WSML vs. FWD
WSML (iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF) and FWD (AB Disruptors ETF) are both Global Equities funds. WSML is passively managed, while FWD is actively managed. Over the past year, WSML returned 29.90% vs 62.25% for FWD. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.
Performance
WSML vs. FWD - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, WSML achieves a 16.08% return, which is significantly lower than FWD's 38.19% return.
WSML
- 1D
- 0.17%
- 1M
- 1.26%
- YTD
- 16.08%
- 6M
- 14.77%
- 1Y
- 29.90%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
FWD
- 1D
- 2.48%
- 1M
- 1.45%
- YTD
- 38.19%
- 6M
- 36.18%
- 1Y
- 62.25%
- 3Y*
- 37.44%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
WSML vs. FWD - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
WSML iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF | 16.08% | 29.10% |
FWD AB Disruptors ETF | 38.19% | 45.73% |
Correlation
The correlation between WSML and FWD is 0.74, 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 | 0.74 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025 | 0.75 |
The correlation between WSML and FWD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
WSML vs. FWD — Risk / Return Rank
WSML
FWD
WSML vs. FWD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) and AB Disruptors ETF (FWD). 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 | FWD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.38 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.10 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.34 | 1.38 | -0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.81 | 4.80 | -2.00 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.21 | 16.14 | -4.93 |
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Drawdowns
WSML vs. FWD - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum WSML drawdown since its inception was -10.70%, smaller than the maximum FWD drawdown of -29.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WSML and FWD.
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Drawdown Indicators
| WSML | FWD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -10.70% | -29.02% | +18.32% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.70% | -13.03% | +2.33% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -29.02% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | -3.06% | +3.06% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.45% | -4.06% | +2.61% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.67% | 3.87% | -1.20% |
Volatility
WSML vs. FWD - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) is 5.10%, while AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) has a volatility of 13.20%. This indicates that WSML experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FWD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| WSML | FWD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.10% | 13.20% | -8.10% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.22% | 22.24% | -10.02% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.52% | 27.02% | -11.50% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.82% | 25.45% | -7.63% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.82% | 25.45% | -7.63% |
Dividends
WSML vs. FWD - Dividend Comparison
WSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.78%, more than FWD's 0.08% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
FWD AB Disruptors ETF | 0.08% | 0.11% | 1.89% |
WSML iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF | 2.78% | 2.53% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
WSML and FWD have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
FWD has higher volatility (13.20%) compared to WSML (5.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WSML dropped -10.70% vs FWD's -29.02%.
On 1-year performance, FWD leads with 62.25% vs 29.90% for WSML. On volatility, WSML has been the lower-risk option at 5.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, FWD has performed better with a 62.25% return vs 29.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
WSML has the higher dividend yield at 2.78%, compared with 0.08% for FWD.
They also come from different issuers: iShares and AllianceBernstein.
FWD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 1.94), 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.
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