The best Size-Factor ETFs
How to invest in size-factor ETFs
How do I invest in the size factor?
Statistical observations show that small companies (small caps) have tended to outperform large ones (large caps) in certain economic periods in the past. This research-based observation is referred to as the size factor. The only measure for the size that is used in this context is a firm's market capitalisation, i.e. the product of tradable shares and market value. Other indicators such as the number of employees or sales are not taken into account.This factor strategy can also be implemented by means of an index. In this investment guide, you will find all available worldwide small-cap ETFs. Currently, there are 7 ETFs available. You may also have a look at our investment guides on Small Caps Europe and Small Caps USA.
MSCI World Small Cap performance
Size-factor ETFs in comparison
When choosing a size-factor ETF one should consider several other factors in addition to the methodology of the underlying index and performance of an ETF. For better comparison, you will find a list of all size-factor ETFs with details on size, cost, age, income, domicile and replication method ranked by fund size.
Compare all size-factor ETFs in detail
Compare all size-factor ETFs in a chart
| Provider ISIN | Fund size in m GBP | TER in % | Use of profits | Fund domicile | Replication method | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShares MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETFIE00BF4RFH31 | 4,140 | 0.35% p.a. | Accumulating | Ireland | Optimized sampling | |
| SPDR MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETFIE00BCBJG560 | 791 | 0.45% p.a. | Accumulating | Ireland | Optimized sampling | |
| Avantis Global Small Cap Value UCITS ETF USD AccIE0003R87OG3 | 125 | 0.39% p.a. | Accumulating | Ireland | Full replication | |
| HSBC MSCI World Small Cap ESG UCITS ETF USD (Acc)IE000C692SN6 | 52 | 0.25% p.a. | Accumulating | Ireland | Optimized sampling | |
| HANetf Sprott Junior Uranium Miners UCITS ETF USD AccumulatingIE00075IVKF9 | 12 | 0.85% p.a. | Accumulating | Ireland | Full replication | |
| UBS ETF (IE) MSCI World Small Cap Socially Responsible UCITS ETF (USD) A-disIE00BKSCBW67 | 9 | 0.23% p.a. | Distributing | Ireland | Full replication | |
| Xtrackers World Small Cap Green Transition Innovators UCITS ETF 1CLU2859297330 | 3 | 0.45% p.a. | Accumulating | Luxembourg | Full replication |
Source: justETF.com; As of 20/02/2025
Return comparison of all size-factor ETFs
The table shows the returns of all size-factor ETFs in comparison. All return figures are including dividends as of month end. Besides the return the reference date on which you conduct the comparison is important. In order to find the best ETFs, you can also perform a chart comparison.
| ETF | 1 month in % | 3 months in % | 6 months in % | 1 year in % | 3 years in % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShares MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETF | 4.32% | 8.28% | 6.44% | 17.16% | 22.90% | |
| SPDR MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETF | 4.27% | 8.12% | 6.27% | 17.13% | 22.30% | |
| HSBC MSCI World Small Cap ESG UCITS ETF USD (Acc) | 4.81% | 7.97% | 5.59% | 15.98% | - | |
| UBS ETF (IE) MSCI World Small Cap Socially Responsible UCITS ETF (USD) A-dis | 4.78% | 7.42% | 4.91% | 15.01% | 20.55% | |
| Avantis Global Small Cap Value UCITS ETF USD Acc | 3.35% | 8.72% | - | - | - | |
| HANetf Sprott Junior Uranium Miners UCITS ETF USD Accumulating | 6.83% | -8.02% | -5.84% | - | - | |
| Xtrackers World Small Cap Green Transition Innovators UCITS ETF 1C | 6.20% | - | - | - | - |
| ETF | 2025 in % | 2024 in % | 2023 in % | 2022 in % | 2021 in % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UBS ETF (IE) MSCI World Small Cap Socially Responsible UCITS ETF (USD) A-dis | 6.71% | 6.64% | 9.67% | -8.24% | - | |
| HANetf Sprott Junior Uranium Miners UCITS ETF USD Accumulating | 6.39% | - | - | - | - | |
| Xtrackers World Small Cap Green Transition Innovators UCITS ETF 1C | 6.29% | - | - | - | - | |
| HSBC MSCI World Small Cap ESG UCITS ETF USD (Acc) | 5.52% | 8.10% | 9.05% | - | - | |
| SPDR MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETF | 4.71% | 9.41% | 9.45% | -9.00% | 16.94% | |
| iShares MSCI World Small Cap UCITS ETF | 4.32% | 9.45% | 10.00% | -8.93% | 17.31% | |
| Avantis Global Small Cap Value UCITS ETF USD Acc | 3.88% | - | - | - | - |
Source: justETF.com; As of 31/01/2025; Calculations in GBP including dividends