CGMM vs. DFAS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CGMM (Capital Group U.S. Small and Mid Cap ETF) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGMM is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Capital Group, while DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CGMM returned 23.39% vs 27.65% for DFAS. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CGMM charges 0.51%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for DFAS.

Performance

CGMM vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group U.S. Small and Mid Cap ETF (CGMM) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGMM achieves a 10.58% return, which is significantly lower than DFAS's 12.81% return.

CGMM

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 1.79%
• YTD: 10.58%
• 6M: 11.78%
• 1Y: 23.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAS

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 12.81%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 27.65%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CGMM vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CGMM Capital Group U.S. Small and Mid Cap ETF	10.58%	11.46%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	12.81%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between CGMM and DFAS is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 17, 2025	0.94

The correlation between CGMM and DFAS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGMM vs. DFAS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGMM	DFAS
Industrials	21.7%	18.6%
Technology	17.6%	15.0%
Financial Services	15.4%	19.5%
Consumer Cyclical	14.7%	11.9%
Healthcare	9.0%	11.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	4.3%
Communication Services	3.5%	2.8%
Energy	3.4%	6.7%
Utilities	3.1%	3.8%
Basic Materials	3.0%	5.6%
Real Estate	2.8%	0.2%

Return for Risk

CGMM vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CGMM

CGMM Risk / Return Rank: 45
CGMM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
CGMM Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
CGMM Omega Ratio Rank: 39
CGMM Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
CGMM Martin Ratio Rank: 52

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 51
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CGMM vs. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group U.S. Small and Mid Cap ETF (CGMM) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	CGMM	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.66	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.46	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.29	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	2.97	-0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.94	10.17	-1.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CGMM vs. DFAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGMM Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the DFAS Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGMM and DFAS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CGMM	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.49	1.66	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.36	+0.45

Drawdowns

CGMM vs. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGMM drawdown since its inception was -21.04%, smaller than the maximum DFAS drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGMM and DFAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGMM	DFAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.04%	-26.13%	+5.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.09%	-9.36%	-0.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	-0.81%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.25%	-8.31%	+5.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.62%	2.73%	-0.11%

Volatility

CGMM vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Capital Group U.S. Small and Mid Cap ETF (CGMM) is 3.73%, while Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) has a volatility of 4.31%. This indicates that CGMM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGMM	DFAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	4.31%	-0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.79%	11.58%	+0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.80%	16.77%	-0.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.29%	20.84%	-0.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.29%	20.84%	-0.55%

CGMM vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGMM has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAS's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGMM vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison

CGMM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than DFAS's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CGMM Capital Group U.S. Small and Mid Cap ETF	0.36%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.92%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGMM and DFAS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, CGMM and DFAS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CGMM or DFAS?

DFAS has higher volatility (4.31%) compared to CGMM (3.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGMM dropped -21.04% vs DFAS's -26.13%.

Which ETF is better, CGMM or DFAS?

On 1-year performance, DFAS leads with 27.65% vs 23.39% for CGMM. On fees, DFAS is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, CGMM has been the lower-risk option at 3.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGMM or DFAS?

Over the 1-year period, DFAS has performed better with a 27.65% return vs 23.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGMM or DFAS?

DFAS is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for CGMM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CGMM or DFAS?

DFAS has the higher dividend yield at 0.92%, compared with 0.36% for CGMM.

What is the main difference between CGMM and DFAS?

CGMM is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while DFAS is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.51% for CGMM and 0.34% for DFAS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.49), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.