SSMG vs. VUS

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

SSMG (Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF) and VUS (Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SSMG is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while VUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSMG charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for VUS.

Performance

SSMG vs. VUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF (SSMG) and Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS). 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*: —

VUS

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.01%
• 6M: 15.81%
• YTD: 20.12%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SSMG vs. VUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SSMG Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF	5.50%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	7.06%

Correlation

The correlation between SSMG and VUS is 0.86, 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	0.86

Return for Risk

SSMG vs. VUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF (SSMG) and Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS). 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. VUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSMG drawdown since its inception was -7.24%, smaller than the maximum VUS drawdown of -9.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSMG and VUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSMG	VUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.24%	-9.45%	+2.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.85%	-0.42%	-6.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.01%	-1.51%	-0.50%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SSMG	VUS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.54%	14.81%	+12.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.54%	14.81%	+12.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.54%	14.81%	+12.73%

SSMG vs. VUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSMG has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VUS's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSMG vs. VUS - Dividend Comparison

SSMG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%.

Position	TTM
SSMG Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF	0.00%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSMG and VUS in my portfolio?

SSMG and VUS have a correlation of 0.86, 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 VUS?

On fees, VUS is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSMG or VUS?

VUS is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for SSMG.

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

VUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 0.00% for SSMG.

What is the main difference between SSMG and VUS?

SSMG is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while VUS is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for SSMG and 0.25% for VUS.