BLZIX vs. LCSMX

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

BLZIX (BlackRock Sustainable Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Fund) and LCSMX (Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 5 years, BLZIX returned 6.24%/yr vs 7.90%/yr for LCSMX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BLZIX charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for LCSMX.

Performance

BLZIX vs. LCSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Sustainable Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Fund (BLZIX) and Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund (LCSMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLZIX achieves a 19.14% return, which is significantly lower than LCSMX's 38.12% return.

BLZIX

• 1D: -1.31%
• 1M: -10.23%
• 6M: 12.96%
• YTD: 19.14%
• 1Y: 34.05%
• 3Y*: 19.11%
• 5Y*: 6.24%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.85%

LCSMX

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: -19.03%
• 6M: 28.23%
• YTD: 38.12%
• 1Y: 77.90%
• 3Y*: 21.71%
• 5Y*: 7.90%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 10.59%

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

BLZIX vs. LCSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BLZIX BlackRock Sustainable Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Fund	19.14%	34.04%	7.36%	8.27%	-21.88%	-3.34%	17.81%
LCSMX Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund	38.12%	51.52%	-13.60%	16.26%	-27.25%	4.73%	29.68%

Correlation

The correlation between BLZIX and LCSMX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 18, 2020	0.84

The correlation between BLZIX and LCSMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BLZIX vs. LCSMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLZIX

BLZIX Risk / Return Rank: 54
BLZIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
BLZIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
BLZIX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
BLZIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
BLZIX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

LCSMX

LCSMX Risk / Return Rank: 84
LCSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
LCSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
LCSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
LCSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
LCSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

BLZIX vs. LCSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Sustainable Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Fund (BLZIX) and Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund (LCSMX). 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.

	BLZIX	LCSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	2.33	-0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	2.64	-0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.42	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	3.95	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.65	14.49	-5.84

BLZIX vs. LCSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLZIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is lower than the LCSMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLZIX and LCSMX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BLZIX vs. LCSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLZIX drawdown since its inception was -42.19%, which is greater than LCSMX's maximum drawdown of -39.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLZIX and LCSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLZIX	LCSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.19%	-39.72%	-2.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.88%	-19.75%	+6.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.44%	-23.31%	+5.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.71%	-39.72%	+4.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.88%	-19.75%	+8.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.32%	-13.66%	-4.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.98%	5.37%	-1.39%

Volatility

BLZIX vs. LCSMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BlackRock Sustainable Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Fund (BLZIX) is 10.67%, while Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund (LCSMX) has a volatility of 17.47%. This indicates that BLZIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LCSMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLZIX	LCSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.67%	17.47%	-6.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.07%	31.84%	-10.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.90%	33.49%	-10.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.29%	21.60%	-3.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.93%	21.28%	-2.35%

BLZIX vs. LCSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLZIX has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than LCSMX's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLZIX vs. LCSMX - Dividend Comparison

BLZIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.56%, more than LCSMX's 0.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BLZIX BlackRock Sustainable Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Fund	1.56%	2.89%	2.00%	2.32%	2.70%	11.00%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%
LCSMX Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund	0.72%	1.00%	1.29%	1.22%	1.11%	3.03%	0.48%	0.88%	1.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLZIX and LCSMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BLZIX and LCSMX 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 is riskier, BLZIX or LCSMX?

LCSMX has higher volatility (17.47%) compared to BLZIX (10.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLZIX dropped -42.19% vs LCSMX's -39.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LCSMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.51), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.