SCZ vs. DLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SCZ (iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF) and DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds - SCZ tracks the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index while DLS tracks the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCZ returned 8.03%/yr vs 7.46%/yr for DLS. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCZ charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DLS.

Performance

SCZ vs. DLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCZ achieves a 9.56% return, which is significantly higher than DLS's 6.63% return. Over the past 10 years, SCZ has outperformed DLS with an annualized return of 8.03%, while DLS has yielded a comparatively lower 7.46% annualized return.

SCZ

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 2.75%
• YTD: 9.56%
• 6M: 12.13%
• 1Y: 24.04%
• 3Y*: 16.13%
• 5Y*: 5.02%
• 10Y*: 8.03%

DLS

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 6.63%
• 6M: 9.37%
• 1Y: 22.56%
• 3Y*: 17.27%
• 5Y*: 6.55%
• 10Y*: 7.46%

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

SCZ vs. DLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	9.56%	32.08%	1.52%	12.98%	-21.27%	10.12%	11.71%	24.68%	-17.64%	32.72%
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	6.63%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-17.31%	11.71%	-1.28%	22.20%	-18.95%	31.83%

Correlation

The correlation between SCZ and DLS is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2007	0.94

The correlation between SCZ and DLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCZ vs. DLS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCZ	DLS
Industrials	24.6%	27.8%
Financial Services	12.5%	13.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	12.8%
Basic Materials	10.7%	8.9%
Real Estate	10.3%	7.8%
Technology	9.1%	8.4%
Healthcare	5.5%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	7.9%
Communication Services	4.1%	4.4%
Energy	3.7%	3.0%
Utilities	2.8%	2.1%

Return for Risk

SCZ vs. DLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCZ

SCZ Risk / Return Rank: 47
SCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
SCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 48

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 46
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DLS 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.

SCZ vs. DLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS). 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.

	SCZ	DLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.69	-0.02
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	2.41	-0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.31	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	2.05	+0.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.08	7.55	+0.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCZ vs. DLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the DLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCZ and DLS, 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

	SCZ	DLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.67	1.69	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30	0.42	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.45	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	0.33	-0.07

Drawdowns

SCZ vs. DLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCZ drawdown since its inception was -61.86%, roughly equal to the maximum DLS drawdown of -63.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCZ and DLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCZ	DLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.86%	-63.13%	+1.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-11.04%	-0.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.06%	-12.69%	-2.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.87%	-32.22%	-4.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.07%	-44.77%	+3.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.79%	-3.20%	+1.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.06%	-13.65%	+0.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	2.99%	-0.01%

Volatility

SCZ vs. DLS - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) have volatilities of 4.57% and 4.58%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCZ	DLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.57%	4.58%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.95%	10.98%	+0.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.47%	13.44%	+1.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.74%	15.57%	+1.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.43%	16.67%	+0.76%

SCZ vs. DLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCZ has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than DLS's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCZ vs. DLS - Dividend Comparison

SCZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.01%, less than DLS's 3.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.50%	3.87%	4.56%	4.29%	4.96%	3.29%	2.50%	3.37%	3.66%	2.79%	3.29%	2.72%
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	3.01%	3.30%	3.50%	2.96%	1.99%	2.96%	1.52%	3.52%	2.79%	2.38%	2.82%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCZ and DLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SCZ and DLS 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, SCZ or DLS?

DLS has higher volatility (4.58%) compared to SCZ (4.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCZ dropped -61.86% vs DLS's -63.13%.

Which ETF is better, SCZ or DLS?

On 10-year performance, SCZ leads with 8.03% vs 7.46% for DLS. On fees, SCZ is cheaper at 0.40% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCZ or DLS?

Over the 10-year period, SCZ has performed better with a 8.03% return vs 7.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCZ or DLS?

SCZ is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCZ or DLS?

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 3.01% for SCZ.

What is the main difference between SCZ and DLS?

SCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index, while DLS tracks WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SCZ and 0.58% for DLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 1.67), 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.