ISCG vs. BKSE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISCG (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF) and BKSE (BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - ISCG tracks the Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index while BKSE tracks the Morningstar US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ISCG returned 5.31%/yr vs 6.89%/yr for BKSE. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ISCG charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for BKSE.

Performance

ISCG vs. BKSE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with ISCG having a 12.92% return and BKSE slightly higher at 13.03%.

ISCG

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 3.29%
• YTD: 12.92%
• 6M: 12.57%
• 1Y: 30.64%
• 3Y*: 17.01%
• 5Y*: 5.31%
• 10Y*: 11.37%

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)

ISCG vs. BKSE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	12.92%	12.88%	13.35%	23.13%	-26.75%	-1.26%	71.39%
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 ISCG and BKSE is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 13, 2020	0.93

The correlation between ISCG and BKSE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISCG vs. BKSE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCG	BKSE
Industrials	24.6%	15.4%
Technology	21.4%	16.8%
Healthcare	15.4%	11.4%
Financial Services	10.6%	16.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	13.3%
Real Estate	5.2%	6.6%
Basic Materials	3.5%	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	3.2%
Communication Services	2.8%	2.2%
Energy	2.8%	7.0%
Utilities	1.0%	3.4%

Return for Risk

ISCG vs. BKSE — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCG

ISCG Risk / Return Rank: 50
ISCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
ISCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
ISCG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
ISCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
ISCG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

ISCG vs. BKSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) 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.

	ISCG	BKSE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.87	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.71	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.32	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	3.49	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.31	12.15	-1.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ISCG vs. BKSE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is comparable to the BKSE Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCG 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

	ISCG	BKSE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.70	1.87	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23	0.32	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.73	-0.32

Drawdowns

ISCG vs. BKSE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCG drawdown since its inception was -57.72%, which is greater than BKSE's maximum drawdown of -29.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCG and BKSE.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCG	BKSE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.72%	-29.08%	-28.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-9.40%	-2.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.71%	-26.76%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.80%	-29.08%	-8.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.93%	-1.11%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.63%	-9.06%	-2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	2.69%	+0.29%

Volatility

ISCG vs. BKSE - Volatility Comparison

iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) has a higher volatility of 4.93% compared to BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) at 4.47%. This indicates that ISCG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BKSE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISCG	BKSE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.93%	4.47%	+0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.09%	11.96%	+1.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.13%	17.63%	+0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.95%	21.43%	+1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.16%	22.30%	+0.86%

ISCG vs. BKSE - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCG has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than BKSE's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ISCG vs. BKSE - Dividend Comparison

ISCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, less 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%
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.56%	0.61%	0.84%	0.77%	0.92%	0.62%	0.10%	0.27%	0.40%	0.52%	1.19%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISCG and BKSE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, ISCG 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, ISCG or BKSE?

ISCG has higher volatility (4.93%) compared to BKSE (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCG dropped -57.72% vs BKSE's -29.08%.

Which ETF is better, ISCG or BKSE?

On 5-year performance, BKSE leads with 6.89% vs 5.31% for ISCG. On fees, BKSE is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, BKSE has been the lower-risk option at 4.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISCG or BKSE?

Over the 5-year period, BKSE has performed better with a 6.89% return vs 5.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISCG or BKSE?

BKSE is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for ISCG.

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

BKSE has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 0.56% for ISCG.

What is the main difference between ISCG and BKSE?

ISCG tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index, while BKSE tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and BNY Mellon. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for ISCG and 0.04% for BKSE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BKSE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.70), 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.