SCEP vs. MAXJ

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SCEP (Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF) and MAXJ (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF) are both Equity Hedged funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCEP charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for MAXJ.

Performance

SCEP vs. MAXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF (SCEP) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCEP achieves a 4.03% return, which is significantly higher than MAXJ's 2.84% return.

SCEP

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 1.81%
• YTD: 4.03%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MAXJ

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 2.84%
• 6M: 3.45%
• 1Y: 9.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCEP vs. MAXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SCEP Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF	4.03%	-0.50%
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	2.84%	0.21%

Correlation

The correlation between SCEP and MAXJ is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

SCEP vs. MAXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAXJ

MAXJ Risk / Return Rank: 93
MAXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
MAXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
MAXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 96
MAXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
MAXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

SCEP vs. MAXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF (SCEP) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SCEP	MAXJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.18	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.78	1.63	-0.86

Drawdowns

SCEP vs. MAXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCEP drawdown since its inception was -7.25%, which is greater than MAXJ's maximum drawdown of -6.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCEP and MAXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCEP	MAXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.25%	-6.35%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	-0.03%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.57%	-0.56%	-1.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.30%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SCEP	MAXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.29%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.92%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.82%	2.91%	+6.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.82%	5.28%	+4.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.82%	5.28%	+4.54%

SCEP vs. MAXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCEP has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than MAXJ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCEP vs. MAXJ - Dividend Comparison

SCEP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.24%, more than MAXJ's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	0.98%	1.01%	0.81%
SCEP Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF	3.24%	0.38%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCEP and MAXJ in my portfolio?

SCEP and MAXJ have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SCEP or MAXJ?

On fees, MAXJ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCEP or MAXJ?

MAXJ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for SCEP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCEP or MAXJ?

SCEP has the higher dividend yield at 3.24%, compared with 0.98% for MAXJ.

What is the main difference between SCEP and MAXJ?

They also come from different issuers: Sterling Capital and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SCEP and 0.50% for MAXJ.