VSS ETF — Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund ETF Shares

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund ETF Shares (VSS)

Updated October 16, 2026.

VSS is a low-cost ETF that tracks the Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index. its distribution rate is 0.78%, its trailing-12-month yield is 2.96%, its expense ratio is 0.06%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 54/100 (Caution). Total return is 370.2% over the past 17.5 years, 775.7 points behind SPY at 1145.9%.

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund ETF Shares is an ETF that tracks the FTSE Global Small Cap ex U.S. Index, providing exposure to small-capitalization equities in developed and emerging markets outside the United States through an indexed approach. The fund carries a modest current distribution rate paid quarterly and has a very low expense ratio of 0.06%. It appeals to investors seeking diversified international small-cap exposure with minimal fees.

VSS performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-16.

Total return is 370.2% over the past 17.5 years, 775.7 points behind SPY at 1145.9%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is 9.7%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 11.6%.

VSS key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

54 · Caution

Safety-Adjusted Yield

0.42%

Issuer

Vanguard

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

04/02/2009

Expense ratio

0.06%

Distribution rate

0.78%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

2.96%

Last close

$152.11 (as of 2026-10-16)

AUM

$11,544,335,614

Average volume

167302.0

Dividend

$0.295

Ex-dividend date

09/18/2026

Payment date

09/22/2026

Beta

1.0

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (0.78%) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield (2.96%) is the sum of split-adjusted cash distributions with ex-dates in the last 12 months, divided by the published price. It lags a recent raise or cut. Total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date) from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is the security's total return, not your personal gain/loss.

Yield and safety methodology · Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology

Sources and review

Primary sources: Vanguard or company page; Index: Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

VSS risks and drawbacks

VSS's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are quarterly, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 11.6%.

Who may consider VSS — and who may not

VSS may suit someone looking for low-cost broad dividend exposure. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (VSS pays quarterly); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

More on VSS

• All tickers starting with V

Tagged: Index, Small Caps, International.

Frequently asked questions

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