GWX vs. VSS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GWX (SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF) and VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds - GWX tracks the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. Under USD2 Billion Index while VSS tracks the FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GWX returned 7.57%/yr vs 8.07%/yr for VSS. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GWX charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSS.

Performance

GWX vs. VSS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GWX achieves a 11.79% return, which is significantly higher than VSS's 10.57% return. Over the past 10 years, GWX has underperformed VSS with an annualized return of 7.57%, while VSS has yielded a comparatively higher 8.07% annualized return.

GWX

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 11.79%
• 6M: 14.68%
• 1Y: 30.65%
• 3Y*: 17.00%
• 5Y*: 5.61%
• 10Y*: 7.57%

VSS

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 10.57%
• 6M: 13.10%
• 1Y: 27.32%
• 3Y*: 16.67%
• 5Y*: 5.76%
• 10Y*: 8.07%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GWX vs. VSS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GWX SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF	11.79%	35.89%	0.21%	10.94%	-19.98%	9.66%	13.41%	18.18%	-18.97%	28.88%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	10.57%	29.61%	2.94%	15.52%	-21.48%	13.05%	11.81%	21.36%	-18.48%	30.61%

Correlation

The correlation between GWX and VSS is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2009	0.94

The correlation between GWX and VSS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

GWX vs. VSS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GWX	VSS
Industrials	22.0%	18.7%
Technology	15.1%	13.3%
Basic Materials	14.5%	12.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.2%	9.3%
Healthcare	8.5%	6.2%
Financial Services	7.8%	10.8%
Real Estate	7.2%	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	3.4%
Energy	4.7%	4.9%
Communication Services	2.9%	2.3%
Utilities	1.3%	2.5%

Return for Risk

GWX vs. VSS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GWX

GWX Risk / Return Rank: 56
GWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
GWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
GWX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
GWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
GWX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VSS

VSS Risk / Return Rank: 51
VSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VSS Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VSS Martin Ratio Rank: 53

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GWX vs. VSS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	GWX	VSS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	1.85	+0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	2.54	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.34	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	2.36	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.03	9.13	+0.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GWX vs. VSS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GWX Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the VSS Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GWX and VSS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GWX	VSS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	1.85	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34	0.35	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44	0.47	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	0.55	-0.31

Drawdowns

GWX vs. VSS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GWX drawdown since its inception was -63.25%, which is greater than VSS's maximum drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GWX and VSS.

Drawdown Indicators

	GWX	VSS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.25%	-43.51%	-19.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.91%	-11.62%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.73%	-15.73%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.58%	-33.93%	-0.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.27%	-43.51%	-1.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.86%	-2.58%	-0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.74%	-9.64%	-5.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	3.00%	+0.06%

Volatility

GWX vs. VSS - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) have volatilities of 5.21% and 5.33%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GWX	VSS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.21%	5.33%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.82%	12.64%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.52%	14.81%	+0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.74%	16.46%	+0.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.36%	17.27%	+0.09%

GWX vs. VSS - Expense Ratio Comparison

GWX has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VSS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

GWX vs. VSS - Dividend Comparison

GWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than VSS's 3.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GWX SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF	2.54%	2.83%	2.71%	2.64%	2.71%	2.75%	1.74%	3.41%	2.94%	5.18%	4.21%	2.67%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	3.07%	3.39%	3.44%	3.14%	2.30%	2.74%	1.90%	3.25%	2.80%	2.83%	2.93%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GWX and VSS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, GWX and VSS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, GWX or VSS?

VSS has higher volatility (5.33%) compared to GWX (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GWX dropped -63.25% vs VSS's -43.51%.

Which ETF is better, GWX or VSS?

On 10-year performance, VSS leads with 8.07% vs 7.57% for GWX. On fees, VSS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, GWX has been the lower-risk option at 5.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GWX or VSS?

Over the 10-year period, VSS has performed better with a 8.07% return vs 7.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GWX or VSS?

VSS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GWX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GWX or VSS?

VSS has the higher dividend yield at 3.07%, compared with 2.54% for GWX.

What is the main difference between GWX and VSS?

GWX tracks S&P Developed Ex-U.S. Under USD2 Billion Index, while VSS tracks FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GWX and 0.07% for VSS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.85), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.