SLYG vs. DUSG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SLYG (SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF) and DUSG (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. SLYG is passively managed, while DUSG is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SLYG charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for DUSG.

Performance

SLYG vs. DUSG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

SLYG

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 2.83%
• 6M: 15.60%
• YTD: 23.70%
• 1Y: 29.96%
• 3Y*: 14.89%
• 5Y*: 7.72%
• 10Y*: 11.11%

DUSG

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

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

SLYG vs. DUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	6.42%
DUSG Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF	3.37%

Correlation

The correlation between SLYG and DUSG is 0.92, 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	0.92

Return for Risk

SLYG vs. DUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLYG

SLYG Risk / Return Rank: 70
SLYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SLYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
SLYG Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SLYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
SLYG Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

SLYG vs. DUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) 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.

	SLYG	DUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.31	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.50	—	—

Drawdowns

SLYG vs. DUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLYG drawdown since its inception was -62.92%, which is greater than DUSG's maximum drawdown of -4.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLYG and DUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLYG	DUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.92%	-4.19%	-58.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.10%	—	—
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	-2.58%	-1.66%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.85%	-1.14%	-13.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SLYG	DUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.26%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.03%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.80%	14.63%	+3.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.54%	14.63%	+6.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.70%	14.63%	+8.07%

SLYG vs. DUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLYG has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than DUSG's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLYG vs. DUSG - Dividend Comparison

SLYG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.66%, more than DUSG's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	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 SLYG and DUSG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, SLYG and DUSG 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 ETF is better, SLYG or DUSG?

On fees, SLYG is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLYG or DUSG?

SLYG is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for DUSG.

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

SLYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.14% for DUSG.

What is the main difference between SLYG and DUSG?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Dimensional Fund Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for SLYG and 0.32% for DUSG.