ISCF vs. FDFAX

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

ISCF (iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF) and FDFAX (Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio) are both funds - ISCF is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World exUSA SmallCap Diversified Multi-Factor, while FDFAX is a Consumer Staples Equities fund managed by Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, ISCF returned 9.53%/yr vs 6.39%/yr for FDFAX. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ISCF charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for FDFAX.

Performance

ISCF vs. FDFAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) and Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio (FDFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISCF achieves a 7.55% return, which is significantly lower than FDFAX's 11.98% return. Over the past 10 years, ISCF has outperformed FDFAX with an annualized return of 9.53%, while FDFAX has yielded a comparatively lower 6.39% annualized return.

ISCF

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 7.55%
• 6M: 9.41%
• 1Y: 20.99%
• 3Y*: 16.69%
• 5Y*: 7.29%
• 10Y*: 9.53%

FDFAX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.92%
• YTD: 11.98%
• 6M: 9.68%
• 1Y: 12.20%
• 3Y*: 5.96%
• 5Y*: 4.85%
• 10Y*: 6.39%

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

ISCF vs. FDFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISCF iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	7.55%	33.65%	4.75%	11.50%	-15.07%	13.31%	7.65%	26.32%	-18.76%	38.13%
FDFAX Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio	11.98%	-1.31%	5.58%	3.02%	-0.44%	14.43%	11.60%	31.79%	-15.91%	12.15%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCF and FDFAX is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2015	0.46

Over the past year, the correlation between ISCF and FDFAX has dropped to 0.23 - well below their long-term average of 0.46, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

ISCF vs. FDFAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCF	FDFAX
Industrials	23.8%	2.7%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	0.9%
Financial Services	12.1%	-
Basic Materials	11.5%	-
Technology	10.7%	-
Real Estate	8.5%	-
Healthcare	5.3%	-
Energy	4.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	96.4%
Communication Services	3.7%	-
Utilities	3.5%	-

Return for Risk

ISCF vs. FDFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCF

ISCF Risk / Return Rank: 41
ISCF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
ISCF Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
ISCF Omega Ratio Rank: 41
ISCF Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
ISCF Martin Ratio Rank: 44

FDFAX

FDFAX Risk / Return Rank: 15
FDFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
FDFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
FDFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
FDFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
FDFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

ISCF vs. FDFAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) and Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio (FDFAX). 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.

	ISCF	FDFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	0.83	+0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	1.27	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.15	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	1.23	+0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.33	2.28	+4.06

ISCF vs. FDFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCF Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is higher than the FDFAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCF and FDFAX, 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

ISCF vs. FDFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCF drawdown since its inception was -40.79%, which is greater than FDFAX's maximum drawdown of -38.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCF and FDFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCF	FDFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.79%	-38.29%	-2.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.34%	-9.18%	-2.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.85%	-13.03%	-0.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.70%	-15.63%	-15.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.79%	-27.66%	-13.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.40%	-2.83%	+0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.13%	-5.04%	-3.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	4.96%	-1.88%

Volatility

ISCF vs. FDFAX - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) has a higher volatility of 5.07% compared to Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio (FDFAX) at 4.12%. This indicates that ISCF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDFAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISCF	FDFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.07%	4.12%	+0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.43%	9.78%	+2.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.87%	13.60%	+1.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.74%	13.83%	+2.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.43%	14.95%	+2.48%

ISCF vs. FDFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCF has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than FDFAX's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISCF vs. FDFAX - Dividend Comparison

ISCF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, more than FDFAX's 2.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDFAX Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio	2.83%	6.45%	8.49%	5.13%	3.34%	10.73%	3.16%	2.78%	14.36%	8.82%	4.71%	9.06%
ISCF iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	3.49%	3.76%	4.29%	3.94%	2.73%	3.93%	2.30%	2.87%	2.14%	1.97%	2.89%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISCF and FDFAX in my portfolio?

ISCF and FDFAX have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISCF or FDFAX?

ISCF has higher volatility (5.07%) compared to FDFAX (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCF dropped -40.79% vs FDFAX's -38.29%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISCF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 0.83), 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.