FSGS vs. DUSG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FSGS (First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF) and DUSG (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. FSGS is passively managed, while DUSG is actively managed. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSGS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for DUSG.

Performance

FSGS vs. DUSG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

FSGS

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: 3.63%
• 6M: 1.61%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 1Y: 8.98%
• 3Y*: 7.13%
• 5Y*: 4.57%
• 10Y*: —

DUSG

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 0.55%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FSGS vs. DUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
FSGS First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF	4.81%
DUSG Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF	3.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FSGS and DUSG is 0.72, 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	0.72

Return for Risk

FSGS vs. DUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSGS

FSGS Risk / Return Rank: 21
FSGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
FSGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
FSGS Omega Ratio Rank: 19
FSGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
FSGS Martin Ratio Rank: 23

DUSG

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.

FSGS vs. DUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FSGS	DUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.80	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.24	—	—

Drawdowns

FSGS vs. DUSG - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	FSGS	DUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.26%	-4.19%	-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	-0.20%	-1.66%	+1.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.96%	-1.14%	-6.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.03%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSGS	DUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.74%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.13%	14.63%	+0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.03%	14.63%	+5.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.70%	14.63%	+8.07%

FSGS vs. DUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FSGS vs. DUSG - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DUSG Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF	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 FSGS and DUSG in my portfolio?

FSGS and DUSG have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FSGS or DUSG?

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, FSGS or DUSG?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between FSGS and DUSG?

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