KOKU vs. SCZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

KOKU (Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF) and SCZ (iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KOKU is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI Kokusai Index (World ex Japan), while SCZ is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KOKU returned 11.64%/yr vs 5.07%/yr for SCZ. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KOKU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SCZ.

Performance

KOKU vs. SCZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KOKU achieves a 7.89% return, which is significantly higher than SCZ's 7.29% return.

KOKU

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: -0.75%
• YTD: 7.89%
• 6M: 7.10%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 11.64%
• 10Y*: —

SCZ

• 1D: -2.02%
• 1M: -2.32%
• YTD: 7.29%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 20.83%
• 3Y*: 15.93%
• 5Y*: 5.07%
• 10Y*: 8.70%

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

KOKU vs. SCZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	7.89%	21.45%	19.45%	24.23%	-17.83%	23.84%	42.72%
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	7.29%	32.08%	1.52%	12.98%	-21.27%	10.12%	54.36%

Correlation

The correlation between KOKU and SCZ is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2020	0.79

The correlation between KOKU and SCZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

KOKU vs. SCZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KOKU	SCZ
Technology	31.8%	10.8%
Financial Services	14.9%	12.5%
Industrials	10.1%	24.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	12.3%
Communication Services	8.9%	3.8%
Healthcare	8.8%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	4.7%
Energy	4.0%	3.5%
Basic Materials	3.3%	10.2%
Utilities	2.6%	2.2%
Real Estate	1.7%	9.9%

Return for Risk

KOKU vs. SCZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

KOKU

KOKU Risk / Return Rank: 57
KOKU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
KOKU Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
KOKU Omega Ratio Rank: 55
KOKU Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
KOKU Martin Ratio Rank: 64

SCZ

SCZ Risk / Return Rank: 41
SCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
SCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
SCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 41
SCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

KOKU vs. SCZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ). 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.

	KOKU	SCZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.40	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.01	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.26	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	1.83	+0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.88	6.88	+4.00

KOKU vs. SCZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KOKU Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the SCZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KOKU and SCZ, 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

KOKU vs. SCZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KOKU drawdown since its inception was -25.77%, smaller than the maximum SCZ drawdown of -61.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KOKU and SCZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	KOKU	SCZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.77%	-61.86%	+36.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.04%	-11.43%	+2.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.73%	-15.06%	-2.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.77%	-36.87%	+11.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.45%	-3.82%	+1.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.80%	-13.03%	+8.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	3.03%	-0.98%

Volatility

KOKU vs. SCZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) is 4.71%, while iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) has a volatility of 5.14%. This indicates that KOKU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KOKU	SCZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	5.14%	-0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.23%	12.69%	-2.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.57%	15.01%	-2.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.51%	16.82%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.84%	17.20%	-0.36%

KOKU vs. SCZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

KOKU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than SCZ's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

KOKU vs. SCZ - Dividend Comparison

KOKU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, less than SCZ's 3.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	1.45%	1.48%	1.63%	1.76%	1.98%	1.89%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	3.25%	3.30%	3.50%	2.96%	1.99%	2.96%	1.52%	3.52%	2.79%	2.38%	2.82%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KOKU and SCZ in my portfolio?

KOKU and SCZ have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KOKU or SCZ?

SCZ has higher volatility (5.14%) compared to KOKU (4.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KOKU dropped -25.77% vs SCZ's -61.86%.

Which ETF is better, KOKU or SCZ?

On 5-year performance, KOKU leads with 11.64% vs 5.07% for SCZ. On fees, KOKU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, KOKU has been the lower-risk option at 4.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KOKU or SCZ?

Over the 5-year period, KOKU has performed better with a 11.64% return vs 5.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KOKU or SCZ?

KOKU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for SCZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KOKU or SCZ?

SCZ has the higher dividend yield at 3.25%, compared with 1.45% for KOKU.

What is the main difference between KOKU and SCZ?

KOKU is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SCZ is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. KOKU tracks MSCI Kokusai Index (World ex Japan), while SCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for KOKU and 0.40% for SCZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KOKU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.40), 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.