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IEI vs. SCZ
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

IEI vs. SCZ

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

IEI (iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF) and SCZ (iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IEI is a Government Bonds fund tracking the ICE U.S. Treasury 3-7 Year Bond Index, while SCZ is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IEI returned 1.29%/yr vs 8.11%/yr for SCZ. At a correlation of -0.14, they often move in opposite directions. IEI charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SCZ.

Performance

IEI vs. SCZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

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Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IEI achieves a -0.29% return, which is significantly lower than SCZ's 10.36% return. Over the past 10 years, IEI has underperformed SCZ with an annualized return of 1.29%, while SCZ has yielded a comparatively higher 8.11% annualized return.

IEI

1D
-0.01%
1M
-0.27%
YTD
-0.29%
6M
-0.24%
1Y
3.33%
3Y*
3.57%
5Y*
0.31%
10Y*
1.29%

SCZ

1D
0.27%
1M
2.61%
YTD
10.36%
6M
13.55%
1Y
23.89%
3Y*
16.41%
5Y*
5.41%
10Y*
8.11%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IEI vs. SCZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
IEI
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF		-0.29%6.96%1.81%4.42%-9.51%-2.54%6.95%5.71%1.36%1.22%
SCZ
iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF		10.36%32.08%1.52%12.98%-21.27%10.12%11.71%24.68%-17.64%32.72%

Correlation

The correlation between IEI and SCZ is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

Correlation
Correlation (1Y)
Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

0.33

Correlation (3Y)
Calculated over the trailing 3-year period

0.30

Correlation (5Y)
Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.21

Correlation (10Y)
Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.03

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2007

-0.14

The correlation between IEI and SCZ shifts across timeframes, from -0.14 (all time) to 0.33 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF

iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF

Often compared with IEI:
IEI vs. IEFIEI vs. VGITIEI vs. TLTIEI vs. BNDIEI vs. TIPIEI vs. TLHIEI vs. IMTB
Often compared with SCZ:
SCZ vs. VSSSCZ vs. AVDVSCZ vs. IWMSCZ vs. IEFASCZ vs. VPLSCZ vs. IDEVSCZ vs. ISCF

Return for Risk

IEI vs. SCZ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.
IEI
IEI Risk / Return Rank: 2929
Overall Rank
IEI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3131
Sharpe Ratio Rank
IEI Sortino Ratio Rank: 3131
Sortino Ratio Rank
IEI Omega Ratio Rank: 2929
Omega Ratio Rank
IEI Calmar Ratio Rank: 2626
Calmar Ratio Rank
IEI Martin Ratio Rank: 2626
Martin Ratio Rank
SCZ
SCZ Risk / Return Rank: 4747
Overall Rank
SCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4747
Sharpe Ratio Rank
SCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 4848
Sortino Ratio Rank
SCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 4747
Omega Ratio Rank
SCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 4444
Calmar Ratio Rank
SCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 5050
Martin Ratio Rank
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.

IEI vs. SCZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ). 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.

IEISCZDifference

Sharpe ratio

Return per unit of total volatility

1.10

1.66

-0.56

Sortino ratio

Return per unit of downside risk

1.67

2.38

-0.71

Omega ratio

Gain probability vs. loss probability

1.19

1.30

-0.11

Calmar ratio

Return relative to maximum drawdown

1.25

2.22

-0.97

Martin ratio

Return relative to average drawdown

3.78

8.51

-4.73

Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IEI vs. SCZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEI Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the SCZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEI and SCZ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

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Sharpe Ratios by Period

IEISCZDifference

Sharpe Ratio (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

1.10

1.66

-0.56

Sharpe Ratio (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.07

0.32

-0.26

Sharpe Ratio (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.33

0.47

-0.14

Sharpe Ratio (All Time)

Calculated using the full available price history

0.70

0.27

+0.43

Drawdowns

IEI vs. SCZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEI drawdown since its inception was -14.60%, smaller than the maximum SCZ drawdown of -61.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEI and SCZ.

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Drawdown Indicators

IEISCZDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-14.60%

-61.86%

+47.26%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-2.50%

-11.43%

+8.93%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-3.66%

-15.06%

+11.40%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-13.88%

-36.87%

+22.99%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-14.60%

-41.07%

+26.47%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-1.73%

-1.08%

-0.65%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-2.67%

-13.07%

+10.40%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

0.82%

2.98%

-2.16%

Volatility

IEI vs. SCZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI) is 0.92%, while iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) has a volatility of 4.60%. This indicates that IEI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

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Volatility by Period

IEISCZDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

0.92%

4.60%

-3.68%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

2.15%

11.95%

-9.80%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

3.04%

14.48%

-11.44%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

4.77%

16.74%

-11.97%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

3.93%

17.43%

-13.50%

IEI vs. SCZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

IEI has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SCZ's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

IEI vs. SCZ - Dividend Comparison

IEI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.64%, more than SCZ's 2.99% yield.

PositionTTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
IEI
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF		3.64%3.48%3.18%2.36%1.37%0.73%1.12%2.01%1.95%1.51%1.33%1.39%
SCZ
iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF		2.99%3.30%3.50%2.96%1.99%2.96%1.52%3.52%2.79%2.38%2.82%2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

IEI and SCZ have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

SCZ has higher volatility (4.60%) compared to IEI (0.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEI dropped -14.60% vs SCZ's -61.86%.

On 10-year performance, SCZ leads with 8.11% vs 1.29% for IEI. On fees, IEI is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IEI has been the lower-risk option at 0.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Over the 10-year period, SCZ has performed better with a 8.11% return vs 1.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

IEI is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for SCZ.

IEI has the higher dividend yield at 3.64%, compared with 2.99% for SCZ.

IEI is categorized as Government Bonds, while SCZ is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. IEI tracks ICE U.S. Treasury 3-7 Year Bond Index, while SCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IEI and 0.40% for SCZ.

SCZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.10), 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.

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