SCJ vs. VT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SCJ (iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF) and VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Small Cap Index, while VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCJ returned 7.94%/yr vs 12.96%/yr for VT. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCJ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VT.

Performance

SCJ vs. VT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT). 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 higher than VT's 10.06% return. Over the past 10 years, SCJ has underperformed VT with an annualized return of 7.94%, while VT has yielded a comparatively higher 12.96% 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%

VT

• 1D: -2.05%
• 1M: -0.44%
• YTD: 10.06%
• 6M: 9.32%
• 1Y: 25.71%
• 3Y*: 19.92%
• 5Y*: 10.51%
• 10Y*: 12.96%

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

SCJ vs. VT - 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%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	10.06%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	26.81%	-9.76%	24.50%

Correlation

The correlation between SCJ and VT is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2008	0.67

The correlation between SCJ and VT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCJ vs. VT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCJ	VT
Industrials	27.0%	11.4%
Consumer Cyclical	15.2%	9.3%
Technology	13.9%	31.1%
Financial Services	10.0%	15.2%
Basic Materials	9.3%	4.1%
Real Estate	7.7%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	4.5%
Healthcare	5.3%	7.9%
Communication Services	2.8%	8.0%
Utilities	1.9%	2.4%
Energy	0.7%	3.8%

Return for Risk

SCJ vs. VT — 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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 59
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. VT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT). 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	VT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	1.91	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	2.62	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.35	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	2.67	-0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.30	11.57	-3.27

SCJ vs. VT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is comparable to the VT Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCJ and VT, 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. VT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCJ drawdown since its inception was -43.52%, smaller than the maximum VT drawdown of -50.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCJ and VT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCJ	VT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.52%	-50.27%	+6.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.17%	-9.67%	-2.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.43%	-16.51%	+4.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.25%	-26.38%	-6.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.87%	-34.24%	-4.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.98%	-2.80%	+0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.36%	-7.00%	-3.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.62%	2.23%	+1.39%

Volatility

SCJ vs. VT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF (SCJ) is 4.97%, while Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) has a volatility of 5.65%. This indicates that SCJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCJ	VT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.97%	5.65%	-0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.57%	11.32%	+2.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.49%	13.58%	+2.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.87%	16.19%	-0.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.27%	17.20%	-0.93%

SCJ vs. VT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCJ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VT's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCJ vs. VT - Dividend Comparison

SCJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.80%, more than VT's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.61%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCJ and VT in my portfolio?

SCJ and VT have a correlation of 0.60, 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 VT?

VT has higher volatility (5.65%) compared to SCJ (4.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCJ dropped -43.52% vs VT's -50.27%.

Which ETF is better, SCJ or VT?

On 10-year performance, VT leads with 12.96% vs 7.94% for SCJ. On fees, VT is cheaper at 0.06% 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 VT?

Over the 10-year period, VT has performed better with a 12.96% 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 VT?

VT is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for SCJ.

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

SCJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.80%, compared with 1.61% for VT.

What is the main difference between SCJ and VT?

SCJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while VT is Global Equities. SCJ tracks MSCI Japan Small Cap Index, while VT tracks FTSE Global All Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for SCJ and 0.06% for VT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.83), 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.