ISCB vs. IEMG

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

ISCB (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISCB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Small Cap Extended Index, while IEMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ISCB returned 9.09%/yr vs 8.77%/yr for IEMG. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISCB charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

ISCB vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISCB achieves a 14.44% return, which is significantly lower than IEMG's 15.78% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ISCB having a 9.09% annualized return and IEMG not far behind at 8.77%.

ISCB

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 0.72%
• 6M: 7.74%
• YTD: 14.44%
• 1Y: 25.22%
• 3Y*: 14.39%
• 5Y*: 7.02%
• 10Y*: 9.09%
• ALL TIME*: 8.88%

IEMG

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -9.83%
• 6M: 9.74%
• YTD: 15.78%
• 1Y: 29.70%
• 3Y*: 18.80%
• 5Y*: 6.56%
• 10Y*: 8.77%
• ALL TIME*: 6.08%

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

ISCB vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	14.44%	12.46%	10.90%	19.51%	-19.04%	17.46%	6.29%	29.42%	-13.92%	12.95%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	15.78%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCB and IEMG is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.61

The correlation between ISCB and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISCB vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCB	IEMG
Industrials	17.1%	7.7%
Financial Services	16.0%	17.3%
Technology	15.5%	43.6%
Healthcare	15.1%	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	7.7%
Real Estate	8.1%	1.5%
Energy	4.3%	3.0%
Basic Materials	3.6%	5.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	2.8%
Communication Services	2.7%	5.6%
Utilities	2.4%	1.9%

Return for Risk

ISCB vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCB

ISCB Risk / Return Rank: 66
ISCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
ISCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
ISCB Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ISCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
ISCB Martin Ratio Rank: 72

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 53
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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.

	ISCB	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	1.30	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	1.77	+0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.25	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	2.26	+0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.61	7.35	+2.26

ISCB vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCB Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCB and IEMG, 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

ISCB vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCB drawdown since its inception was -61.25%, which is greater than IEMG's maximum drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCB and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCB	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.25%	-38.71%	-22.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-13.21%	+3.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.22%	-17.21%	-9.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.94%	-33.61%	+3.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.18%	-38.71%	-5.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.03%	-10.22%	+8.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.75%	-12.90%	+3.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.63%	4.05%	-1.42%

Volatility

ISCB vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) is 3.09%, while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a volatility of 9.61%. This indicates that ISCB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISCB	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.09%	9.61%	-6.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.57%	21.09%	-9.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.46%	23.06%	-6.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.29%	19.17%	+2.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.61%	20.24%	+2.37%

ISCB vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCB has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ISCB vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

ISCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, less than IEMG's 2.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.33%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	1.29%	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 IEMG in my portfolio?

ISCB and IEMG have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISCB or IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (9.61%) compared to ISCB (3.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCB dropped -61.25% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, ISCB or IEMG?

On 10-year performance, ISCB leads with 9.09% vs 8.77% for IEMG. On fees, ISCB is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, ISCB has been the lower-risk option at 3.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISCB or IEMG?

Over the 10-year period, ISCB has performed better with a 9.09% return vs 8.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISCB or IEMG?

ISCB is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for IEMG.

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

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 1.29% for ISCB.

What is the main difference between ISCB and IEMG?

ISCB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while IEMG is Emerging Markets Diversified. ISCB tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Extended Index, while IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.04% for ISCB and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.30), 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.