RSSL vs. FGSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RSSL (Global X Russell 2000 ETF) and FGSM (Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSSL is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 RIC Capped Index, while FGSM is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Frontier. RSSL is passively managed, while FGSM is actively managed. Over the past year, RSSL returned 39.24% vs 32.27% for FGSM. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RSSL charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for FGSM.

Performance

RSSL vs. FGSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) and Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSSL achieves a 16.97% return, which is significantly higher than FGSM's 13.99% return.

RSSL

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 16.97%
• 6M: 15.86%
• 1Y: 39.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FGSM

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 2.97%
• YTD: 13.99%
• 6M: 14.77%
• 1Y: 32.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RSSL vs. FGSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	16.97%	12.87%	-0.44%
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	13.99%	21.33%	0.24%

Correlation

The correlation between RSSL and FGSM is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.91

The correlation between RSSL and FGSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RSSL vs. FGSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSSL

RSSL Risk / Return Rank: 64
RSSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
RSSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
RSSL Omega Ratio Rank: 55
RSSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
RSSL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

FGSM

FGSM Risk / Return Rank: 68
FGSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
FGSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FGSM Omega Ratio Rank: 64
FGSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FGSM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

RSSL vs. FGSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) and Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM). 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.

	RSSL	FGSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.19	-0.13
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	3.11	-0.24
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.38	-0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.61	3.29	+0.31
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.70	12.79	-0.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSSL vs. FGSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSSL Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the FGSM Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSSL and FGSM, 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

	RSSL	FGSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	2.19	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.90	1.44	-0.54

Drawdowns

RSSL vs. FGSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSSL drawdown since its inception was -27.79%, which is greater than FGSM's maximum drawdown of -17.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSSL and FGSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSSL	FGSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.79%	-17.72%	-10.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.93%	-9.84%	-1.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-0.80%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.70%	-2.21%	-3.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	2.53%	+0.57%

Volatility

RSSL vs. FGSM - Volatility Comparison

Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) has a higher volatility of 5.77% compared to Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) at 4.40%. This indicates that RSSL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FGSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSSL	FGSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.77%	4.40%	+1.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.50%	11.03%	+2.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.16%	14.80%	+4.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.46%	17.81%	+4.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.46%	17.81%	+4.65%

RSSL vs. FGSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSSL has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than FGSM's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSSL vs. FGSM - Dividend Comparison

RSSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, less than FGSM's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	1.36%	1.56%	0.00%
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	1.28%	1.35%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSSL and FGSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, RSSL and FGSM 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, RSSL or FGSM?

RSSL has higher volatility (5.77%) compared to FGSM (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSSL dropped -27.79% vs FGSM's -17.72%.

Which ETF is better, RSSL or FGSM?

On 1-year performance, RSSL leads with 39.24% vs 32.27% for FGSM. On fees, RSSL is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FGSM has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSSL or FGSM?

Over the 1-year period, RSSL has performed better with a 39.24% return vs 32.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSSL or FGSM?

RSSL is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FGSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSSL or FGSM?

FGSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 1.28% for RSSL.

What is the main difference between RSSL and FGSM?

RSSL is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while FGSM is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Frontier. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for RSSL and 0.90% for FGSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 2.06), 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.