HSCZ vs. HEWJ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HSCZ (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF) and HEWJ (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HSCZ is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Small-Cap 100% Hedged to USD Index, while HEWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HSCZ returned 12.70%/yr vs 17.92%/yr for HEWJ. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HSCZ charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for HEWJ.

Performance

HSCZ vs. HEWJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF (HSCZ) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HSCZ achieves a 11.88% return, which is significantly lower than HEWJ's 26.51% return. Over the past 10 years, HSCZ has underperformed HEWJ with an annualized return of 12.70%, while HEWJ has yielded a comparatively higher 17.92% annualized return.

HSCZ

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 1.31%
• YTD: 11.88%
• 6M: 12.30%
• 1Y: 30.22%
• 3Y*: 19.80%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 12.70%

HEWJ

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 8.32%
• YTD: 26.51%
• 6M: 27.05%
• 1Y: 61.45%
• 3Y*: 30.43%
• 5Y*: 22.84%
• 10Y*: 17.92%

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

HSCZ vs. HEWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HSCZ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF	11.88%	25.74%	12.89%	17.03%	-11.46%	17.75%	6.40%	27.89%	-13.99%	24.52%
HEWJ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF	26.51%	30.25%	24.80%	36.21%	-4.39%	12.79%	10.29%	20.79%	-14.68%	21.47%

Correlation

The correlation between HSCZ and HEWJ is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2015	0.74

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

HSCZ vs. HEWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HSCZ	HEWJ
Industrials	22.8%	22.8%
Financial Services	15.8%	17.9%
Technology	11.5%	23.5%
Real Estate	10.4%	1.9%
Basic Materials	10.3%	3.9%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	11.1%
Energy	4.2%	0.9%
Healthcare	3.7%	5.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	3.3%
Communication Services	3.1%	6.4%
Utilities	2.2%	1.0%

Return for Risk

HSCZ vs. HEWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

HSCZ

HSCZ Risk / Return Rank: 79
HSCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
HSCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
HSCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 84
HSCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
HSCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 74

HEWJ

HEWJ Risk / Return Rank: 92
HEWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
HEWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
HEWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 91
HEWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
HEWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

HSCZ vs. HEWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF (HSCZ) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ). 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.

	HSCZ	HEWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.63	3.19	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.67	4.21	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.57	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	5.95	-2.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.45	23.05	-9.60

HSCZ vs. HEWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HSCZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.63, which is comparable to the HEWJ Sharpe Ratio of 3.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HSCZ and HEWJ, 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

HSCZ vs. HEWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HSCZ drawdown since its inception was -34.89%, which is greater than HEWJ's maximum drawdown of -31.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HSCZ and HEWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	HSCZ	HEWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.89%	-31.53%	-3.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-10.37%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.81%	-20.90%	+8.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.11%	-20.90%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.89%	-31.53%	-3.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.64%	-6.59%	+1.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.25%	2.67%	-0.42%

Volatility

HSCZ vs. HEWJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF (HSCZ) is 3.66%, while iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) has a volatility of 6.25%. This indicates that HSCZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HEWJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HSCZ	HEWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.66%	6.25%	-2.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.65%	14.70%	-5.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.57%	19.39%	-7.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.51%	19.19%	-5.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.56%	19.63%	-4.07%

HSCZ vs. HEWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

HSCZ has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is lower than HEWJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

HSCZ vs. HEWJ - Dividend Comparison

HSCZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.91%, less than HEWJ's 4.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HEWJ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF	4.03%	5.10%	2.20%	2.02%	47.68%	2.03%	1.20%	2.78%	1.37%	1.21%	1.88%	3.25%
HSCZ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF	2.91%	3.25%	3.26%	2.98%	26.91%	2.90%	1.46%	4.66%	6.15%	2.52%	2.57%	1.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HSCZ and HEWJ in my portfolio?

HSCZ and HEWJ have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HSCZ or HEWJ?

HEWJ has higher volatility (6.25%) compared to HSCZ (3.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HSCZ dropped -34.89% vs HEWJ's -31.53%.

Which ETF is better, HSCZ or HEWJ?

On 10-year performance, HEWJ leads with 17.92% vs 12.70% for HSCZ. On fees, HSCZ is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, HSCZ has been the lower-risk option at 3.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HSCZ or HEWJ?

Over the 10-year period, HEWJ has performed better with a 17.92% return vs 12.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HSCZ or HEWJ?

HSCZ is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for HEWJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HSCZ or HEWJ?

HEWJ has the higher dividend yield at 4.03%, compared with 2.91% for HSCZ.

What is the main difference between HSCZ and HEWJ?

HSCZ is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while HEWJ is Japan Equities. HSCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small-Cap 100% Hedged to USD Index, while HEWJ tracks MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for HSCZ and 0.49% for HEWJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.19 vs 2.63), 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.