ASCI vs. HSCZ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and HSCZ (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. ASCI is actively managed, while HSCZ is passively managed. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ASCI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for HSCZ.

Performance

ASCI vs. HSCZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF (HSCZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCI achieves a 7.39% return, which is significantly lower than HSCZ's 10.57% return.

ASCI

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 7.39%
• 6M: 8.24%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HSCZ

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 4.13%
• YTD: 10.57%
• 6M: 13.25%
• 1Y: 28.62%
• 3Y*: 18.68%
• 5Y*: 10.97%
• 10Y*: 11.62%

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

ASCI vs. HSCZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.39%	1.11%
HSCZ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF	10.57%	4.11%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and HSCZ is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. HSCZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

HSCZ

HSCZ Risk / Return Rank: 73
HSCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
HSCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
HSCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 80
HSCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
HSCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

ASCI vs. HSCZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF (HSCZ). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ASCI	HSCZ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	0.67	+0.10

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. HSCZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, smaller than the maximum HSCZ drawdown of -34.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and HSCZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	HSCZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-34.89%	+23.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.61%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.81%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-0.98%	-1.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-4.65%	+2.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.23%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	HSCZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.44%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.20%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.68%	11.21%	+7.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.68%	13.46%	+5.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	15.66%	+3.02%

ASCI vs. HSCZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than HSCZ's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCI vs. HSCZ - Dividend Comparison

ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than HSCZ's 2.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.75%	0.80%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HSCZ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF	2.94%	3.25%	3.26%	2.98%	26.91%	2.90%	1.46%	4.66%	6.15%	2.52%	2.57%	1.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and HSCZ in my portfolio?

ASCI and HSCZ have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ASCI or HSCZ?

On fees, HSCZ is cheaper at 0.43% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCI or HSCZ?

HSCZ is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ASCI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASCI or HSCZ?

HSCZ has the higher dividend yield at 2.94%, compared with 0.75% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between ASCI and HSCZ?

They also come from different issuers: abrdn and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for ASCI and 0.43% for HSCZ.