Vanguard VSS ETF Offers Small-Cap Stocks at Low Valuations

The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-U.S. Small-Cap Index ETF (VSS) provides exposure to approximately 4,950 small-cap stocks, with an average market cap of $2.1 billion. Currently, the average stock in the portfolio trades at 1.6 times book value, compared to 2.1 times for the Russell 2000 and 4.8 times for the S&P 500. Notably, only 11% of the ETF's assets are in North America, with 33% in Europe, 27% in developed Asia-Pacific, and 28% in emerging markets. The fund also features a low expense ratio of 0.06%, meaning annual fees are just $6 for every $10,000 invested.