HSCZ vs. VSS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HSCZ (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF) and VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds - HSCZ tracks the MSCI EAFE Small-Cap 100% Hedged to USD Index while VSS tracks the FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HSCZ returned 12.54%/yr vs 8.46%/yr for VSS. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HSCZ charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSS.

Performance

HSCZ vs. VSS - 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 Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HSCZ achieves a 10.35% return, which is significantly higher than VSS's 7.79% return. Over the past 10 years, HSCZ has outperformed VSS with an annualized return of 12.54%, while VSS has yielded a comparatively lower 8.46% annualized return.

HSCZ

• 1D: -1.36%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 10.73%
• 1Y: 27.70%
• 3Y*: 19.25%
• 5Y*: 11.06%
• 10Y*: 12.54%

VSS

• 1D: -2.68%
• 1M: -3.04%
• YTD: 7.79%
• 6M: 7.51%
• 1Y: 22.53%
• 3Y*: 16.03%
• 5Y*: 5.52%
• 10Y*: 8.46%

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

HSCZ vs. VSS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HSCZ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF	10.35%	25.74%	12.89%	17.03%	-11.46%	17.75%	6.40%	27.89%	-13.99%	24.52%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	7.79%	29.61%	2.94%	15.52%	-21.48%	13.05%	11.81%	21.36%	-18.48%	30.61%

Correlation

The correlation between HSCZ and VSS is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2015	0.76

The correlation between HSCZ and VSS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

HSCZ vs. VSS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HSCZ	VSS
Industrials	22.8%	18.7%
Financial Services	15.8%	10.1%
Technology	11.5%	14.5%
Real Estate	10.4%	7.1%
Basic Materials	10.3%	12.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	9.1%
Energy	4.2%	4.4%
Healthcare	3.7%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	3.5%
Communication Services	3.1%	2.3%
Utilities	2.2%	2.5%

Return for Risk

HSCZ vs. VSS — Risk / Return Rank

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

HSCZ

HSCZ Risk / Return Rank: 75
HSCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
HSCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
HSCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 80
HSCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
HSCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

VSS

VSS Risk / Return Rank: 42
VSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VSS Omega Ratio Rank: 43
VSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VSS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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. VSS - 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 Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). 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	VSS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	1.43	+0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	1.98	+1.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.27	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	1.95	+0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.32	7.24	+5.08

HSCZ vs. VSS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HSCZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is higher than the VSS Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HSCZ and VSS, 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. VSS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HSCZ drawdown since its inception was -34.89%, smaller than the maximum VSS drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HSCZ and VSS.

Drawdown Indicators

	HSCZ	VSS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.89%	-43.51%	+8.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-11.62%	+2.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.81%	-15.73%	+2.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.11%	-33.93%	+13.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.89%	-43.51%	+8.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-5.03%	+3.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.64%	-9.62%	+4.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.25%	3.12%	-0.87%

Volatility

HSCZ vs. VSS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF (HSCZ) is 3.94%, while Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) has a volatility of 6.54%. This indicates that HSCZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HSCZ	VSS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	6.54%	-2.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.76%	13.88%	-4.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.64%	15.81%	-4.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.52%	16.63%	-3.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.47%	17.17%	-1.70%

HSCZ vs. VSS - Expense Ratio Comparison

HSCZ has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than VSS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

HSCZ vs. VSS - Dividend Comparison

HSCZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.95%, less than VSS's 3.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HSCZ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small Cap ETF	2.95%	3.25%	3.26%	2.98%	26.91%	2.90%	1.46%	4.66%	6.15%	2.52%	2.57%	1.75%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	3.24%	3.39%	3.44%	3.14%	2.30%	2.74%	1.90%	3.25%	2.80%	2.83%	2.93%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HSCZ and VSS in my portfolio?

HSCZ and VSS have a correlation of 0.81, 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 VSS?

VSS has higher volatility (6.54%) compared to HSCZ (3.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HSCZ dropped -34.89% vs VSS's -43.51%.

Which ETF is better, HSCZ or VSS?

On 10-year performance, HSCZ leads with 12.54% vs 8.46% for VSS. On fees, VSS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, HSCZ has been the lower-risk option at 3.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HSCZ or VSS?

Over the 10-year period, HSCZ has performed better with a 12.54% return vs 8.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HSCZ or VSS?

VSS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for HSCZ.

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

VSS has the higher dividend yield at 3.24%, compared with 2.95% for HSCZ.

What is the main difference between HSCZ and VSS?

HSCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small-Cap 100% Hedged to USD Index, while VSS tracks FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for HSCZ and 0.07% for VSS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HSCZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.43), 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.