SCDS vs. SMLF

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

SCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF) and SMLF (iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SCDS is actively managed, while SMLF is passively managed. Over the past year, SCDS returned 46.17% vs 33.93% for SMLF. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SCDS charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for SMLF.

Performance

SCDS vs. SMLF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS) and iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF). 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 SMLF's 15.29% return.

SCDS

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

SMLF

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 15.29%
• 6M: 16.02%
• 1Y: 33.93%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 11.16%
• 10Y*: 12.44%

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

SCDS vs. SMLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF	23.60%	11.27%	7.26%
SMLF iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	15.29%	12.30%	10.40%

Correlation

The correlation between SCDS and SMLF 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2024	0.96

The correlation between SCDS and SMLF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCDS vs. SMLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCDS	SMLF
Technology	20.8%	16.6%
Financial Services	14.7%	15.0%
Industrials	14.6%	19.8%
Healthcare	11.0%	12.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	11.8%
Real Estate	4.9%	5.7%
Energy	3.9%	4.8%
Basic Materials	3.2%	4.6%
Utilities	2.4%	2.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	3.7%
Communication Services	1.6%	3.2%

Return for Risk

SCDS vs. SMLF — 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

SMLF

SMLF Risk / Return Rank: 63
SMLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SMLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SMLF Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SMLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
SMLF Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. SMLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS) and iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF). 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	SMLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	1.98	+0.57
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.55	2.76	+0.79
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.34	+0.09
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.25	3.89	+1.36
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	18.30	13.38	+4.92
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. SMLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCDS Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is comparable to the SMLF Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCDS and SMLF, 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	SMLF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.55	1.98	+0.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.14	0.54	+0.60

Drawdowns

SCDS vs. SMLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCDS drawdown since its inception was -26.71%, smaller than the maximum SMLF drawdown of -41.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCDS and SMLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCDS	SMLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.71%	-41.89%	+15.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-8.71%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.28%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.28%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.29%	-6.60%	+1.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	2.53%	+0.01%

Volatility

SCDS vs. SMLF - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS) has a higher volatility of 5.53% compared to iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF) at 4.76%. This indicates that SCDS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMLF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCDS	SMLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.53%	4.76%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.97%	12.30%	+0.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.18%	17.19%	+0.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.22%	21.09%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.22%	21.79%	-0.57%

SCDS vs. SMLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCDS has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than SMLF's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCDS vs. SMLF - Dividend Comparison

SCDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, less than SMLF's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF	0.91%	1.15%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMLF iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	1.03%	1.14%	1.33%	1.13%	1.23%	1.07%	1.33%	1.39%	1.17%	0.93%	0.78%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCDS and SMLF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SCDS and SMLF 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 SMLF?

SCDS has higher volatility (5.53%) compared to SMLF (4.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCDS dropped -26.71% vs SMLF's -41.89%.

Which ETF is better, SCDS or SMLF?

On 1-year performance, SCDS leads with 46.17% vs 33.93% for SMLF. On fees, SMLF is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, SMLF has been the lower-risk option at 4.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCDS or SMLF?

Over the 1-year period, SCDS has performed better with a 46.17% return vs 33.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCDS or SMLF?

SMLF is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for SCDS.

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

SMLF has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.91% for SCDS.

What is the main difference between SCDS and SMLF?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SCDS and 0.30% for SMLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.98), 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.