FGSM vs. DFMC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

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

Performance

FGSM vs. DFMC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

FGSM

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 1.29%
• YTD: 14.64%
• 6M: 13.20%
• 1Y: 32.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFMC

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 5.04%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FGSM vs. DFMC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	14.34%
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	17.63%

Correlation

The correlation between FGSM and DFMC 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

FGSM vs. DFMC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGSM

FGSM Risk / Return Rank: 72
FGSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FGSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FGSM Omega Ratio Rank: 68
FGSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
FGSM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

DFMC

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

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.

FGSM vs. DFMC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FGSM	DFMC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.99	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.67	—	—

Drawdowns

FGSM vs. DFMC - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	FGSM	DFMC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.72%	-4.29%	-13.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	0.00%	-0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.16%	-0.74%	-1.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FGSM	DFMC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.63%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.27%	16.18%	-0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.84%	16.18%	+1.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.84%	16.18%	+1.66%

FGSM vs. DFMC - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FGSM vs. DFMC - Dividend Comparison

FGSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, while DFMC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	0.00%	0.00%
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	1.35%	1.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGSM and DFMC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, FGSM and DFMC 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, FGSM or DFMC?

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, FGSM or DFMC?

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

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

FGSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.00% for DFMC.

What is the main difference between FGSM and DFMC?

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