Global X launches low-cost index-based global SMID ETF

22 July 2026

Global X ETFs has today launched the Global X MSCI International Small and Mid Cap ETF (ISMD), providing dedicated exposure to small and mid-cap (SMID) companies in developed markets outside of Australia.

The launch comes as global equity markets have become increasingly concentrated in a select number of mega-cap companies, prompting many investors to look beyond traditional large-cap exposures to improve diversification and access a broader opportunity set.

The Global X MSCI International Small and Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) tracks the MSCI World ex Australia SMID Cap Select Index, currently providing exposure to approximately 300 companies across developed markets. The ETF combines small and mid-cap companies within a single portfolio, allowing investors to access businesses earlier in their growth journey while maintaining exposure as they mature into larger companies.

Global X CEO Alex Zaika said the launch reflects growing investor demand for more diversified global equity exposures.

"Many Australian investors already have meaningful exposure to the world's largest companies through broad global equity funds. ISMD complements those portfolios by providing access to a part of the market that has historically been underrepresented, despite being home to many of tomorrow's market leaders,” Mr Zaika said.

"As investors increasingly look to build resilient, diversified portfolios, we're continuing to expand our product suite with innovative, cost-effective solutions that provide access to areas of the market that have traditionally been difficult to access through index investing."

MSCI’s Head of Asia Pacific, Shane Edwards, said: "We are pleased to bring MSCI's index design capabilities to this initiative at a time when investors are increasingly looking beyond large-cap equities for sources of diversification. Our index supports Global X in offering investors exposure to small and mid-cap companies across international developed markets, a segment that represents a significant share of the global equity opportunity set."

According to Global X Senior Product and Investment Strategist Marc Jocum, today's SMID universe looks very different to the perceived higher-risk segment many investors remember.

"The investment case for global SMIDs has evolved considerably. While these companies continue to offer attractive growth potential, we're also seeing stronger balance sheets, improving profitability and more attractive valuations relative to large-cap equities,” Mr Jocum said.

"Importantly, combining small and mid-caps cohesively allows investors to remain invested as businesses grow through different stages of their lifecycle, rather than selling successful companies as they graduate out of traditional small-cap indices. At a time when market leadership has become increasingly concentrated, ISMD provides investors with diversified exposure to businesses that could become the next generation of global leaders."

Historically, global SMID investing has been dominated by active managers. ISMD provides investors with a low-cost, transparent, rules-based index solution that offers diversified exposure to the segment through a single ASX-listed ETF.

About ISMD

Management fee: 0.45% p.a.

Holdings: 300 global small and mid-cap companies

Index: MSCI World ex Australia SMID Cap Select Index

Considerations for investing

All investments involve risk. An investment in this fund may be affected by risks related to: Markets, Investment Objective, Index Tracking, ETF Pricing, Liquidity, Currency, Concentration, & Emerging Markets. The nature and level of risk may vary depending on the fund’s investment strategy and assets. The value of your investment can rise or fall, see the PDS for a full list of risks.

For All Media Queries

Please contact James Mitchell, Global X Australia | +61 413 619 034 | james.mitchell@globalxetfs.com.au

About Global X ETFs Australia

Global X ETFs Australia is a leading ETF provider with a growing range of cost-effective and innovation-led products which are built to help Australian investors achieve their investment outcomes by providing access to a successful pool of ETFs across thematics, income, commodities, digital assets and more. Global X Australia’s nuanced understanding of the local market is backed by international resources and expertise to deliver a beyond ordinary experience for all stakeholders.

About Global X ETFs

Global X ETFs was founded in 2008. For more than a decade, our mission has been empowering investors with unexplored and intelligent solutions. Our product lineup features almost 430 ETF strategies worldwide and over US$165 billion in assets under management.¹ While we are distinguished for our Thematic Growth, Income, and International Access ETFs, we also offer Core, Commodity, and Alpha funds to suit a wide range of investment objectives. Global X is a member of Mirae Asset Financial Group, a global leader in financial services, with more than US$800 billion in assets under management worldwide². Mirae Asset has an extensive global ETF platform ranging across the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam with over US$208 billion in assets under management.³

<sup>1. Assets under management as at June 2026, Global X
2. Assets under management as at June 2026, Mirae Asset Financial Group
3. Assets under management as at June 2026, Mirae Asset Global Investments</sup>

Disclaimer

Issued by Global X Management (AUS) Limited (‘Global X’) (AFSL 466778, ACN 150 433 828). Global X Physical Gold (GOLD), Silver (ETPMAG), Platinum (ETPMPT), Palladium (ETPMPD) and Precious Metals Basket (ETPMPM) are issued by Global X Metal Securities Australia Limited, a corporate authorised representative (CAR No: 001274650) under Global X. This is general information only and not personal advice. This communication doesn't consider your personal circumstances or needs. Investors should consider whether these products are appropriate for them, obtain financial advice and read the product disclosure statement (PDS), prospectus (as applicable) and target market determination (TMD) before making investment decisions. All PDSs, prospectuses and TMDs are available on our website: www.globalxetfs.com.au. Investment in any products are subject to risks, including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and principal invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This content may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any recipient for any purpose. Global X nor any of its affiliates make any warranty as to the accuracy of any data used or displayed in this communication or to the performance of any product.