SCDV vs. ISMD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SCDV (Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF) and ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SCDV is actively managed, while ISMD is passively managed. Over the past year, SCDV returned 19.20% vs 41.83% for ISMD. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCDV charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for ISMD.

Performance

SCDV vs. ISMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF (SCDV) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCDV achieves a 14.63% return, which is significantly lower than ISMD's 25.75% return.

SCDV

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 2.58%
• YTD: 14.63%
• 6M: 12.47%
• 1Y: 19.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISMD

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 4.88%
• YTD: 25.75%
• 6M: 23.26%
• 1Y: 41.83%
• 3Y*: 17.53%
• 5Y*: 8.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

SCDV vs. ISMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SCDV Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF	14.63%	3.09%	-6.73%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	25.75%	4.14%	-6.57%

Correlation

The correlation between SCDV and ISMD is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2024	0.81

The correlation between SCDV and ISMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SCDV vs. ISMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCDV

SCDV Risk / Return Rank: 35
SCDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
SCDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
SCDV Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SCDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SCDV Martin Ratio Rank: 35

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 74
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 65
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

SCDV vs. ISMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF (SCDV) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). 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.

	SCDV	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	2.24	-1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.85	3.11	-1.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.38	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.69	4.36	-2.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.09	13.71	-8.61

SCDV vs. ISMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCDV Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is lower than the ISMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCDV and ISMD, 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

SCDV vs. ISMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCDV drawdown since its inception was -23.14%, smaller than the maximum ISMD drawdown of -44.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCDV and ISMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCDV	ISMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.14%	-44.60%	+21.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.38%	-9.64%	-1.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.64%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	-0.17%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.61%	-8.13%	+2.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.78%	3.06%	+0.72%

Volatility

SCDV vs. ISMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF (SCDV) is 4.65%, while Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) has a volatility of 5.62%. This indicates that SCDV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ISMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCDV	ISMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.65%	5.62%	-0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.95%	13.04%	-1.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.77%	18.79%	-3.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.08%	20.88%	-1.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.08%	23.72%	-4.64%

SCDV vs. ISMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCDV has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than ISMD's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCDV vs. ISMD - Dividend Comparison

SCDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, less than ISMD's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.92%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%
SCDV Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF	0.50%	0.61%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCDV and ISMD in my portfolio?

SCDV and ISMD have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCDV or ISMD?

ISMD has higher volatility (5.62%) compared to SCDV (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCDV dropped -23.14% vs ISMD's -44.60%.

Which ETF is better, SCDV or ISMD?

On 1-year performance, ISMD leads with 41.83% vs 19.20% for SCDV. On fees, ISMD is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, SCDV has been the lower-risk option at 4.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCDV or ISMD?

Over the 1-year period, ISMD has performed better with a 41.83% return vs 19.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCDV or ISMD?

ISMD is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for SCDV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCDV or ISMD?

ISMD has the higher dividend yield at 0.92%, compared with 0.50% for SCDV.

What is the main difference between SCDV and ISMD?

They also come from different issuers: Bahl & Gaynor and Inspire. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for SCDV and 0.57% for ISMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 1.23), 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.