ISCG vs. SMMD

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

ISCG (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF) and SMMD (iShares Russell 2500 ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds from iShares - ISCG tracks the Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index while SMMD tracks the Russell 2500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ISCG returned 6.22%/yr vs 8.86%/yr for SMMD. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ISCG charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for SMMD.

Performance

ISCG vs. SMMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISCG achieves a 14.10% return, which is significantly lower than SMMD's 20.23% return.

ISCG

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 0.75%
• 6M: 6.56%
• YTD: 14.10%
• 1Y: 24.42%
• 3Y*: 14.25%
• 5Y*: 6.22%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

SMMD

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 1.01%
• 6M: 12.09%
• YTD: 20.23%
• 1Y: 29.79%
• 3Y*: 15.99%
• 5Y*: 8.86%
• 10Y*: —

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

ISCG vs. SMMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	14.10%	12.88%	13.35%	23.13%	-26.75%	-1.26%	43.41%	27.66%	-6.91%	13.18%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	20.23%	11.72%	11.87%	17.71%	-18.53%	18.30%	19.98%	28.01%	-10.58%	11.27%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCG and SMMD is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 2017	0.90

The correlation between ISCG and SMMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISCG vs. SMMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCG	SMMD
Industrials	23.2%	22.7%
Technology	22.6%	15.8%
Healthcare	17.9%	13.2%
Financial Services	9.3%	13.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	9.2%
Real Estate	4.9%	7.9%
Basic Materials	3.4%	4.5%
Energy	3.2%	3.7%
Communication Services	2.9%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	3.4%
Utilities	0.9%	2.8%

Return for Risk

ISCG vs. SMMD — 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: 47
ISCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
ISCG Omega Ratio Rank: 43
ISCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
ISCG Martin Ratio Rank: 59

SMMD

SMMD Risk / Return Rank: 70
SMMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SMMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
SMMD Omega Ratio Rank: 61
SMMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SMMD Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. SMMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). 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.

	ISCG	SMMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	1.70	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	2.45	-0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.29	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	3.10	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.03	11.64	-3.62

ISCG vs. SMMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is comparable to the SMMD Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCG and SMMD, 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

ISCG vs. SMMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCG drawdown since its inception was -57.72%, which is greater than SMMD's maximum drawdown of -41.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCG and SMMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCG	SMMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.72%	-41.06%	-16.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-9.66%	-1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.71%	-25.50%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.80%	-28.26%	-9.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.74%	-2.15%	-1.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.57%	-8.27%	-3.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	2.56%	+0.49%

Volatility

ISCG vs. SMMD - Volatility Comparison

iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) has a higher volatility of 4.13% compared to iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) at 3.84%. This indicates that ISCG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISCG	SMMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.13%	3.84%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.56%	13.29%	+0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.50%	17.63%	+0.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.99%	20.87%	+2.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.13%	22.31%	+0.82%

ISCG vs. SMMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCG has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SMMD's 0.15% 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

ISCG vs. SMMD - Dividend Comparison

ISCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.59%, less than SMMD's 1.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.59%	0.61%	0.84%	0.77%	0.92%	0.62%	0.10%	0.27%	0.40%	0.52%	1.19%	0.64%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	1.07%	1.28%	1.27%	1.44%	1.79%	1.12%	1.31%	1.50%	2.45%	0.68%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISCG and SMMD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, ISCG and SMMD 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 SMMD?

ISCG has higher volatility (4.13%) compared to SMMD (3.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCG dropped -57.72% vs SMMD's -41.06%.

Which ETF is better, ISCG or SMMD?

On 5-year performance, SMMD leads with 8.86% vs 6.22% for ISCG. On fees, ISCG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SMMD has been the lower-risk option at 3.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISCG or SMMD?

Over the 5-year period, SMMD has performed better with a 8.86% return vs 6.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISCG or SMMD?

ISCG is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for SMMD.

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

SMMD has the higher dividend yield at 1.07%, compared with 0.59% for ISCG.

What is the main difference between ISCG and SMMD?

ISCG tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index, while SMMD tracks Russell 2500 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for ISCG and 0.15% for SMMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 1.33), 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.