QSML vs DGSM: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
DGSM comes out ahead on 4 of 7 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $3,886 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.
QSML vs DGSM side by side
| QSML leads on 3, DGSM on 4 | QSMLVanEck MSCI International Small Companies Quality ETF | DGSMDimensional Global Small Company - Active ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | MSCI World ex Australia Small Cap Quality 150 Index | See the PDS |
| Fund manager | VanEck | Dimensional |
| Asset class | International shares | International shares |
| Listed | Mar 2021 | Aug 2024 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.59%✓ | 0.65% |
| AUMfund size | $1.6bn✓ | $701m |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $0.0m | $7.8m✓ |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.06%✓ | 0.23% |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | −1.2% | −0.7%✓ |
| 1 year | −1.4% | +9.8%✓ |
| 3 years p.a. | +10.4% | – |
| 5 years p.a. | +7.1% | – |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $9,858 | $10,975✓ |
| 5 years ago | $14,090 | – |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
QSML vs DGSM 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 QSML has a 5 years record: $10,000 then is worth $14,090 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
QSML's lower fee leaves about $3,886 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.
Do QSML and DGSM hold the same companies?
1 of their top 10 holdings are the same. They are reasonably different underneath.
| Company | % of QSML | % of DGSM |
|---|---|---|
| Medpace Holdings Inc | 1.58% | 0.24% |
Based on the top 10 holdings last published by each issuer.
Best-endeavours estimate. Built from each issuer's published holdings, which may be weeks or months old, may cover only part of a fund (some publish only their top 10) and are matched by company name. Figures may be incomplete or inaccurate. Check the issuer's website and PDS before relying on them. General information only.
Get the full QSML vs DGSM 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, QSML or DGSM?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers QSML wins on 3 measures and DGSM on 4. QSML is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.59% vs 0.65%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $3,886. QSML is the larger fund at $1.6bn vs $701m. DGSM has the better 1-year return: +9.8% vs −1.4%.
Which is cheaper, QSML or DGSM?
QSML charges 0.59% a year and DGSM charges 0.65% a year.
Can I hold both QSML and DGSM?
You can, but check how much they overlap. QSML is a international shares fund and DGSM is a international shares fund.
More comparisons
General information only, not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.