WSML.L vs. NXTG.L
WSML.L (iShares MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETF USD (Acc)) and NXTG.L (First Trust Indxx NextG UCITS ETF USD (Acc)) are both exchange-traded funds - WSML.L is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI World Small Cap Index, while NXTG.L is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, WSML.L returned 7.83%/yr vs 8.70%/yr for NXTG.L. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WSML.L charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.L.
Performance
WSML.L vs. NXTG.L - Performance Comparison
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Different Trading Currencies
WSML.L is traded in USD, while NXTG.L is traded in GBp. To make them comparable, the NXTG.L values have been converted to USD using the latest available exchange rates.
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, WSML.L achieves a 14.65% return, which is significantly lower than NXTG.L's 34.67% return.
WSML.L
- 1D
- 0.19%
- 1M
- -0.86%
- 6M
- 8.10%
- YTD
- 14.65%
- 1Y
- 28.20%
- 3Y*
- 15.82%
- 5Y*
- 7.83%
- 10Y*
- —
NXTG.L
- 1D
- -1.34%
- 1M
- -7.02%
- 6M
- 30.69%
- YTD
- 34.67%
- 1Y
- 52.77%
- 3Y*
- 16.54%
- 5Y*
- 8.70%
- 10Y*
- 6.73%
WSML.L vs. NXTG.L - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WSML.L iShares MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETF USD (Acc) | 14.65% | 19.95% | 7.38% | 17.11% | -18.62% | 15.23% | 16.50% | 24.35% | -11.90% |
NXTG.L First Trust Indxx NextG UCITS ETF USD (Acc) | 34.67% | 28.23% | 13.05% | 5.58% | -32.47% | 14.83% | 7.36% | 12.68% | -22.59% |
Correlation
The correlation between WSML.L and NXTG.L is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.68 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.69 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.67 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2018 | 0.65 |
The correlation between WSML.L and NXTG.L has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
WSML.L vs. NXTG.L — Risk / Return Rank
WSML.L
NXTG.L
WSML.L vs. NXTG.L - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETF USD (Acc) (WSML.L) and First Trust Indxx NextG UCITS ETF USD (Acc) (NXTG.L). 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.
| WSML.L | NXTG.L | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.74 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.93 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 1.43 | -0.09 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.10 | 2.11 | +0.99 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.20 | 4.41 | +6.79 |
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Drawdowns
WSML.L vs. NXTG.L - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum WSML.L drawdown since its inception was -41.14%, smaller than the maximum NXTG.L drawdown of -54.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WSML.L and NXTG.L.
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Drawdown Indicators
| WSML.L | NXTG.L | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -41.14% | -54.89% | +13.75% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.05% | -24.85% | +15.80% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -20.10% | -32.80% | +12.70% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -30.50% | -45.46% | +14.96% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -54.89% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.61% | -12.62% | +11.01% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.67% | -26.86% | +18.19% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.51% | 11.94% | -9.43% |
Volatility
WSML.L vs. NXTG.L - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETF USD (Acc) (WSML.L) is 4.08%, while First Trust Indxx NextG UCITS ETF USD (Acc) (NXTG.L) has a volatility of 6.84%. This indicates that WSML.L experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NXTG.L based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| WSML.L | NXTG.L | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.08% | 6.84% | -2.76% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.94% | 16.99% | -5.05% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.17% | 47.05% | -31.88% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.55% | 44.57% | -26.02% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.52% | 34.75% | -15.23% |
WSML.L vs. NXTG.L - Expense Ratio Comparison
WSML.L has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than NXTG.L's 0.70% expense ratio.
Dividends
WSML.L vs. NXTG.L - Dividend Comparison
Neither WSML.L nor NXTG.L has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
WSML.L and NXTG.L have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, WSML.L is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
WSML.L is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.L.
WSML.L is categorized as Global Equities, while NXTG.L is Technology Equities. WSML.L tracks MSCI World Small Cap Index, while NXTG.L tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for WSML.L and 0.70% for NXTG.L.
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