DFJ vs. SCZ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFJ (WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund) and SCZ (iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Index, while SCZ is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DFJ returned 8.70%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for SCZ. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFJ charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SCZ.

Performance

DFJ vs. SCZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFJ achieves a 9.06% return, which is significantly lower than SCZ's 9.56% return. Over the past 10 years, DFJ has outperformed SCZ with an annualized return of 8.70%, while SCZ has yielded a comparatively lower 8.03% annualized return.

DFJ

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: 2.01%
• YTD: 9.06%
• 6M: 12.58%
• 1Y: 26.81%
• 3Y*: 18.99%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 8.70%

SCZ

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 2.75%
• YTD: 9.56%
• 6M: 12.13%
• 1Y: 24.04%
• 3Y*: 16.13%
• 5Y*: 5.02%
• 10Y*: 8.03%

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

DFJ vs. SCZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFJ WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund	9.06%	31.90%	2.80%	21.81%	-9.00%	0.38%	1.29%	16.98%	-18.53%	32.14%
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	9.56%	32.08%	1.52%	12.98%	-21.27%	10.12%	11.71%	24.68%	-17.64%	32.72%

Correlation

The correlation between DFJ and SCZ is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2007	0.74

The correlation between DFJ and SCZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFJ vs. SCZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFJ	SCZ
Industrials	27.0%	24.6%
Consumer Cyclical	16.1%	11.8%
Basic Materials	13.3%	10.7%
Financial Services	13.3%	12.5%
Technology	12.6%	9.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	5.0%
Healthcare	4.1%	5.5%
Real Estate	2.9%	10.3%
Utilities	1.6%	2.8%
Communication Services	1.5%	4.1%
Energy	0.6%	3.7%

Return for Risk

DFJ vs. SCZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFJ

DFJ Risk / Return Rank: 44
DFJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
DFJ Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DFJ Martin Ratio Rank: 38

SCZ

SCZ Risk / Return Rank: 47
SCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
SCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

DFJ vs. SCZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ). 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.

	DFJ	SCZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	1.67	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	2.39	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.07	2.11	-0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.01	8.08	-2.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFJ vs. SCZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is comparable to the SCZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFJ and SCZ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFJ	SCZ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.65	1.67	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.30	+0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.46	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.27	+0.04

Drawdowns

DFJ vs. SCZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFJ drawdown since its inception was -46.00%, smaller than the maximum SCZ drawdown of -61.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFJ and SCZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFJ	SCZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.00%	-61.86%	+15.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.03%	-11.43%	-1.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.03%	-15.06%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-36.87%	+7.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.02%	-41.07%	+1.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.92%	-1.79%	-5.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.15%	-13.06%	+1.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.47%	2.98%	+1.49%

Volatility

DFJ vs. SCZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) is 4.15%, while iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) has a volatility of 4.57%. This indicates that DFJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFJ	SCZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.15%	4.57%	-0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.48%	11.95%	+1.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.39%	14.47%	+1.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.89%	16.74%	-0.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.95%	17.43%	-0.48%

DFJ vs. SCZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFJ has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than SCZ's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFJ vs. SCZ - Dividend Comparison

DFJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.44%, less than SCZ's 3.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFJ WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.44%	2.68%	2.46%	2.43%	2.62%	2.07%	2.59%	2.24%	1.89%	1.60%	1.76%	1.23%
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	3.01%	3.30%	3.50%	2.96%	1.99%	2.96%	1.52%	3.52%	2.79%	2.38%	2.82%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFJ and SCZ in my portfolio?

DFJ and SCZ have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFJ or SCZ?

SCZ has higher volatility (4.57%) compared to DFJ (4.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFJ dropped -46.00% vs SCZ's -61.86%.

Which ETF is better, DFJ or SCZ?

On 10-year performance, DFJ leads with 8.70% vs 8.03% for SCZ. On fees, SCZ is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, DFJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFJ or SCZ?

Over the 10-year period, DFJ has performed better with a 8.70% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFJ or SCZ?

SCZ is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DFJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFJ or SCZ?

SCZ has the higher dividend yield at 3.01%, compared with 2.44% for DFJ.

What is the main difference between DFJ and SCZ?

DFJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while SCZ is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. DFJ tracks WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Index, while SCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DFJ and 0.40% for SCZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.65), 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.