DREGX vs. DSMDX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DREGX (Driehaus Emerging Markets Growth Fund) and DSMDX (Driehaus Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - DREGX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Driehaus, while DSMDX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Driehaus. Over the past 5 years, DREGX returned 8.33%/yr vs 8.95%/yr for DSMDX. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DREGX charges 1.34%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for DSMDX.

Performance

DREGX vs. DSMDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Driehaus Emerging Markets Growth Fund (DREGX) and Driehaus Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (DSMDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DREGX achieves a 31.34% return, which is significantly higher than DSMDX's 21.11% return.

DREGX

• 1D: 3.26%
• 1M: 6.54%
• YTD: 31.34%
• 6M: 33.46%
• 1Y: 58.33%
• 3Y*: 23.45%
• 5Y*: 8.33%
• 10Y*: 11.64%

DSMDX

• 1D: 2.67%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 21.11%
• 6M: 17.20%
• 1Y: 41.81%
• 3Y*: 21.87%
• 5Y*: 8.95%
• 10Y*: —

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

DREGX vs. DSMDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DREGX Driehaus Emerging Markets Growth Fund	31.34%	29.95%	7.40%	11.26%	-22.54%	-1.95%	47.77%
DSMDX Driehaus Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund	21.11%	9.83%	26.45%	20.71%	-31.46%	17.96%	74.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DREGX and DSMDX is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2020	0.64

The correlation between DREGX and DSMDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DREGX vs. DSMDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DREGX

DREGX Risk / Return Rank: 86
DREGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
DREGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
DREGX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
DREGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
DREGX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

DSMDX

DSMDX Risk / Return Rank: 44
DSMDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
DSMDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
DSMDX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
DSMDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
DSMDX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

DREGX vs. DSMDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Driehaus Emerging Markets Growth Fund (DREGX) and Driehaus Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (DSMDX). 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.

	DREGX	DSMDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.79	1.61	+1.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.39	2.13	+1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.28	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.22	2.90	+1.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.44	10.82	+4.62

DREGX vs. DSMDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DREGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.79, which is higher than the DSMDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DREGX and DSMDX, 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

DREGX vs. DSMDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DREGX drawdown since its inception was -65.44%, which is greater than DSMDX's maximum drawdown of -41.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DREGX and DSMDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DREGX	DSMDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.44%	-41.90%	-23.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.82%	-14.51%	+0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.47%	-33.05%	+15.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.41%	-41.90%	+5.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.37%	-15.61%	-1.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.76%	3.87%	-0.11%

Volatility

DREGX vs. DSMDX - Volatility Comparison

Driehaus Emerging Markets Growth Fund (DREGX) and Driehaus Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (DSMDX) have volatilities of 10.64% and 10.49%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DREGX	DSMDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.64%	10.49%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.40%	21.20%	-2.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.90%	26.10%	-5.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.73%	26.06%	-6.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.87%	26.13%	-7.26%

DREGX vs. DSMDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DREGX has a 1.34% expense ratio, which is higher than DSMDX's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

DREGX vs. DSMDX - Dividend Comparison

DREGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, more than DSMDX's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DREGX Driehaus Emerging Markets Growth Fund	1.29%	1.69%	0.89%	1.81%	0.75%	16.71%	2.48%	0.82%	4.33%	0.59%
DSMDX Driehaus Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund	0.34%	0.41%	0.33%	0.00%	3.72%	7.93%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DREGX and DSMDX in my portfolio?

DREGX and DSMDX have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DREGX or DSMDX?

DREGX has higher volatility (10.64%) compared to DSMDX (10.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DREGX dropped -65.44% vs DSMDX's -41.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DREGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 1.61), 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.