DCDGX vs. VSGAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DCDGX (Dunham Small Cap Growth Fund) and VSGAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DCDGX returned 13.17%/yr vs 11.85%/yr for VSGAX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DCDGX charges 2.83%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSGAX.

Performance

DCDGX vs. VSGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dunham Small Cap Growth Fund (DCDGX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DCDGX achieves a 20.23% return, which is significantly higher than VSGAX's 18.73% return. Over the past 10 years, DCDGX has outperformed VSGAX with an annualized return of 13.17%, while VSGAX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.85% annualized return.

DCDGX

• 1D: 1.63%
• 1M: 6.65%
• YTD: 20.23%
• 6M: 19.55%
• 1Y: 38.63%
• 3Y*: 17.83%
• 5Y*: 3.96%
• 10Y*: 13.17%

VSGAX

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 6.06%
• YTD: 18.73%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 34.11%
• 3Y*: 18.13%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 11.85%

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

DCDGX vs. VSGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DCDGX Dunham Small Cap Growth Fund	20.23%	11.14%	13.01%	20.48%	-33.69%	4.19%	67.17%	23.96%	-4.54%	28.81%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	18.73%	8.44%	14.94%	23.04%	-28.39%	5.70%	35.26%	32.76%	-5.69%	21.92%

Correlation

The correlation between DCDGX and VSGAX 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2011	0.96

The correlation between DCDGX and VSGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DCDGX vs. VSGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DCDGX

DCDGX Risk / Return Rank: 48
DCDGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DCDGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
DCDGX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DCDGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
DCDGX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

VSGAX

VSGAX Risk / Return Rank: 48
VSGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VSGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VSGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VSGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

DCDGX vs. VSGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dunham Small Cap Growth Fund (DCDGX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). 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.

	DCDGX	VSGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.86	+0.02
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	2.56	+0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.31	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	3.18	-0.11
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.42	12.10	+0.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DCDGX vs. VSGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DCDGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the VSGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DCDGX and VSGAX, 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

	DCDGX	VSGAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.88	1.86	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16	0.26	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.52	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.58	-0.24

Drawdowns

DCDGX vs. VSGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DCDGX drawdown since its inception was -56.02%, which is greater than VSGAX's maximum drawdown of -38.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DCDGX and VSGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DCDGX	VSGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.02%	-38.70%	-17.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.42%	-11.37%	-2.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.95%	-27.47%	-0.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.05%	-38.36%	-9.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.05%	-38.70%	-9.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.93%	-8.55%	-6.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.31%	2.98%	+0.33%

Volatility

DCDGX vs. VSGAX - Volatility Comparison

Dunham Small Cap Growth Fund (DCDGX) has a higher volatility of 6.38% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) at 5.28%. This indicates that DCDGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DCDGX	VSGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.38%	5.28%	+1.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.66%	14.85%	+1.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.90%	19.45%	+2.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.67%	23.56%	+2.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.78%	23.00%	+1.78%

DCDGX vs. VSGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DCDGX has a 2.83% expense ratio, which is higher than VSGAX's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

DCDGX vs. VSGAX - Dividend Comparison

DCDGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.61%, more than VSGAX's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DCDGX Dunham Small Cap Growth Fund	5.61%	6.74%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	29.30%	22.33%	2.06%	38.51%	20.51%	0.00%	11.22%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.44%	0.54%	0.54%	0.67%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.81%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DCDGX and VSGAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DCDGX and VSGAX 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, DCDGX or VSGAX?

DCDGX has higher volatility (6.38%) compared to VSGAX (5.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DCDGX dropped -56.02% vs VSGAX's -38.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DCDGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.86), 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.