SMMD vs. DUSG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SMMD (iShares Russell 2500 ETF) and DUSG (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. SMMD is passively managed, while DUSG is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMMD charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for DUSG.

Performance

SMMD vs. DUSG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF (DUSG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SMMD

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 0.58%
• 6M: 12.63%
• YTD: 20.90%
• 1Y: 32.16%
• 3Y*: 16.58%
• 5Y*: 8.99%
• 10Y*: —

DUSG

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

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

SMMD vs. DUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	5.10%
DUSG Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF	3.37%

Correlation

The correlation between SMMD and DUSG is 0.83, 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	0.83

Return for Risk

SMMD vs. DUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMMD

SMMD Risk / Return Rank: 74
SMMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SMMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SMMD Omega Ratio Rank: 66
SMMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
SMMD Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

SMMD vs. DUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) 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.

	SMMD	DUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.34	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.59	—	—

Drawdowns

SMMD vs. DUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMMD drawdown since its inception was -41.06%, which is greater than DUSG's maximum drawdown of -4.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMMD and DUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMMD	DUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.06%	-4.19%	-36.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.50%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.26%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.60%	-1.66%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.28%	-1.14%	-7.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.56%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMMD	DUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.87%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.28%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.63%	14.63%	+3.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.88%	14.63%	+6.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.31%	14.63%	+7.68%

SMMD vs. DUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SMMD vs. DUSG - Dividend Comparison

SMMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%, more than DUSG's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	1.06%	1.28%	1.27%	1.44%	1.79%	1.12%	1.31%	1.50%	2.45%	0.68%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMMD and DUSG in my portfolio?

SMMD and DUSG have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SMMD or DUSG?

On fees, SMMD 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, SMMD or DUSG?

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

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

SMMD has the higher dividend yield at 1.06%, compared with 0.14% for DUSG.

What is the main difference between SMMD and DUSG?

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