GSJY vs. SCJ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GSJY (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF) and SCJ (iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF) are both Japan Equities funds - GSJY tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity Index while SCJ tracks the MSCI Japan Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GSJY returned 9.36%/yr vs 7.94%/yr for SCJ. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GSJY charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for SCJ.

Performance

GSJY vs. SCJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF (GSJY) 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, GSJY achieves a 12.58% return, which is significantly lower than SCJ's 14.43% return. Over the past 10 years, GSJY has outperformed SCJ with an annualized return of 9.36%, while SCJ has yielded a comparatively lower 7.94% annualized return.

GSJY

• 1D: -3.94%
• 1M: 1.06%
• YTD: 12.58%
• 6M: 11.90%
• 1Y: 31.84%
• 3Y*: 18.03%
• 5Y*: 8.87%
• 10Y*: 9.36%

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)

GSJY vs. SCJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSJY Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF	12.58%	26.22%	8.89%	19.18%	-16.15%	0.41%	13.81%	18.29%	-11.56%	25.50%
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 GSJY and SCJ is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 4, 2016	0.86

The correlation between GSJY and SCJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSJY vs. SCJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSJY	SCJ
Industrials	24.9%	27.0%
Technology	20.2%	13.9%
Financial Services	18.1%	10.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.7%	15.2%
Communication Services	6.4%	2.8%
Healthcare	4.9%	5.3%
Basic Materials	3.7%	9.3%
Energy	3.4%	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	6.3%
Utilities	1.5%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.2%	7.7%

Return for Risk

GSJY vs. SCJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSJY

GSJY Risk / Return Rank: 48
GSJY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
GSJY Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
GSJY Omega Ratio Rank: 49
GSJY Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
GSJY Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

GSJY vs. SCJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF (GSJY) 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.

	GSJY	SCJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.83	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	2.57	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.32	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.27	2.48	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.44	8.30	-0.86

GSJY vs. SCJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSJY Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the SCJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSJY 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

GSJY vs. SCJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSJY drawdown since its inception was -32.53%, smaller than the maximum SCJ drawdown of -43.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSJY and SCJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSJY	SCJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.53%	-43.52%	+10.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.08%	-12.17%	-1.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.96%	-12.43%	-2.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.53%	-33.25%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.53%	-38.87%	+6.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.94%	-1.98%	-1.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.56%	-10.36%	+2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.29%	3.62%	+0.67%

Volatility

GSJY vs. SCJ - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF (GSJY) has a higher volatility of 7.37% compared to iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ) at 4.97%. This indicates that GSJY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSJY	SCJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.37%	4.97%	+2.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.53%	13.57%	+2.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.44%	16.49%	+3.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.29%	15.87%	+2.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.10%	16.27%	+0.83%

GSJY vs. SCJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSJY has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than SCJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

GSJY vs. SCJ - Dividend Comparison

GSJY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.76%, less than SCJ's 2.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSJY Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity ETF	1.76%	1.99%	1.64%	2.11%	2.13%	1.73%	1.22%	2.79%	3.28%	1.70%	2.09%	0.00%
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 GSJY and SCJ in my portfolio?

GSJY and SCJ have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSJY or SCJ?

GSJY has higher volatility (7.37%) compared to SCJ (4.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSJY dropped -32.53% vs SCJ's -43.52%.

Which ETF is better, GSJY or SCJ?

On 10-year performance, GSJY leads with 9.36% vs 7.94% for SCJ. On fees, GSJY is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, SCJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSJY or SCJ?

Over the 10-year period, GSJY has performed better with a 9.36% return vs 7.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSJY or SCJ?

GSJY is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for SCJ.

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

SCJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.80%, compared with 1.76% for GSJY.

What is the main difference between GSJY and SCJ?

GSJY tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Japan Equity Index, while SCJ tracks MSCI Japan Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for GSJY and 0.49% for SCJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 1.57), 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.