SSMG vs. MDYG

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

SSMG (Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF) and MDYG (SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. SSMG is actively managed, while MDYG is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSMG charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for MDYG.

Performance

SSMG vs. MDYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF (SSMG) and SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (MDYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SSMG

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -4.80%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MDYG

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: -1.96%
• 6M: 11.45%
• YTD: 17.54%
• 1Y: 25.26%
• 3Y*: 15.05%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: 11.11%

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

SSMG vs. MDYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SSMG Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF	5.50%
MDYG SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF	3.71%

Correlation

The correlation between SSMG and MDYG 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 Apr 22, 2026	0.92

Return for Risk

SSMG vs. MDYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSMG

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

MDYG

MDYG Risk / Return Rank: 57
MDYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
MDYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
MDYG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
MDYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
MDYG Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

SSMG vs. MDYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF (SSMG) and SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (MDYG). 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.

	SSMG	MDYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.43	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.10	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.25	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.56	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.92	—

Drawdowns

SSMG vs. MDYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSMG drawdown since its inception was -7.24%, smaller than the maximum MDYG drawdown of -58.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSMG and MDYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSMG	MDYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.24%	-58.44%	+51.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.91%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.85%	-3.34%	-3.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.01%	-7.99%	+5.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.55%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SSMG	MDYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.65%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.97%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.54%	17.83%	+9.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.54%	20.73%	+6.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.54%	21.06%	+6.48%

SSMG vs. MDYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSMG has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than MDYG's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSMG vs. MDYG - Dividend Comparison

SSMG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MDYG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.59%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDYG SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF	0.59%	0.75%	0.87%	1.20%	1.16%	0.69%	0.71%	1.21%	1.36%	2.23%	1.25%	2.51%
SSMG Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSMG and MDYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, SSMG and MDYG 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, SSMG or MDYG?

On fees, MDYG 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, SSMG or MDYG?

MDYG is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for SSMG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SSMG or MDYG?

MDYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.59%, compared with 0.00% for SSMG.

What is the main difference between SSMG and MDYG?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for SSMG and 0.15% for MDYG.