DAFGX vs. DAMDX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DAFGX (Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund) and DAMDX (Dunham Monthly Distribution Fund) are both mutual funds - DAFGX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Dunham, while DAMDX is a Event Driven fund managed by Dunham. Over the past 10 years, DAFGX returned 13.09%/yr vs 3.17%/yr for DAMDX. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DAFGX charges 1.37%/yr vs 2.38%/yr for DAMDX.

Performance

DAFGX vs. DAMDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund (DAFGX) and Dunham Monthly Distribution Fund (DAMDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DAFGX achieves a 4.06% return, which is significantly higher than DAMDX's 1.89% return. Over the past 10 years, DAFGX has outperformed DAMDX with an annualized return of 13.09%, while DAMDX has yielded a comparatively lower 3.17% annualized return.

DAFGX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 5.57%
• 6M: 3.19%
• YTD: 4.06%
• 1Y: 0.11%
• 3Y*: 9.13%
• 5Y*: 2.29%
• 10Y*: 13.09%

DAMDX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.15%
• 6M: 1.70%
• YTD: 1.89%
• 1Y: 5.36%
• 3Y*: 6.61%
• 5Y*: 3.61%
• 10Y*: 3.17%

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

DAFGX vs. DAMDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DAFGX Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund	4.06%	1.72%	11.42%	54.81%	-38.96%	13.01%	49.42%	35.17%	9.80%	26.10%
DAMDX Dunham Monthly Distribution Fund	1.89%	7.93%	5.29%	4.06%	0.57%	0.12%	0.44%	5.54%	-1.01%	4.08%

Correlation

The correlation between DAFGX and DAMDX is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2011	0.49

Over the past year, the correlation between DAFGX and DAMDX has dropped to 0.24 - well below their long-term average of 0.49, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

DAFGX vs. DAMDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DAFGX

DAFGX Risk / Return Rank: 3
DAFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
DAFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
DAFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
DAFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
DAFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

DAMDX

DAMDX Risk / Return Rank: 96
DAMDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
DAMDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
DAMDX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
DAMDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
DAMDX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

DAFGX vs. DAMDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund (DAFGX) and Dunham Monthly Distribution Fund (DAMDX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DAFGX	DAMDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.04	2.76	-2.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	4.56	-4.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.67	-0.66
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	5.10	-5.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.07	22.55	-22.62

DAFGX vs. DAMDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DAFGX Sharpe Ratio is -0.04, which is lower than the DAMDX Sharpe Ratio of 2.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DAFGX and DAMDX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DAFGX vs. DAMDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAFGX drawdown since its inception was -47.69%, smaller than the maximum DAMDX drawdown of -69.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAFGX and DAMDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAFGX	DAMDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.69%	-69.68%	+21.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.70%	-1.03%	-26.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.81%	-1.89%	-32.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.69%	-6.96%	-40.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.69%	-8.44%	-39.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.31%	-35.07%	+22.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.59%	-48.70%	+39.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.36%	0.23%	+12.13%

Volatility

DAFGX vs. DAMDX - Volatility Comparison

Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund (DAFGX) has a higher volatility of 7.48% compared to Dunham Monthly Distribution Fund (DAMDX) at 0.77%. This indicates that DAFGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DAMDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DAFGX	DAMDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.48%	0.77%	+6.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.60%	1.53%	+15.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.38%	1.89%	+18.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.39%	4.32%	+22.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.46%	3.95%	+21.51%

DAFGX vs. DAMDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAFGX has a 1.37% expense ratio, which is lower than DAMDX's 2.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAFGX vs. DAMDX - Dividend Comparison

DAFGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.87%, more than DAMDX's 7.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DAFGX Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund	15.87%	16.51%	0.00%	2.40%	0.00%	8.61%	2.31%	3.33%	8.90%	0.95%	0.00%	0.58%
DAMDX Dunham Monthly Distribution Fund	7.58%	7.83%	8.84%	8.77%	5.35%	3.47%	3.64%	6.31%	4.86%	4.27%	3.54%	4.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DAFGX and DAMDX in my portfolio?

DAFGX and DAMDX have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DAFGX or DAMDX?

DAFGX has higher volatility (7.48%) compared to DAMDX (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DAFGX dropped -47.69% vs DAMDX's -69.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DAMDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.76 vs -0.04), 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.