PDN vs. SCZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PDN (Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF) and SCZ (iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds - PDN tracks the FTSE RAFI Developed x US Mid/Small while SCZ tracks the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PDN returned 8.78%/yr vs 8.70%/yr for SCZ. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PDN charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SCZ.

Performance

PDN vs. SCZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF (PDN) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with PDN having a 7.41% return and SCZ slightly lower at 7.29%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PDN having a 8.78% annualized return and SCZ not far behind at 8.70%.

PDN

• 1D: -2.19%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 7.41%
• 6M: 7.22%
• 1Y: 22.25%
• 3Y*: 17.73%
• 5Y*: 6.30%
• 10Y*: 8.78%

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)

PDN vs. SCZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PDN Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF	7.41%	38.34%	0.57%	13.35%	-17.35%	9.03%	10.65%	19.17%	-18.38%	30.74%
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	7.29%	32.08%	1.52%	12.98%	-21.27%	10.12%	11.71%	24.68%	-17.64%	32.72%

Correlation

The correlation between PDN and SCZ is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2007	0.89

The correlation between PDN and SCZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

PDN vs. SCZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PDN	SCZ
Industrials	23.2%	24.2%
Financial Services	12.7%	12.5%
Consumer Cyclical	11.7%	12.3%
Basic Materials	10.5%	10.2%
Technology	10.1%	10.8%
Real Estate	8.7%	9.9%
Healthcare	5.7%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	4.7%
Energy	4.8%	3.5%
Communication Services	4.5%	3.8%
Utilities	2.7%	2.2%

Return for Risk

PDN vs. SCZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

PDN

PDN Risk / Return Rank: 44
PDN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
PDN Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
PDN Omega Ratio Rank: 44
PDN Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
PDN Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

PDN vs. SCZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF (PDN) 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.

	PDN	SCZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.40	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	2.01	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.26	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	1.83	+0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.45	6.88	+0.57

PDN vs. SCZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PDN Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is comparable to the SCZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PDN 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

PDN vs. SCZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PDN drawdown since its inception was -59.32%, roughly equal to the maximum SCZ drawdown of -61.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PDN and SCZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	PDN	SCZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.32%	-61.86%	+2.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.26%	-11.43%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.25%	-15.06%	+1.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.68%	-36.87%	+3.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.94%	-41.07%	-0.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.11%	-3.82%	-1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.57%	-13.03%	+1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	3.03%	-0.04%

Volatility

PDN vs. SCZ - Volatility Comparison

Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF (PDN) has a higher volatility of 5.67% compared to iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) at 5.14%. This indicates that PDN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PDN	SCZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.67%	5.14%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.10%	12.69%	+0.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.37%	15.01%	+0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.47%	16.82%	-0.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.96%	17.20%	-0.24%

PDN vs. SCZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

PDN has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than SCZ's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

PDN vs. SCZ - Dividend Comparison

PDN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.32%, more than SCZ's 3.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PDN Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF	3.32%	3.36%	3.36%	3.16%	2.68%	2.42%	1.79%	2.60%	2.21%	2.42%	2.16%	2.06%
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 PDN and SCZ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PDN and SCZ 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, PDN or SCZ?

PDN has higher volatility (5.67%) compared to SCZ (5.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PDN dropped -59.32% vs SCZ's -61.86%.

Which ETF is better, PDN or SCZ?

On 10-year performance, PDN leads with 8.78% vs 8.70% for SCZ. On fees, SCZ is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, SCZ has been the lower-risk option at 5.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PDN or SCZ?

Over the 10-year period, PDN has performed better with a 8.78% return vs 8.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PDN or SCZ?

SCZ is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for PDN.

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

PDN has the higher dividend yield at 3.32%, compared with 3.25% for SCZ.

What is the main difference between PDN and SCZ?

PDN tracks FTSE RAFI Developed x US Mid/Small, while SCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for PDN and 0.40% for SCZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PDN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 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.