Is RSSL a good ETF?
RSSL is the Global X Russell 2000 ETF from Global X. It tracks the Russell 2000 Index. We classify it under Intl, Large-Cap, Market-Cap, and US. With about $25 million in assets it is a relatively small fund (worth checking spreads and liquidity before buying).
On a total-return basis, RSSL has delivered 22.52% a year over 1 year (ranked 34th of 308 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 1 year, where it sits in the top 11% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.18% is reasonable. That's cheaper than the typical 0.48% for similar ETFs. If cost is your priority, VTS (0.03%), IJH (0.07%), and IJR (0.08%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a low 0.58% yield, so most of its return must come from capital growth.
Strengths
- Top-11% returns over 1 year (34th of 308 ETFs we track).
- Low-cost: a 0.18% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
Things to watch
- Cheaper alternatives exist: VTS, IJH, and IJR.
Good to know
- Low 0.58% yield — this is a growth-oriented fund, not an income play.
What RSSL's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Global and international shares from outside Australia — broadening you into thousands of companies and the sectors (tech, healthcare) the local market lacks.
- Market regime
- Essential diversification away from the bank-and-resources-heavy ASX. Unhedged versions carry currency risk; hedged versions remove it at a small cost.
- In a portfolio
- A core holding for almost every long-term Australian portfolio.
The biggest, most established companies. More stable earnings, lower volatility and often steadier dividends than the broad market.
- Market regime
- Holds up comparatively well in downturns and uncertain markets; tends to lag small-caps and growth during the most aggressive bull runs.
- In a portfolio
- A dependable core building block suited to long-term holding.
Holdings are weighted by company size, so the largest companies carry the most weight. These funds are cheap, tax-efficient and self-rebalancing.
- Market regime
- Works in almost any regime as a low-maintenance core. The trade-off is concentration — you automatically own more of whatever has already become expensive at the top of a bull market.
- In a portfolio
- The classic buy-and-hold core of most portfolios. Well suited to long-term, hands-off investing.
US-listed companies — the world's deepest, most innovation-heavy market and home to the mega-cap tech names. Has led global returns for over a decade.
- Market regime
- Strong leadership has left valuations high and the index heavily concentrated in a handful of tech giants. Unhedged funds also rise and fall with the AUD/USD exchange rate.
- In a portfolio
- A legitimate core holding for global exposure, but be aware you are buying after a long run of outperformance and at elevated valuations.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.