JSML vs. DUSG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

JSML (Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and DUSG (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. JSML is passively managed, while DUSG is actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JSML charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for DUSG.

Performance

JSML vs. DUSG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

JSML

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: -0.10%
• 6M: 14.90%
• YTD: 21.35%
• 1Y: 32.46%
• 3Y*: 15.84%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: 12.63%

DUSG

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

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

JSML vs. DUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	6.55%
DUSG Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF	3.37%

Correlation

The correlation between JSML and DUSG is 0.69, 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	0.69

Return for Risk

JSML vs. DUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

JSML

JSML Risk / Return Rank: 52
JSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
JSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
JSML Omega Ratio Rank: 48
JSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
JSML Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

JSML vs. DUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) 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.

	JSML	DUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.20	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.72	—	—

Drawdowns

JSML vs. DUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSML drawdown since its inception was -39.65%, which is greater than DUSG's maximum drawdown of -4.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSML and DUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSML	DUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.65%	-4.19%	-35.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.84%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.60%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.91%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.59%	-1.66%	-2.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.76%	-1.14%	-9.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.22%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JSML	DUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.81%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.32%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.41%	14.63%	+7.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.52%	14.63%	+9.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.26%	14.63%	+9.63%

JSML vs. DUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSML has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than DUSG's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSML vs. DUSG - Dividend Comparison

JSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.61%, more than DUSG's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%	0.00%
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.61%	0.94%	1.19%	0.49%	0.67%	0.46%	0.30%	0.27%	0.76%	0.42%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JSML and DUSG in my portfolio?

JSML and DUSG have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, JSML or DUSG?

On fees, JSML is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSML or DUSG?

JSML is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for DUSG.

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

JSML has the higher dividend yield at 0.61%, compared with 0.14% for DUSG.

What is the main difference between JSML and DUSG?

They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and Dimensional Fund Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSML and 0.32% for DUSG.