SSMG vs. VEM

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

SSMG (Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF) and VEM (Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SSMG is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while VEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. Their 0.77 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. SSMG charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for VEM.

Performance

SSMG vs. VEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF (SSMG) and Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SSMG

• 1D: 3.18%
• 1M: -0.84%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

VEM

• 1D: 1.98%
• 1M: 2.82%
• 6M: 9.19%
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
SSMG Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF	$5.89K	$3.26K	$5.76K
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	$33.36K	$15.91K	$12.03K

SSMG vs. VEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SSMG Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF	7.79%
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	5.36%

Correlation

The correlation between SSMG and VEM is 0.77, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 22, 2026	0.77

SSMG vs. VEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSMG	VEM
Industrials	25.8%	7.8%
Technology	25.3%	39.0%
Healthcare	18.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	2.8%
Financial Services	8.2%	21.7%
Energy	4.5%	5.4%
Basic Materials	3.5%	7.3%
Utilities	1.5%	1.1%
Communication Services	1.4%	1.6%
Real Estate	0.7%	0.9%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

SSMG vs. VEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF (SSMG) and Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM). 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.

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

Drawdowns

SSMG vs. VEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSMG drawdown since its inception was -13.72%, roughly equal to the maximum VEM drawdown of -13.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSMG and VEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSMG	VEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.72%	-13.55%	-0.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.83%	-5.62%	+0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.36%	-4.59%	+1.23%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SSMG	VEM	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.58%	30.99%	-2.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.58%	30.99%	-2.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.58%	30.99%	-2.41%

SSMG vs. VEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSMG has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than VEM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSMG vs. VEM - Dividend Comparison

SSMG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.01%.

Position	TTM
SSMG Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF	0.00%
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	2.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSMG and VEM in my portfolio?

SSMG and VEM have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SSMG or VEM?

On fees, SSMG is cheaper at 0.39% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSMG or VEM?

SSMG is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for VEM.

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

VEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.01%, compared with 0.00% for SSMG.

What is the main difference between SSMG and VEM?

SSMG is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while VEM is Emerging Markets Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for SSMG and 0.49% for VEM.