MMSC vs. DUSG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

MMSC (First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF) and DUSG (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MMSC charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for DUSG.

Performance

MMSC vs. DUSG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

MMSC

• 1D: -1.75%
• 1M: -0.17%
• 6M: 6.87%
• YTD: 16.59%
• 1Y: 34.96%
• 3Y*: 19.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DUSG

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

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

MMSC vs. DUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MMSC First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF	2.06%
DUSG Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF	3.37%

Correlation

The correlation between MMSC and DUSG is 0.68, 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	0.68

Return for Risk

MMSC vs. DUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMSC

MMSC Risk / Return Rank: 56
MMSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
MMSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
MMSC Omega Ratio Rank: 49
MMSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
MMSC Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

MMSC vs. DUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF (MMSC) 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.

	MMSC	DUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.22	—	—

Drawdowns

MMSC vs. DUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMSC drawdown since its inception was -40.82%, which is greater than DUSG's maximum drawdown of -4.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMSC and DUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMSC	DUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.82%	-4.19%	-36.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.10%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.76%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.55%	-1.66%	-3.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.37%	-1.14%	-17.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.80%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MMSC	DUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.61%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.54%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.82%	14.63%	+9.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.54%	14.63%	+9.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.54%	14.63%	+9.91%

MMSC vs. DUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMSC has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than DUSG's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMSC vs. DUSG - Dividend Comparison

MMSC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
DUSG Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%
MMSC First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMSC and DUSG in my portfolio?

MMSC and DUSG have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MMSC 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, MMSC or DUSG?

DUSG is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for MMSC.

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

DUSG has the higher dividend yield at 0.14%, compared with 0.00% for MMSC.

What is the main difference between MMSC and DUSG?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Dimensional Fund Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for MMSC and 0.32% for DUSG.