QSML vs. DUSG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QSML (Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund) and DUSG (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. QSML is passively managed, while DUSG is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QSML charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for DUSG.

Performance

QSML vs. DUSG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

QSML

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 6.09%
• 6M: 12.22%
• YTD: 17.92%
• 1Y: 28.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

QSML vs. DUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	9.59%
DUSG Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF	3.37%

Correlation

The correlation between QSML and DUSG is 0.84, 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 May 6, 2026	0.84

Return for Risk

QSML vs. DUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSML

QSML Risk / Return Rank: 63
QSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
QSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
QSML Omega Ratio Rank: 56
QSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
QSML Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

QSML vs. DUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) 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.

	QSML	DUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.88	—	—

Drawdowns

QSML vs. DUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSML drawdown since its inception was -28.54%, which is greater than DUSG's maximum drawdown of -4.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSML and DUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSML	DUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.54%	-4.19%	-24.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.66%	+1.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.71%	-1.14%	-4.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QSML	DUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.18%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.18%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.44%	14.63%	+2.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.64%	14.63%	+6.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.64%	14.63%	+6.01%

QSML vs. DUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSML has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than DUSG's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSML vs. DUSG - Dividend Comparison

QSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, more than DUSG's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
DUSG Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	0.53%	0.62%	0.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSML and DUSG in my portfolio?

QSML and DUSG have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QSML 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, QSML or DUSG?

DUSG is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for QSML.

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

QSML has the higher dividend yield at 0.53%, compared with 0.14% for DUSG.

What is the main difference between QSML and DUSG?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Dimensional Fund Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for QSML and 0.32% for DUSG.