HSCZ vs. JEPQ

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

HSCZ (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF) and JEPQ (JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income 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 JEPQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HSCZ returned 18.32%/yr vs 19.91%/yr for JEPQ. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HSCZ charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for JEPQ.

Performance

HSCZ vs. JEPQ - 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 JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HSCZ achieves a 10.99% return, which is significantly higher than JEPQ's 7.85% return.

HSCZ

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 10.99%
• 6M: 13.18%
• 1Y: 29.11%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 10.94%
• 10Y*: 12.35%

JEPQ

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 7.85%
• 6M: 8.80%
• 1Y: 26.60%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HSCZ vs. JEPQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
HSCZ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF	10.99%	25.74%	12.89%	17.03%	-3.46%
JEPQ JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF	7.85%	15.18%	24.85%	36.28%	-11.16%

Correlation

The correlation between HSCZ and JEPQ is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 4, 2022	0.66

The correlation between HSCZ and JEPQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

HSCZ vs. JEPQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HSCZ	JEPQ
Industrials	24.4%	2.8%
Financial Services	13.3%	0.3%
Technology	10.8%	58.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	11.8%
Basic Materials	10.8%	0.9%
Real Estate	9.5%	0.2%
Healthcare	4.8%	3.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	6.0%
Energy	3.8%	0.3%
Communication Services	3.1%	13.9%
Utilities	2.4%	1.1%

Return for Risk

HSCZ vs. JEPQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

HSCZ

HSCZ Risk / Return Rank: 80
HSCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
HSCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
HSCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 85
HSCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
HSCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 75

JEPQ

JEPQ Risk / Return Rank: 74
JEPQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
JEPQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
JEPQ Omega Ratio Rank: 79
JEPQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
JEPQ Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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. JEPQ - 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 JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ). 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	JEPQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	2.03	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.44	2.69	+0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.40	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	2.91	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.57	13.84	-1.27

HSCZ vs. JEPQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HSCZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is comparable to the JEPQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HSCZ and JEPQ, 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. JEPQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HSCZ drawdown since its inception was -34.89%, which is greater than JEPQ's maximum drawdown of -20.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HSCZ and JEPQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	HSCZ	JEPQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.89%	-20.07%	-14.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-8.82%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.81%	-20.07%	+7.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	-1.64%	+1.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.64%	-3.41%	-1.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.25%	1.85%	+0.40%

Volatility

HSCZ vs. JEPQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF (HSCZ) is 4.08%, while JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ) has a volatility of 4.98%. This indicates that HSCZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than JEPQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HSCZ	JEPQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.08%	4.98%	-0.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.68%	10.22%	-0.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.60%	12.61%	-1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.52%	16.73%	-3.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.68%	16.73%	-1.05%

HSCZ vs. JEPQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

HSCZ has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than JEPQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

HSCZ vs. JEPQ - Dividend Comparison

HSCZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.93%, less than JEPQ's 10.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HSCZ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF	2.93%	3.25%	3.26%	2.98%	26.91%	2.90%	1.46%	4.66%	6.15%	2.52%	2.57%	1.75%
JEPQ JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF	10.22%	10.53%	9.65%	10.03%	9.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HSCZ and JEPQ in my portfolio?

HSCZ and JEPQ have a correlation of 0.61, 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 JEPQ?

JEPQ has higher volatility (4.98%) compared to HSCZ (4.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HSCZ dropped -34.89% vs JEPQ's -20.07%.

Which ETF is better, HSCZ or JEPQ?

On 3-year performance, JEPQ leads with 19.91% vs 18.32% for HSCZ. On fees, JEPQ is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, HSCZ has been the lower-risk option at 4.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HSCZ or JEPQ?

Over the 3-year period, JEPQ has performed better with a 19.91% return vs 18.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HSCZ or JEPQ?

JEPQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for HSCZ.

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

JEPQ has the higher dividend yield at 10.22%, compared with 2.93% for HSCZ.

What is the main difference between HSCZ and JEPQ?

HSCZ is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while JEPQ is Nasdaq-100. HSCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small-Cap 100% Hedged to USD Index, while JEPQ tracks Nasdaq-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and JPMorgan. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for HSCZ and 0.35% for JEPQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HSCZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 2.03), 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.