DFMC vs. FGSM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFMC (Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF) and FGSM (Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFMC is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, while FGSM is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Frontier. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFMC charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for FGSM.

Performance

DFMC vs. FGSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DFMC

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 4.99%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FGSM

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 2.30%
• YTD: 15.80%
• 6M: 14.33%
• 1Y: 34.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFMC vs. FGSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	17.57%
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	15.49%

Correlation

The correlation between DFMC and FGSM 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2026	0.93

Return for Risk

DFMC vs. FGSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFMC

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

FGSM

FGSM Risk / Return Rank: 73
FGSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
FGSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FGSM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FGSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FGSM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

DFMC vs. FGSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM). 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.

	DFMC	FGSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.27	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.19	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.40	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.51	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	13.59	—

Drawdowns

DFMC vs. FGSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFMC drawdown since its inception was -4.29%, smaller than the maximum FGSM drawdown of -17.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFMC and FGSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFMC	FGSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-17.72%	+13.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.76%	-2.17%	+1.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.54%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFMC	FGSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.73%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.59%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.31%	15.26%	+1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.31%	17.84%	-1.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.31%	17.84%	-1.53%

DFMC vs. FGSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFMC has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than FGSM's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFMC vs. FGSM - Dividend Comparison

DFMC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FGSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%.

Position	TTM	2025
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	0.00%	0.00%
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	1.34%	1.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFMC and FGSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DFMC and FGSM 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 ETF is better, DFMC or FGSM?

On fees, DFMC is cheaper at 0.41% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFMC or FGSM?

DFMC is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FGSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFMC or FGSM?

FGSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.34%, compared with 0.00% for DFMC.

What is the main difference between DFMC and FGSM?

DFMC is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while FGSM is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and Frontier. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFMC and 0.90% for FGSM.