillar 3a calculator.
Verdict: The best pick for fee-conscious investors within 5-10 years of retirement who want conservative growth at the absolute lowest cost.
Pros
- Low total costs (0.33% p.a.)
- Good 3-year performance (+21.9%)
- No custody fee
Cons
- No swing pricing protection
Product Details
At a Glance
- 40% stocks allocation
- TER: 0.05%
- Passive/Index strategy
- No custody fee
Fund Details & Allocation
Fund Details & Allocation
Asset Allocation
Stocks
40%
Bonds
0%
Real Estate
10%
Other
50%
Investment Strategy
Passively-managed fund
Depositary Bank
UBS for securities, Bank WIR for cash
Swing Pricing
No
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
Synthetic TER
0.05%
Flat Fee
0.28%
Custody Fee
Free
Performance Over Time
Historical performance of this investment fund. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
1 Year
+5.0%
3 Years
+21.9%
5 Years
+26.3%
Retirement Projection
Based on max. contribution of CHF 7'258/year, age 30 to 65 (35 years), starting from CHF 0.
Compare to Similar Products
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum annual Pillar 3a contribution?
- For employees with a pension fund, the maximum is CHF 7,258 per year (2025). Self-employed without a pension fund can contribute up to 20% of net income, max CHF 35,288. These amounts are fully tax-deductible.
- What are the tax benefits of this Pillar 3a product?
- Contributions to VIAC Global 40 are fully deductible from your taxable income. Interest and returns grow tax-free. You only pay tax at a reduced rate when you withdraw at retirement.
- Can I transfer to VIAC Global 40 from another provider?
- Yes, you can transfer your 3a balance to VIAC Global 40 at any time without tax consequences, and Viac charges no transfer or closure fee.
- Should I choose a savings account or investment fund for my 3a?
- Savings accounts offer guaranteed returns with zero risk — ideal if you're close to retirement. Investment funds provide higher growth potential but with market risk — ideal for 10+ year horizons. Many Swiss residents split their contributions between both.
- Is the performance of VIAC Global 40 guaranteed?
- No, investment fund returns are not guaranteed. Past performance of +26.3% over 5 years does not guarantee future results. Your capital can fluctuate with markets.
How We Rated This Product
VIAC Global 40 was evaluated as a product using our weighted scoring system.
Ratings are updated monthly based on the latest available data. All products are evaluated using the same methodology.
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Open the VIAC Global 40 today and start enjoying its benefits.