DES vs. SCDS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund) and SCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. DES is passively managed, while SCDS is actively managed. Over the past year, DES returned 28.95% vs 45.21% for SCDS. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DES charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SCDS.

Performance

DES vs. SCDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) and JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DES achieves a 19.31% return, which is significantly lower than SCDS's 26.51% return.

DES

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 3.24%
• YTD: 19.31%
• 6M: 18.13%
• 1Y: 28.95%
• 3Y*: 15.80%
• 5Y*: 7.19%
• 10Y*: 8.55%

SCDS

• 1D: -1.08%
• 1M: 4.83%
• YTD: 26.51%
• 6M: 23.71%
• 1Y: 45.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DES vs. SCDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	19.31%	0.25%	9.51%
SCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF	26.51%	11.27%	7.26%

Correlation

The correlation between DES and SCDS is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2024	0.87

The correlation between DES and SCDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

DES vs. SCDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DES	SCDS
Financial Services	24.8%	15.2%
Consumer Cyclical	16.0%	10.3%
Industrials	13.4%	16.3%
Energy	10.2%	4.8%
Real Estate	10.1%	5.4%
Basic Materials	6.3%	3.2%
Technology	6.0%	23.8%
Utilities	4.2%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	2.5%
Communication Services	2.8%	2.4%
Healthcare	2.0%	13.8%

Return for Risk

DES vs. SCDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DES

DES Risk / Return Rank: 61
DES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DES Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DES Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DES Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DES Martin Ratio Rank: 63

SCDS

SCDS Risk / Return Rank: 85
SCDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
SCDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
SCDS Omega Ratio Rank: 76
SCDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
SCDS Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

DES vs. SCDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) and JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS). 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.

	DES	SCDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	2.44	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	3.38	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.41	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.80	5.13	-1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.90	17.82	-6.92

DES vs. SCDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DES Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the SCDS Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DES and SCDS, 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

DES vs. SCDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DES drawdown since its inception was -65.48%, which is greater than SCDS's maximum drawdown of -26.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DES and SCDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DES	SCDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.48%	-26.71%	-38.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.64%	-8.85%	+1.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.16%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.16%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-1.08%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.66%	-5.16%	-4.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	2.54%	+0.12%

Volatility

DES vs. SCDS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) is 3.95%, while JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS) has a volatility of 6.18%. This indicates that DES experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DES	SCDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	6.18%	-2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.12%	13.63%	-2.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.45%	18.68%	-2.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.52%	21.25%	-1.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.96%	21.25%	+0.71%

DES vs. SCDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DES has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than SCDS's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

DES vs. SCDS - Dividend Comparison

DES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.31%, more than SCDS's 1.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.31%	2.85%	2.81%	2.65%	2.89%	2.31%	2.75%	2.68%	3.65%	2.89%	2.70%	3.09%
SCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF	1.10%	1.15%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DES and SCDS in my portfolio?

DES and SCDS have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DES or SCDS?

SCDS has higher volatility (6.18%) compared to DES (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DES dropped -65.48% vs SCDS's -26.71%.

Which ETF is better, DES or SCDS?

On 1-year performance, SCDS leads with 45.21% vs 28.95% for DES. On fees, DES is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, DES has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DES or SCDS?

Over the 1-year period, SCDS has performed better with a 45.21% return vs 28.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DES or SCDS?

DES is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for SCDS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DES or SCDS?

DES has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 1.10% for SCDS.

What is the main difference between DES and SCDS?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and JPMorgan. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for DES and 0.40% for SCDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.77), 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.