ISCB vs. SCHA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ISCB (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF) and SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - ISCB tracks the Morningstar US Small Cap Extended Index while SCHA tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ISCB returned 9.82%/yr vs 11.72%/yr for SCHA. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

ISCB vs. SCHA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISCB achieves a 13.15% return, which is significantly lower than SCHA's 22.53% return. Over the past 10 years, ISCB has underperformed SCHA with an annualized return of 9.82%, while SCHA has yielded a comparatively higher 11.72% annualized return.

ISCB

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: 13.15%
• 6M: 11.14%
• 1Y: 29.94%
• 3Y*: 17.02%
• 5Y*: 5.91%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

SCHA

• 1D: -1.72%
• 1M: 4.56%
• YTD: 22.53%
• 6M: 20.00%
• 1Y: 41.81%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 7.30%
• 10Y*: 11.72%

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

ISCB vs. SCHA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	13.15%	12.46%	10.90%	19.51%	-19.04%	17.46%	6.29%	29.42%	-13.92%	12.95%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	22.53%	11.60%	11.16%	18.46%	-19.81%	16.45%	19.34%	26.50%	-11.79%	14.94%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCB and SCHA is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.97

The correlation between ISCB and SCHA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISCB vs. SCHA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCB	SCHA
Industrials	18.5%	15.4%
Technology	16.0%	24.3%
Financial Services	15.6%	15.4%
Healthcare	13.5%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	9.2%
Real Estate	8.1%	5.8%
Basic Materials	4.6%	4.1%
Energy	4.5%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	2.5%
Communication Services	2.6%	2.3%
Utilities	2.2%	2.1%

Return for Risk

ISCB vs. SCHA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCB

ISCB Risk / Return Rank: 60
ISCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
ISCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
ISCB Omega Ratio Rank: 52
ISCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
ISCB Martin Ratio Rank: 67

SCHA

SCHA Risk / Return Rank: 75
SCHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SCHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
SCHA Omega Ratio Rank: 64
SCHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
SCHA 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.

ISCB vs. SCHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA). 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	SCHA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	2.24	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	3.11	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.37	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.20	4.42	-1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.44	16.18	-4.74

ISCB vs. SCHA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCB Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the SCHA Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCB and SCHA, 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. SCHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCB drawdown since its inception was -61.25%, which is greater than SCHA's maximum drawdown of -42.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCB and SCHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCB	SCHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.25%	-42.41%	-18.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-9.50%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.22%	-27.29%	+1.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.94%	-30.79%	+0.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.18%	-42.41%	-1.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.71%	-1.72%	+1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.78%	-7.56%	-2.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.62%	2.59%	+0.03%

Volatility

ISCB vs. SCHA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) is 4.52%, while Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) has a volatility of 6.71%. This indicates that ISCB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISCB	SCHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	6.71%	-2.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.72%	13.92%	-2.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.73%	18.77%	-2.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.41%	22.05%	-0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.67%	22.75%	-0.08%

ISCB vs. SCHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ISCB and SCHA 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. SCHA - Dividend Comparison

ISCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.30%, more than SCHA's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	1.30%	1.38%	1.31%	1.49%	1.63%	1.26%	1.26%	1.25%	1.60%	1.24%	1.58%	1.40%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	0.98%	1.26%	1.51%	1.42%	1.37%	1.19%	1.05%	1.39%	1.58%	1.24%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISCB and SCHA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, ISCB and SCHA 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 SCHA?

SCHA has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to ISCB (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCB dropped -61.25% vs SCHA's -42.41%.

Which ETF is better, ISCB or SCHA?

On 10-year performance, SCHA leads with 11.72% vs 9.82% for ISCB. Both ETFs have the same 0.04% expense ratio. On volatility, ISCB has been the lower-risk option at 4.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISCB or SCHA?

Over the 10-year period, SCHA has performed better with a 11.72% return vs 9.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISCB or SCHA?

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

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

ISCB has the higher dividend yield at 1.30%, compared with 0.98% for SCHA.

What is the main difference between ISCB and SCHA?

ISCB tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Extended Index, while SCHA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Charles Schwab.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 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.