SCZ vs. ISVL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SCZ (iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF) and ISVL (iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCZ is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index, while ISVL is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex US ex Korea Small Cap Focused Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SCZ returned 5.07%/yr vs 10.69%/yr for ISVL. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SCZ charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for ISVL.

Performance

SCZ vs. ISVL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCZ achieves a 7.29% return, which is significantly lower than ISVL's 7.81% return.

SCZ

• 1D: -2.02%
• 1M: -2.32%
• YTD: 7.29%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 20.83%
• 3Y*: 15.93%
• 5Y*: 5.07%
• 10Y*: 8.70%

ISVL

• 1D: -1.20%
• 1M: -1.07%
• YTD: 7.81%
• 6M: 7.79%
• 1Y: 27.75%
• 3Y*: 21.81%
• 5Y*: 10.69%
• 10Y*: —

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

SCZ vs. ISVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	7.29%	32.08%	1.52%	12.98%	-21.27%	5.68%
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	7.81%	42.84%	4.58%	17.56%	-13.69%	8.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SCZ and ISVL is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2021	0.96

The correlation between SCZ and ISVL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCZ vs. ISVL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCZ	ISVL
Industrials	24.2%	22.1%
Financial Services	12.5%	21.4%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	11.1%
Technology	10.8%	4.9%
Basic Materials	10.2%	10.1%
Real Estate	9.9%	10.8%
Healthcare	5.9%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.7%
Communication Services	3.8%	2.8%
Energy	3.5%	6.0%
Utilities	2.2%	1.3%

Return for Risk

SCZ vs. ISVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCZ

SCZ Risk / Return Rank: 41
SCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
SCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
SCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 41
SCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 44

ISVL

ISVL Risk / Return Rank: 56
ISVL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ISVL Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
ISVL Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ISVL Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
ISVL Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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. ISVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) and iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL). 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.

	SCZ	ISVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.88	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	2.66	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.34	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	2.23	-0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.88	8.70	-1.82

SCZ vs. ISVL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the ISVL Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCZ and ISVL, 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

SCZ vs. ISVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCZ drawdown since its inception was -61.86%, which is greater than ISVL's maximum drawdown of -30.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCZ and ISVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCZ	ISVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.86%	-30.48%	-31.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-12.48%	+1.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.06%	-12.93%	-2.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.87%	-30.48%	-6.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.82%	-2.74%	-1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.03%	-6.61%	-6.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	3.20%	-0.17%

Volatility

SCZ vs. ISVL - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) has a higher volatility of 5.14% compared to iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) at 4.58%. This indicates that SCZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ISVL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCZ	ISVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.14%	4.58%	+0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.69%	12.50%	+0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.01%	14.82%	+0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.82%	16.93%	-0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	16.77%	+0.43%

SCZ vs. ISVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCZ has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than ISVL's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCZ vs. ISVL - Dividend Comparison

SCZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.25%, more than ISVL's 3.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	3.20%	2.69%	3.92%	3.82%	3.37%	2.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	3.25%	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 ISVL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, SCZ and ISVL 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 ISVL?

SCZ has higher volatility (5.14%) compared to ISVL (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCZ dropped -61.86% vs ISVL's -30.48%.

Which ETF is better, SCZ or ISVL?

On 5-year performance, ISVL leads with 10.69% vs 5.07% for SCZ. On fees, ISVL is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, ISVL has been the lower-risk option at 4.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCZ or ISVL?

Over the 5-year period, ISVL has performed better with a 10.69% return vs 5.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCZ or ISVL?

ISVL is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for SCZ.

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

SCZ has the higher dividend yield at 3.25%, compared with 3.20% for ISVL.

What is the main difference between SCZ and ISVL?

SCZ is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while ISVL is Small Cap Value Equities. SCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index, while ISVL tracks FTSE Developed ex US ex Korea Small Cap Focused Value Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SCZ and 0.30% for ISVL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISVL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.40), 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.