VISM vs DGSM: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
VISM comes out ahead on 5 of 7 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $21,898 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.
VISM vs DGSM side by side
| VISM leads on 5, DGSM on 2 | VISMVanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF | DGSMDimensional Global Small Company - Active ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | See the PDS | See the PDS |
| Fund manager | Vanguard | Dimensional |
| Asset class | International shares | International shares |
| Listed | Nov 2018 | Aug 2024 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.32%✓ | 0.65% |
| AUMfund size | $952m✓ | $701m |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $0.0m | $7.8m✓ |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.05%✓ | 0.23% |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | −1.1% | −0.7%✓ |
| 1 year | +10.4%✓ | +9.8% |
| 3 years p.a. | +14.5% | – |
| 5 years p.a. | +6.6% | – |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $11,039✓ | $10,975 |
| 5 years ago | $13,756 | – |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
VISM 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 VISM has a 5 years record: $10,000 then is worth $13,756 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
VISM's lower fee leaves about $21,898 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 VISM and DGSM hold the same companies?
2 of their top 10 holdings are the same. They are reasonably different underneath.
| Company | % of VISM | % of DGSM |
|---|---|---|
| Moderna Inc | 0.64% | 0.61% |
| Tenet Healthcare Corp | 0.22% | 0.26% |
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 VISM 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, VISM or DGSM?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers VISM wins on 5 measures and DGSM on 2. VISM is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.32% vs 0.65%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $21,898. VISM is the larger fund at $952m vs $701m. VISM has the better 1-year return: +10.4% vs +9.8%.
Which is cheaper, VISM or DGSM?
VISM charges 0.32% a year and DGSM charges 0.65% a year.
Can I hold both VISM and DGSM?
You can, but check how much they overlap. VISM 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.