IEUS vs. IJR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

IEUS (iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF) and IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IEUS is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Europe Small Cap Index, while IJR is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IEUS returned 9.01%/yr vs 11.92%/yr for IJR. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IEUS charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IJR.

Performance

IEUS vs. IJR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF (IEUS) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IEUS achieves a 3.19% return, which is significantly lower than IJR's 22.27% return. Over the past 10 years, IEUS has underperformed IJR with an annualized return of 9.01%, while IJR has yielded a comparatively higher 11.92% annualized return.

IEUS

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -4.28%
• YTD: 3.19%
• 6M: 3.33%
• 1Y: 9.76%
• 3Y*: 14.02%
• 5Y*: 2.86%
• 10Y*: 9.01%

IJR

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 5.10%
• YTD: 22.27%
• 6M: 19.33%
• 1Y: 37.77%
• 3Y*: 16.85%
• 5Y*: 6.79%
• 10Y*: 11.92%

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

IEUS vs. IJR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IEUS iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF	3.19%	32.06%	-1.59%	17.34%	-27.07%	15.06%	12.99%	29.72%	-20.17%	35.04%
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	22.27%	5.89%	8.63%	16.06%	-16.20%	26.58%	11.28%	22.82%	-8.51%	13.15%

Correlation

The correlation between IEUS and IJR is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2007	0.63

The correlation between IEUS and IJR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

IEUS vs. IJR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IEUS	IJR
Industrials	26.6%	16.0%
Financial Services	15.0%	16.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.1%	12.5%
Real Estate	8.3%	7.5%
Technology	7.9%	15.9%
Healthcare	7.5%	11.0%
Basic Materials	7.4%	4.7%
Energy	4.8%	6.8%
Communication Services	4.5%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	3.2%
Utilities	2.3%	1.9%

Return for Risk

IEUS vs. IJR — Risk / Return Rank

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

IEUS

IEUS Risk / Return Rank: 19
IEUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
IEUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
IEUS Omega Ratio Rank: 18
IEUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
IEUS Martin Ratio Rank: 22

IJR

IJR Risk / Return Rank: 80
IJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
IJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
IJR Omega Ratio Rank: 72
IJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
IJR Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

IEUS vs. IJR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF (IEUS) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). 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.

	IEUS	IJR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.61	2.14	-1.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	3.07	-2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.37	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.77	4.37	-3.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.57	14.67	-12.10

IEUS vs. IJR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEUS Sharpe Ratio is 0.61, which is lower than the IJR Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEUS and IJR, 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

IEUS vs. IJR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEUS drawdown since its inception was -63.09%, which is greater than IJR's maximum drawdown of -58.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEUS and IJR.

Drawdown Indicators

	IEUS	IJR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.09%	-58.15%	-4.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-8.68%	-4.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.05%	-28.02%	+9.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.86%	-28.02%	-16.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.86%	-44.36%	-0.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.28%	0.00%	-4.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.49%	-9.26%	-6.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.80%	2.58%	+1.22%

Volatility

IEUS vs. IJR - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF (IEUS) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) have volatilities of 4.84% and 4.93%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IEUS	IJR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.84%	4.93%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.67%	12.14%	+1.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.19%	17.73%	-1.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.84%	21.41%	-0.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.09%	22.89%	-2.80%

IEUS vs. IJR - Expense Ratio Comparison

IEUS has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than IJR's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

IEUS vs. IJR - Dividend Comparison

IEUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.25%, more than IJR's 1.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEUS iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF	3.25%	3.19%	3.25%	2.97%	3.00%	2.63%	1.21%	4.03%	3.21%	2.13%	2.48%	2.06%
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	1.12%	1.44%	2.05%	1.31%	1.41%	1.53%	1.11%	1.44%	1.58%	1.20%	1.22%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IEUS and IJR in my portfolio?

IEUS and IJR have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IEUS or IJR?

IJR has higher volatility (4.93%) compared to IEUS (4.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEUS dropped -63.09% vs IJR's -58.15%.

Which ETF is better, IEUS or IJR?

On 10-year performance, IJR leads with 11.92% vs 9.01% for IEUS. On fees, IJR is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IEUS or IJR?

Over the 10-year period, IJR has performed better with a 11.92% return vs 9.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IEUS or IJR?

IJR is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for IEUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IEUS or IJR?

IEUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.25%, compared with 1.12% for IJR.

What is the main difference between IEUS and IJR?

IEUS is categorized as Europe Equities, while IJR is Small Cap Blend Equities. IEUS tracks MSCI Europe Small Cap Index, while IJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for IEUS and 0.06% for IJR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IJR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 0.61), 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.