QSML vs. SLYG

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

QSML (Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund) and SLYG (SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - QSML tracks the WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross while SLYG tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QSML returned 24.90% vs 27.83% for SLYG. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QSML charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for SLYG.

Performance

QSML vs. SLYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) and SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QSML achieves a 16.30% return, which is significantly lower than SLYG's 23.22% return.

QSML

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 5.00%
• 6M: 11.55%
• YTD: 16.30%
• 1Y: 24.90%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

QSML vs. SLYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	16.30%	5.49%	9.93%
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	23.22%	5.20%	11.53%

Correlation

The correlation between QSML 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2024	0.95

The correlation between QSML and SLYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

QSML vs. SLYG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QSML	SLYG
Technology	20.1%	17.5%
Industrials	17.7%	18.8%
Consumer Cyclical	15.9%	10.9%
Financial Services	13.8%	14.2%
Healthcare	9.4%	17.0%
Energy	8.6%	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	3.0%
Communication Services	3.8%	2.8%
Basic Materials	3.1%	2.9%
Real Estate	0.3%	6.5%
Utilities	0.3%	1.7%

Return for Risk

QSML vs. SLYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSML

QSML Risk / Return Rank: 54
QSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
QSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
QSML Omega Ratio Rank: 47
QSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
QSML Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

QSML vs. SLYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	QSML	SLYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.56	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	2.34	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.27	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	3.07	-0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.81	10.72	-2.91

QSML vs. SLYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the SLYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSML 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

QSML vs. SLYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSML drawdown since its inception was -28.54%, smaller than the maximum SLYG drawdown of -62.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSML and SLYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSML	SLYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.54%	-62.92%	+34.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.72%	-9.10%	-1.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.39%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.18%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	-2.96%	+2.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.73%	-14.85%	+9.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	2.61%	+0.59%

Volatility

QSML vs. SLYG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) is 4.14%, while SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) has a volatility of 4.36%. This indicates that QSML experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SLYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QSML	SLYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	4.36%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.17%	13.02%	-0.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.53%	17.93%	-0.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.66%	21.55%	-0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.66%	22.71%	-2.05%

QSML vs. SLYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSML has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than SLYG's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSML vs. SLYG - Dividend Comparison

QSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.54%, less than SLYG's 0.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	0.54%	0.62%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 QSML and SLYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, QSML and SLYG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, QSML or SLYG?

SLYG has higher volatility (4.36%) compared to QSML (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSML dropped -28.54% vs SLYG's -62.92%.

Which ETF is better, QSML or SLYG?

On 1-year performance, SLYG leads with 27.83% vs 24.90% for QSML. On fees, SLYG is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, QSML has been the lower-risk option at 4.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QSML or SLYG?

Over the 1-year period, SLYG has performed better with a 27.83% return vs 24.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QSML or SLYG?

SLYG is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for QSML.

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

SLYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.54% for QSML.

What is the main difference between QSML and SLYG?

QSML tracks WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while SLYG tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for QSML and 0.15% for SLYG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 1.43), 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.