SCDS vs. MSSM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

SCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF) and MSSM (Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SCDS returned 46.17% vs 38.71% for MSSM. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SCDS charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for MSSM.

Performance

SCDS vs. MSSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCDS achieves a 23.60% return, which is significantly higher than MSSM's 18.28% return.

SCDS

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 6.33%
• YTD: 23.60%
• 6M: 24.35%
• 1Y: 46.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MSSM

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 4.12%
• YTD: 18.28%
• 6M: 19.49%
• 1Y: 38.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCDS vs. MSSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF	23.60%	11.27%	-6.95%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	18.28%	11.33%	-5.83%

Correlation

The correlation between SCDS and MSSM is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.97

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

Return for Risk

SCDS vs. MSSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCDS

SCDS Risk / Return Rank: 79
SCDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
SCDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
SCDS Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SCDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SCDS Martin Ratio Rank: 85

MSSM

MSSM Risk / Return Rank: 70
MSSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
MSSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
MSSM Omega Ratio Rank: 61
MSSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
MSSM 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.

SCDS vs. MSSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM). 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.

	SCDS	MSSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	2.26	+0.30
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.55	3.13	+0.42
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.38	+0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.25	4.10	+1.15
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	18.30	15.85	+2.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCDS vs. MSSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCDS Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is comparable to the MSSM Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCDS and MSSM, 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

	SCDS	MSSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.55	2.26	+0.30
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.14	0.76	+0.38

Drawdowns

SCDS vs. MSSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCDS drawdown since its inception was -26.71%, which is greater than MSSM's maximum drawdown of -24.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCDS and MSSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCDS	MSSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.71%	-24.18%	-2.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-9.50%	+0.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.29%	-4.68%	-0.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	2.46%	+0.08%

Volatility

SCDS vs. MSSM - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS) has a higher volatility of 5.53% compared to Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) at 4.99%. This indicates that SCDS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MSSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCDS	MSSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.53%	4.99%	+0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.97%	12.75%	+0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.18%	17.25%	+0.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.22%	20.92%	+0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.22%	20.92%	+0.30%

SCDS vs. MSSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCDS has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than MSSM's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCDS vs. MSSM - Dividend Comparison

SCDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, less than MSSM's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	2.66%	3.15%	0.00%
SCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF	0.91%	1.15%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCDS and MSSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SCDS and MSSM 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, SCDS or MSSM?

SCDS has higher volatility (5.53%) compared to MSSM (4.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCDS dropped -26.71% vs MSSM's -24.18%.

Which ETF is better, SCDS or MSSM?

On 1-year performance, SCDS leads with 46.17% vs 38.71% for MSSM. On fees, SCDS is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, MSSM has been the lower-risk option at 4.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCDS or MSSM?

Over the 1-year period, SCDS has performed better with a 46.17% return vs 38.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCDS or MSSM?

SCDS is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for MSSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCDS or MSSM?

MSSM has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.91% for SCDS.

What is the main difference between SCDS and MSSM?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SCDS and 0.62% for MSSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 2.26), 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.