SCJ vs. EZJ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SCJ (iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF) and EZJ (ProShares Ultra MSCI Japan) are both exchange-traded funds - SCJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Small Cap Index, while EZJ is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCJ returned 7.94%/yr vs 10.97%/yr for EZJ. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCJ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for EZJ.

Performance

SCJ vs. EZJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ) and ProShares Ultra MSCI Japan (EZJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCJ achieves a 14.43% return, which is significantly lower than EZJ's 25.72% return. Over the past 10 years, SCJ has underperformed EZJ with an annualized return of 7.94%, while EZJ has yielded a comparatively higher 10.97% annualized return.

SCJ

• 1D: -1.98%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 14.43%
• 6M: 14.21%
• 1Y: 29.99%
• 3Y*: 18.07%
• 5Y*: 7.56%
• 10Y*: 7.94%

EZJ

• 1D: -8.84%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: 25.72%
• 6M: 24.31%
• 1Y: 62.30%
• 3Y*: 26.15%
• 5Y*: 7.77%
• 10Y*: 10.97%

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

SCJ vs. EZJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCJ iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF	14.43%	29.58%	3.41%	13.22%	-12.75%	-2.95%	7.46%	16.16%	-17.17%	31.61%
EZJ ProShares Ultra MSCI Japan	25.72%	42.72%	3.31%	30.78%	-38.23%	-1.96%	22.21%	33.76%	-30.99%	49.10%

Correlation

The correlation between SCJ and EZJ is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2009	0.81

The correlation between SCJ and EZJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCJ vs. EZJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCJ	EZJ
Industrials	27.0%	24.5%
Consumer Cyclical	15.2%	11.9%
Technology	13.9%	20.8%
Financial Services	10.0%	17.8%
Basic Materials	9.3%	3.0%
Real Estate	7.7%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	3.5%
Healthcare	5.3%	5.9%
Communication Services	2.8%	8.8%
Utilities	1.9%	1.0%
Energy	0.7%	1.0%

Return for Risk

SCJ vs. EZJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCJ

SCJ Risk / Return Rank: 55
SCJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SCJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
SCJ Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SCJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SCJ Martin Ratio Rank: 51

EZJ

EZJ Risk / Return Rank: 45
EZJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
EZJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
EZJ Omega Ratio Rank: 44
EZJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
EZJ Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

SCJ vs. EZJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ) and ProShares Ultra MSCI Japan (EZJ). 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.

	SCJ	EZJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	1.49	+0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	2.04	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.27	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	2.34	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.30	7.05	+1.25

SCJ vs. EZJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is comparable to the EZJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCJ and EZJ, 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

SCJ vs. EZJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCJ drawdown since its inception was -43.52%, smaller than the maximum EZJ drawdown of -58.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCJ and EZJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCJ	EZJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.52%	-58.63%	+15.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.17%	-26.78%	+14.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.43%	-31.48%	+19.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.25%	-58.63%	+25.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.87%	-58.63%	+19.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.98%	-8.84%	+6.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.36%	-21.24%	+10.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.62%	8.86%	-5.24%

Volatility

SCJ vs. EZJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ) is 4.97%, while ProShares Ultra MSCI Japan (EZJ) has a volatility of 16.55%. This indicates that SCJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EZJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCJ	EZJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.97%	16.55%	-11.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.57%	34.12%	-20.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.49%	42.16%	-25.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.87%	37.15%	-21.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.27%	34.75%	-18.48%

SCJ vs. EZJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCJ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than EZJ's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCJ vs. EZJ - Dividend Comparison

SCJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.80%, more than EZJ's 1.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EZJ ProShares Ultra MSCI Japan	1.64%	1.13%	2.09%	1.11%	0.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.24%	4.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCJ iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF	2.80%	3.14%	1.79%	1.99%	1.18%	1.87%	0.89%	1.85%	1.44%	1.45%	2.73%	1.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCJ and EZJ in my portfolio?

SCJ and EZJ have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCJ or EZJ?

EZJ has higher volatility (16.55%) compared to SCJ (4.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCJ dropped -43.52% vs EZJ's -58.63%.

Which ETF is better, SCJ or EZJ?

On 10-year performance, EZJ leads with 10.97% vs 7.94% for SCJ. On fees, SCJ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, SCJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCJ or EZJ?

Over the 10-year period, EZJ has performed better with a 10.97% return vs 7.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCJ or EZJ?

SCJ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for EZJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCJ or EZJ?

SCJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.80%, compared with 1.64% for EZJ.

What is the main difference between SCJ and EZJ?

SCJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while EZJ is Leveraged Equities. SCJ tracks MSCI Japan Small Cap Index, while EZJ tracks MSCI Japan Index (200%). They also come from different issuers: iShares and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for SCJ and 0.95% for EZJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 1.49), 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.