EWUS vs. SCJ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EWUS (iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF) and SCJ (iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWUS is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap Index, while SCJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWUS returned 4.97%/yr vs 7.94%/yr for SCJ. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EWUS charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for SCJ.

Performance

EWUS vs. SCJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS) and iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWUS achieves a -0.31% return, which is significantly lower than SCJ's 14.43% return. Over the past 10 years, EWUS has underperformed SCJ with an annualized return of 4.97%, while SCJ has yielded a comparatively higher 7.94% annualized return.

EWUS

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -3.03%
• YTD: -0.31%
• 6M: 0.01%
• 1Y: 5.85%
• 3Y*: 12.78%
• 5Y*: 0.40%
• 10Y*: 4.97%

SCJ

• 1D: -1.98%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 14.43%
• 6M: 14.21%
• 1Y: 29.99%
• 3Y*: 18.07%
• 5Y*: 7.56%
• 10Y*: 7.94%

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

EWUS vs. SCJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWUS iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF	-0.31%	25.13%	3.55%	15.41%	-31.19%	12.55%	-2.58%	35.16%	-20.16%	32.17%
SCJ iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF	14.43%	29.58%	3.41%	13.22%	-12.75%	-2.95%	7.46%	16.16%	-17.17%	31.61%

Correlation

The correlation between EWUS and SCJ is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2012	0.49

The correlation between EWUS and SCJ shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (all time) to 0.59 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWUS vs. SCJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWUS	SCJ
Financial Services	23.1%	10.0%
Industrials	20.4%	27.0%
Consumer Cyclical	18.0%	15.2%
Real Estate	8.4%	7.7%
Communication Services	6.8%	2.8%
Basic Materials	6.3%	9.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	6.3%
Technology	3.9%	13.9%
Energy	3.3%	0.7%
Healthcare	3.1%	5.3%
Utilities	2.8%	1.9%

Return for Risk

EWUS vs. SCJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWUS

EWUS Risk / Return Rank: 13
EWUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
EWUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
EWUS Omega Ratio Rank: 12
EWUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
EWUS Martin Ratio Rank: 14

SCJ

SCJ Risk / Return Rank: 55
SCJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SCJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
SCJ Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SCJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SCJ Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

EWUS vs. SCJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS) and iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ). 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.

	EWUS	SCJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	1.83	-1.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.61	2.57	-1.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.32	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.39	2.48	-2.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.22	8.30	-7.09

EWUS vs. SCJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWUS Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is lower than the SCJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWUS and SCJ, 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

EWUS vs. SCJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWUS drawdown since its inception was -49.33%, which is greater than SCJ's maximum drawdown of -43.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWUS and SCJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWUS	SCJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.33%	-43.52%	-5.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.21%	-12.17%	-3.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.84%	-12.43%	-7.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.14%	-33.25%	-14.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.33%	-38.87%	-10.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.35%	-1.98%	-5.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.05%	-10.36%	-2.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.82%	3.62%	+1.20%

Volatility

EWUS vs. SCJ - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS) and iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ) have volatilities of 4.96% and 4.97%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWUS	SCJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.96%	4.97%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.97%	13.57%	+1.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.14%	16.49%	+1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.17%	15.87%	+5.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.92%	16.27%	+5.65%

EWUS vs. SCJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWUS has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than SCJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWUS vs. SCJ - Dividend Comparison

EWUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.30%, more than SCJ's 2.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWUS iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF	3.30%	3.59%	3.67%	2.88%	2.03%	3.54%	1.97%	2.59%	3.53%	2.61%	3.18%	2.85%
SCJ iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF	2.80%	3.14%	1.79%	1.99%	1.18%	1.87%	0.89%	1.85%	1.44%	1.45%	2.73%	1.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWUS and SCJ in my portfolio?

EWUS and SCJ have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWUS or SCJ?

SCJ has higher volatility (4.97%) compared to EWUS (4.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWUS dropped -49.33% vs SCJ's -43.52%.

Which ETF is better, EWUS or SCJ?

On 10-year performance, SCJ leads with 7.94% vs 4.97% for EWUS. On fees, SCJ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWUS or SCJ?

Over the 10-year period, SCJ has performed better with a 7.94% return vs 4.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWUS or SCJ?

SCJ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWUS or SCJ?

EWUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.30%, compared with 2.80% for SCJ.

What is the main difference between EWUS and SCJ?

EWUS is categorized as Europe Equities, while SCJ is Japan Equities. EWUS tracks MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap Index, while SCJ tracks MSCI Japan Small Cap Index. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EWUS and 0.49% for SCJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 0.33), 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.