Small-company ETFs to invest in

Sam Instone at AES International recommends the following low-cost ETFs specialising in small companies:

Dimensional Global Small Companies Fund

This global fund has attracted US$492 million from investors and targets a spread of global companies listed on the MSCI World Small index. It has returned 115 per cent over five years, and 33 per cent over 12 months.

Charges: total 0.53 per cent a year.

Vanguard Global Small Cap Index Fund

This $1.12 billion ETF also tracks smaller global companies and has returned 116 per cent over five years and 34 per cent over a year.

Charges: total 0.38 per cent a year.

iShares S&P SmallCap 600

A $1.26bn fund tracks smaller US companies listed on Dow Jones, returning 146 per cent over five years and 40 per cent over one.

Charges: total 0.40 per cent a year.

db x-trackers MSCI Europe Small Cap ETF

Europe-focused $650m fund has grown 132 per cent over five years and 30 per cent over one year.

Charges: total 0.30 per cent a year.

Dimensional UK Small Companies Fund

The $600m fund investing in small British companies has returned 106 per cent over five years and 20 per cent over 12 months.

Charges: total 0.60 per cent a year.

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