VEM vs. SSMG

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

VEM (Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and SSMG (Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while SSMG is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. Their 0.78 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. VEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for SSMG.

Performance

VEM vs. SSMG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

VEM

• 1D: -1.75%
• 1M: -6.50%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

SSMG

• 1D: -3.38%
• 1M: -11.68%
• 6M: —
• 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	$3.82K	$2.55K	$5.74K
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	$1.18K	$2.76K	$6.90K

VEM vs. SSMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	-0.94%
SSMG Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF	-2.28%

Correlation

The correlation between VEM and SSMG is 0.78, 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	0.78

VEM vs. SSMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEM	SSMG
Technology	38.5%	25.7%
Financial Services	22.3%	8.0%
Industrials	7.5%	25.4%
Basic Materials	7.3%	3.4%
Energy	5.5%	4.5%
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	-
Communication Services	1.8%	1.4%
Utilities	1.1%	1.4%
Real Estate	1.0%	0.7%
Healthcare	-	18.5%

Return for Risk

VEM vs. SSMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

VEM vs. SSMG - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	VEM	SSMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.55%	-13.72%	+0.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.26%	-13.72%	+2.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.52%	-3.08%	-1.44%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEM	SSMG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.70%	27.60%	+3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.70%	27.60%	+3.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.70%	27.60%	+3.10%

VEM vs. SSMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VEM vs. SSMG - Dividend Comparison

VEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.14%, while SSMG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
SSMG Virtus Silvant Small/Mid Growth ETF	0.00%
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEM and SSMG in my portfolio?

VEM and SSMG have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VEM or SSMG?

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, VEM or SSMG?

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

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

VEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.14%, compared with 0.00% for SSMG.

What is the main difference between VEM and SSMG?

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