VSO vs FSML: Which ETF Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, size, returns and holdings, using data to 30 September 2026.
VSO comes out ahead on 5 of 7 measures. Which matters most depends on you.
The short answer
Worth about $35,924 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.
VSO vs FSML side by side
| VSO leads on 5, FSML on 2 | VSOVanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF | FSMLFiretrail Australian Small Companies Fund – Active ETF |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Index tracked | MSCI Australian Shares Small Cap Index | See the PDS |
| Fund manager | Vanguard | Firetrail |
| Asset class | Australian shares | Australian shares |
| Listed | May 2011 | Nov 2024 |
| Cost and size | ||
| MERyearly fee, lower is better | 0.30%✓ | 0.85% |
| AUMfund size | $1.2bn✓ | $638m |
| Net flows (Sep)new money in, last month | $15m | $20m✓ |
| Bid/ask spreadtrading cost, lower is better | 0.07%✓ | 0.52% |
| Total returns | ||
| 1 month | −2.0% | −1.0%✓ |
| 1 year | −0.1%✓ | −1.4% |
| 3 years p.a. | +11.5% | – |
| 5 years p.a. | +4.8% | – |
| $10,000 invested | ||
| 1 year ago | $9,993✓ | $9,864 |
| 5 years ago | $12,644 | – |
✓ marks the better figure on each measure. Returns include distributions, to 30 September 2026.
VSO vs FSML 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 VSO has a 5 years record: $10,000 then is worth $12,644 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
VSO's lower fee leaves about $35,924 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 VSO vs FSML 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, VSO or FSML?
It depends on what you need. On our numbers VSO wins on 5 measures and FSML on 2. VSO is cheaper, with a management fee of 0.30% vs 0.85%. On $100,000 over 20 years that difference is worth about $35,924. VSO is the larger fund at $1.2bn vs $638m. VSO has the better 1-year return: −0.1% vs −1.4%.
Which is cheaper, VSO or FSML?
VSO charges 0.30% a year and FSML charges 0.85% a year.
Can I hold both VSO and FSML?
You can, but check how much they overlap. VSO is a Australian shares fund and FSML is a Australian shares fund.
More comparisons
General information only, not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.