NISM vs. VSS
NISM (NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) and VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. NISM is actively managed, while VSS is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 means they have usually moved in the same direction. NISM charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSS.
Performance
NISM vs. VSS - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
NISM
- 1D
- 0.88%
- 1M
- 0.67%
- 6M
- —
- YTD
- —
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
VSS
- 1D
- 0.49%
- 1M
- -1.24%
- 6M
- -1.15%
- YTD
- 6.01%
- 1Y
- 14.07%
- 3Y*
- 13.00%
- 5Y*
- 5.11%
- 10Y*
- 7.48%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.65%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2.01K | $15.28K | $8.22K | |
| $31.67M | $32.33M | $41.87M |
NISM vs. VSS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | |
|---|---|
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF | -1.67% |
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF | -5.28% |
Correlation
The correlation between NISM and VSS is 0.88, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2026 | 0.88 |
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Return for Risk
NISM vs. VSS — Risk / Return Rank
NISM
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
VSS
NISM vs. VSS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (NISM) 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.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| NISM | VSS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.17 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 1.22 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 4.00 | — |
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Drawdowns
NISM vs. VSS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NISM drawdown since its inception was -4.35%, smaller than the maximum VSS drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NISM and VSS.
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Drawdown Indicators
| NISM | VSS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -4.35% | -43.51% | +39.16% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -11.62% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -15.73% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -33.93% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -43.51% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.74% | -6.60% | +4.86% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.84% | -9.60% | +7.76% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 3.54% | — |
Volatility
NISM vs. VSS - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| NISM | VSS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 4.42% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 14.24% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 13.85% | 16.13% | -2.28% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 13.85% | 16.65% | -2.80% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 13.85% | 17.13% | -3.28% |
NISM vs. VSS - Expense Ratio Comparison
NISM has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VSS's 0.07% expense ratio.
Dividends
NISM vs. VSS - Dividend Comparison
NISM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than VSS's 3.29% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF | 0.24% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF | 3.29% | 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
NISM and VSS have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, VSS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VSS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NISM.
VSS has the higher dividend yield at 3.29%, compared with 0.24% for NISM.
They also come from different issuers: New York Life Investment Management and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for NISM and 0.07% for VSS.
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