FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index

The  is a free-float, market-capitalization weighted index representing the performance of around 3031 small cap companies in 46 developed and emerging markets worldwide, excluding the USA. The index is derived from the FTSE Global Equity Index Series and was launched in September 2003 (base date December 31, 2002.)

The index is tracked by the Vanguard FTSE All-World ex US Small Cap index fund investor shares (VFSVX) and the Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS).

Methodology
The FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index defines small cap stocks as companies ranked below the top 86%, but within the top 98%, of the index universe by full market capitalization. In order to reduce turnover, the index employs buffer zones around these defined boundaries.

FTSE index methodology is summarized in the table:

Country constituents
The index is comprised of holdings from 46 countries.

Annual returns
Annual returns for the index for the period 2003 - 2014 are included in the table below. Benchmark returns are adjusted for withholding taxes.