FSML vs SMLL: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
SMLL comes out ahead on 5 of 7 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $29,802 on $100,000 over 20 years.
Bigger funds usually trade more cheaply and are less likely to close.
A tighter gap between the buy and sell price.
FSML vs SMLL side by side
| FSML leads on 2, SMLL on 5 | FSMLFiretrail Australian Small Companies Fund – Active ETF | SMLLBetashares Australian Small Companies Select ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | See the PDS | See the PDS |
| Fund manager | Firetrail | Betashares |
| Asset class | Australian shares | Australian shares |
| Listed | Nov 2024 | Apr 2017 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.85% | 0.39%✓ |
| AUMfund size | $638m✓ | $369m |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $20m✓ | −$13m |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.52% | 0.38%✓ |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | −1.0% | −0.4%✓ |
| 1 year | −1.4% | +4.3%✓ |
| 3 years p.a. | – | +13.6% |
| 5 years p.a. | – | +4.7% |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $9,864 | $10,433✓ |
| 5 years ago | – | $12,610 |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
FSML vs SMLL price chart
Both ETFs on one chart as % change. Use the 1D to All buttons to change the period. Price only, so it leaves out distributions · TradingView
What $10,000 invested is worth now
Only SMLL has a 5 years record: $10,000 then is worth $12,610 today.
Total returns to 30 September 2026, with distributions reinvested, before tax and brokerage. The price chart above leaves out distributions, so it can look worse. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
What the fees cost you
SMLL's lower fee leaves about $29,802 more in your pocket over 20 years.
Total fees paid on a $100,000 investment, assuming a 7% a year return before fees. Illustration only: it ignores tax, brokerage and differences in returns.
Get the full FSML vs SMLL report
- Every holding of each ETF: the top 50 companies, with sectors and countries
- Exactly which companies they share, and how much of each
- Fees in dollars over 10, 20 and 30 years
- Every metric side by side, including the index each tracks
- ★ FREE BONUSIs now a good time to invest? The Market Health-O-Meter
FAQs
Which is better, FSML or SMLL?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers FSML wins on 2 measures and SMLL on 5. SMLL is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.39% vs 0.85%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $29,802. FSML is the larger fund at $638m vs $369m. SMLL has the better 1-year return: +4.3% vs −1.4%.
Which is cheaper, FSML or SMLL?
FSML charges 0.85% a year and SMLL charges 0.39% a year.
Can I hold both FSML and SMLL?
You can, but check how much they overlap. FSML is a Australian shares fund and SMLL is a Australian shares fund.
More comparisons
General information only, not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.