DUSG vs. FSGS

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

DUSG (U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio: ETF Class Shares) and FSGS (First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. DUSG is actively managed, while FSGS is passively managed. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DUSG charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FSGS.

Performance

DUSG vs. FSGS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio: ETF Class Shares (DUSG) and First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DUSG

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -0.04%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FSGS

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 2.38%
• 6M: 1.53%
• YTD: 5.34%
• 1Y: 8.19%
• 3Y*: 7.00%
• 5Y*: 4.34%
• 10Y*: —

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

DUSG vs. FSGS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DUSG U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio: ETF Class Shares	2.66%
FSGS First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF	3.64%

Correlation

The correlation between DUSG and FSGS is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2026	0.71

Return for Risk

DUSG vs. FSGS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DUSG

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

FSGS

FSGS Risk / Return Rank: 19
FSGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
FSGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
FSGS Omega Ratio Rank: 17
FSGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
FSGS Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

DUSG vs. FSGS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio: ETF Class Shares (DUSG) and First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS). 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.

	DUSG	FSGS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.55	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	0.89	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.10	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.73	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	2.04	—

Drawdowns

DUSG vs. FSGS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DUSG drawdown since its inception was -4.19%, smaller than the maximum FSGS drawdown of -43.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DUSG and FSGS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DUSG	FSGS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.19%	-43.26%	+39.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.31%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.08%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.34%	-1.30%	-1.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.13%	-7.96%	+6.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.03%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DUSG	FSGS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.62%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.94%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.71%	15.18%	-0.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.71%	20.03%	-5.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.71%	22.70%	-7.99%

DUSG vs. FSGS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DUSG has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than FSGS's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DUSG vs. FSGS - Dividend Comparison

DUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, more than FSGS's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DUSG U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio: ETF Class Shares	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FSGS First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF	0.03%	0.00%	2.71%	2.29%	1.95%	1.35%	1.32%	1.77%	2.13%	1.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DUSG and FSGS in my portfolio?

DUSG and FSGS have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DUSG or FSGS?

On fees, DUSG is cheaper at 0.32% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DUSG or FSGS?

DUSG is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FSGS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DUSG or FSGS?

DUSG has the higher dividend yield at 0.14%, compared with 0.03% for FSGS.

What is the main difference between DUSG and FSGS?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for DUSG and 0.60% for FSGS.