ISCB vs. BKSE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISCB (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF) and BKSE (BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISCB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Small Cap Extended Index, while BKSE is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ISCB returned 5.72%/yr vs 6.89%/yr for BKSE. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

ISCB vs. BKSE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) and BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISCB achieves a 11.43% return, which is significantly lower than BKSE's 13.03% return.

ISCB

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 2.77%
• YTD: 11.43%
• 6M: 11.42%
• 1Y: 29.48%
• 3Y*: 16.41%
• 5Y*: 5.72%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

BKSE

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 2.60%
• YTD: 13.03%
• 6M: 12.11%
• 1Y: 32.65%
• 3Y*: 17.40%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: —

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

ISCB vs. BKSE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	11.43%	12.46%	10.90%	19.51%	-19.04%	17.46%	44.65%
BKSE BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF	13.03%	13.09%	9.56%	22.37%	-18.44%	16.18%	55.56%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCB and BKSE is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 13, 2020	0.98

The correlation between ISCB and BKSE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISCB vs. BKSE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCB	BKSE
Industrials	18.5%	15.4%
Financial Services	15.9%	16.4%
Technology	14.6%	16.8%
Healthcare	13.3%	11.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	13.3%
Real Estate	8.2%	6.6%
Energy	4.9%	7.0%
Basic Materials	4.6%	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	3.2%
Communication Services	2.6%	2.2%
Utilities	2.3%	3.4%

Return for Risk

ISCB vs. BKSE — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCB

ISCB Risk / Return Rank: 56
ISCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
ISCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
ISCB Omega Ratio Rank: 49
ISCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
ISCB Martin Ratio Rank: 62

BKSE

BKSE Risk / Return Rank: 60
BKSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
BKSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
BKSE Omega Ratio Rank: 50
BKSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
BKSE Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

ISCB vs. BKSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) and BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE). 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.

	ISCB	BKSE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	1.87	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.71	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	3.49	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.26	12.15	-0.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ISCB vs. BKSE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCB Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the BKSE Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCB and BKSE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ISCB	BKSE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.80	1.87	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	0.32	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.73	-0.35

Drawdowns

ISCB vs. BKSE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCB drawdown since its inception was -61.25%, which is greater than BKSE's maximum drawdown of -29.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCB and BKSE.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCB	BKSE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.25%	-29.08%	-32.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-9.40%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.22%	-26.76%	+0.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.94%	-29.08%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.18%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.67%	-1.11%	+0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.80%	-9.06%	-0.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.63%	2.69%	-0.06%

Volatility

ISCB vs. BKSE - Volatility Comparison

iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) and BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) have volatilities of 4.28% and 4.47%, 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

	ISCB	BKSE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.28%	4.47%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.43%	11.96%	-0.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.51%	17.63%	-1.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.39%	21.43%	-0.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.68%	22.30%	+0.38%

ISCB vs. BKSE - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ISCB and BKSE have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ISCB vs. BKSE - Dividend Comparison

ISCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%, more than BKSE's 1.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKSE BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF	1.16%	1.26%	1.55%	1.38%	1.50%	1.17%	0.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	1.27%	1.38%	1.31%	1.49%	1.63%	1.26%	1.26%	1.25%	1.60%	1.24%	1.58%	1.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISCB and BKSE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, ISCB and BKSE move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ISCB or BKSE?

BKSE has higher volatility (4.47%) compared to ISCB (4.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCB dropped -61.25% vs BKSE's -29.08%.

Which ETF is better, ISCB or BKSE?

On 5-year performance, BKSE leads with 6.89% vs 5.72% for ISCB. Both ETFs have the same 0.04% expense ratio. On volatility, ISCB has been the lower-risk option at 4.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISCB or BKSE?

Over the 5-year period, BKSE has performed better with a 6.89% return vs 5.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISCB or BKSE?

ISCB and BKSE have the same expense ratio: 0.04% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ISCB or BKSE?

ISCB has the higher dividend yield at 1.27%, compared with 1.16% for BKSE.

What is the main difference between ISCB and BKSE?

ISCB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while BKSE is Small Cap Growth Equities. ISCB tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Extended Index, while BKSE tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and BNY Mellon.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BKSE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.80), 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.