VSS: Low-Cost International Small-Cap ETF Lags Factor-Focused Peers

Fred Piard Investing Group Leader Follow Summary The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF offers low-cost, highly diversified international small-cap exposure with a 3.12% yield. VSS provides geographic and sector diversification, with no country over 15% and no sector over 21%; company-specific risk is minimal. VSS outperformed a large/mid-cap international benchmark long-term but has lagged peers like AVDV and ISCF since 2019. While VSS excels in cost, diversification, and liquidity, factor-focused competitors have delivered superior returns and risk-adjusted performance. Quantitative Risk & Value members get exclusive access to our real-world portfolio. See all our investments here » syahrir maulana/iStock via Getty Images This article updates my review of January in light of recent performance and current holdings and outlook. Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index ETF ( VSS ) offers broad and low-cost exposure to international This article was written by Fred Piard 16.47K Followers Follow Fred Piard, PhD. is a quantitative analyst and IT professional with over 30 years of experience working in technology. He is the author of three books and has been investing in data-driven systematic strategies since 2010. Fred runs the investing group Quantitative Risk & Value where he shares a portfolio invested in quality dividend stocks, and companies at the forefront of tech innovation. Fred also supplies market risk indicators, a real estate strategy, a bond strategy, and an income strategy in closed-end funds. Learn more. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.