JSML vs. SLYG

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

JSML (Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and SLYG (SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - JSML tracks the Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index while SLYG tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, JSML returned 12.84%/yr vs 11.10%/yr for SLYG. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JSML charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for SLYG.

Performance

JSML vs. SLYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) and SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with JSML having a 22.76% return and SLYG slightly higher at 23.22%. Over the past 10 years, JSML has outperformed SLYG with an annualized return of 12.84%, while SLYG has yielded a comparatively lower 11.10% annualized return.

JSML

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: 1.16%
• 6M: 16.79%
• YTD: 22.76%
• 1Y: 33.16%
• 3Y*: 16.83%
• 5Y*: 7.80%
• 10Y*: 12.84%

SLYG

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 2.65%
• 6M: 17.16%
• YTD: 23.22%
• 1Y: 27.83%
• 3Y*: 15.17%
• 5Y*: 7.45%
• 10Y*: 11.10%

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

JSML vs. SLYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	22.76%	13.41%	12.45%	30.09%	-29.40%	3.08%	35.38%	32.50%	-2.53%	20.93%
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	23.22%	5.20%	9.38%	17.27%	-21.26%	22.42%	19.48%	20.97%	-4.20%	14.62%

Correlation

The correlation between JSML and SLYG is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2016	0.86

The correlation between JSML and SLYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

JSML vs. SLYG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JSML	SLYG
Healthcare	25.2%	17.0%
Technology	21.1%	17.5%
Industrials	13.8%	18.8%
Financial Services	8.8%	14.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	10.9%
Basic Materials	3.3%	2.9%
Energy	2.6%	4.5%
Real Estate	2.6%	6.5%
Communication Services	1.7%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	3.0%
Utilities	-	1.7%

Return for Risk

JSML vs. SLYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

JSML

JSML Risk / Return Rank: 54
JSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
JSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
JSML Omega Ratio Rank: 50
JSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
JSML Martin Ratio Rank: 57

SLYG

SLYG Risk / Return Rank: 65
SLYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SLYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SLYG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SLYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
SLYG Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. SLYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) and SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG). 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	SLYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.56	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.34	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.27	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	3.07	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.91	10.72	-2.81

JSML vs. SLYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the SLYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JSML and SLYG, 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

JSML vs. SLYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSML drawdown since its inception was -39.65%, smaller than the maximum SLYG drawdown of -62.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSML and SLYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSML	SLYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.65%	-62.92%	+23.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.84%	-9.10%	-5.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.60%	-27.39%	+1.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.91%	-29.18%	-8.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.65%	-41.86%	+2.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.48%	-2.96%	-0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.76%	-14.85%	+4.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.20%	2.61%	+1.59%

Volatility

JSML vs. SLYG - Volatility Comparison

Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) has a higher volatility of 5.75% compared to SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) at 4.36%. This indicates that JSML's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SLYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JSML	SLYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.75%	4.36%	+1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.27%	13.02%	+4.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.42%	17.93%	+4.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.52%	21.55%	+2.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.26%	22.71%	+1.55%

JSML vs. SLYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSML has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SLYG's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSML vs. SLYG - Dividend Comparison

JSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%, less than SLYG's 0.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.60%	0.94%	1.19%	0.49%	0.67%	0.46%	0.30%	0.27%	0.76%	0.42%	0.52%	0.00%
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	0.66%	0.86%	1.22%	1.18%	1.18%	0.68%	0.71%	1.08%	1.06%	4.74%	1.13%	5.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JSML and SLYG in my portfolio?

JSML and SLYG have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JSML or SLYG?

JSML has higher volatility (5.75%) compared to SLYG (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JSML dropped -39.65% vs SLYG's -62.92%.

Which ETF is better, JSML or SLYG?

On 10-year performance, JSML leads with 12.84% vs 11.10% for SLYG. On fees, SLYG is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SLYG has been the lower-risk option at 4.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JSML or SLYG?

Over the 10-year period, JSML has performed better with a 12.84% return vs 11.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSML or SLYG?

SLYG is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for JSML.

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

SLYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.60% for JSML.

What is the main difference between JSML and SLYG?

JSML tracks Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index, while SLYG tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSML and 0.15% for SLYG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 1.49), 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.