SCZ vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SCZ (iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCZ is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCZ returned 8.64%/yr vs 10.99%/yr for VBR. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCZ charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

SCZ vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCZ achieves a 9.70% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 14.60% return. Over the past 10 years, SCZ has underperformed VBR with an annualized return of 8.64%, while VBR has yielded a comparatively higher 10.99% annualized return.

SCZ

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 1.01%
• YTD: 9.70%
• 6M: 11.43%
• 1Y: 23.50%
• 3Y*: 15.38%
• 5Y*: 4.99%
• 10Y*: 8.64%

VBR

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 6.17%
• YTD: 14.60%
• 6M: 12.92%
• 1Y: 29.93%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

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

SCZ vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	9.70%	32.08%	1.52%	12.98%	-21.27%	10.12%	11.71%	24.68%	-17.64%	32.72%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.60%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between SCZ and VBR is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2007	0.72

The correlation between SCZ and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCZ vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCZ	VBR
Industrials	24.2%	18.1%
Financial Services	12.5%	17.6%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	12.4%
Technology	10.8%	10.6%
Basic Materials	10.2%	6.3%
Real Estate	9.9%	10.1%
Healthcare	5.9%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.0%
Communication Services	3.8%	2.5%
Energy	3.5%	5.2%
Utilities	2.2%	4.8%

Return for Risk

SCZ vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCZ

SCZ Risk / Return Rank: 48
SCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
SCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
SCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 49

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.83	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.67	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.31	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	3.17	-1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.36	11.22	-3.86

SCZ vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCZ and VBR, 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. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCZ drawdown since its inception was -61.86%, roughly equal to the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCZ and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCZ	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.86%	-61.98%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-8.85%	-2.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.06%	-24.19%	+9.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.87%	-24.19%	-12.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.07%	-45.28%	+4.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	0.00%	-1.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.05%	-8.26%	-4.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	2.50%	+0.52%

Volatility

SCZ vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) has a higher volatility of 5.27% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) at 4.43%. This indicates that SCZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCZ	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.27%	4.43%	+0.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.52%	10.65%	+1.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.93%	15.36%	-0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.81%	19.79%	-2.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.43%	21.74%	-4.31%

SCZ vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCZ has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCZ vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

SCZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.01%, more than VBR's 1.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.71%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCZ and VBR in my portfolio?

SCZ and VBR have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCZ or VBR?

SCZ has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to VBR (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCZ dropped -61.86% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, SCZ or VBR?

On 10-year performance, VBR leads with 10.99% vs 8.64% for SCZ. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 4.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCZ or VBR?

Over the 10-year period, VBR has performed better with a 10.99% return vs 8.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCZ or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for SCZ.

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

SCZ has the higher dividend yield at 3.01%, compared with 1.71% for VBR.

What is the main difference between SCZ and VBR?

SCZ is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. SCZ tracks MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SCZ and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR 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.