SYZ vs. DES

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SYZ (Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF) and DES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SYZ is actively managed, while DES is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SYZ charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for DES.

Performance

SYZ vs. DES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SYZ achieves a 17.30% return, which is significantly higher than DES's 15.19% return.

SYZ

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 2.63%
• YTD: 17.30%
• 6M: 17.99%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DES

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: 15.19%
• 6M: 14.26%
• 1Y: 25.57%
• 3Y*: 14.17%
• 5Y*: 5.96%
• 10Y*: 8.04%

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

SYZ vs. DES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	17.30%	0.89%
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	15.19%	-0.53%

Correlation

The correlation between SYZ and DES is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2025	0.82

Return for Risk

SYZ vs. DES — Risk / Return Rank

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

DES

DES Risk / Return Rank: 51
DES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
DES Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
DES Omega Ratio Rank: 43
DES Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DES Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

SYZ vs. DES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SYZ	DES	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.31	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.37	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.60	0.31	+1.29

Drawdowns

SYZ vs. DES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYZ drawdown since its inception was -8.00%, smaller than the maximum DES drawdown of -65.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYZ and DES.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYZ	DES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.00%	-65.48%	+57.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.64%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.16%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.16%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-1.52%	+0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	-9.68%	+7.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.68%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SYZ	DES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.19%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	16.46%	+0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.65%	19.57%	-2.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.65%	21.97%	-5.32%

SYZ vs. DES - Expense Ratio Comparison

SYZ has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than DES's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

SYZ vs. DES - Dividend Comparison

SYZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than DES's 2.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.40%	2.85%	2.81%	2.65%	2.89%	2.31%	2.75%	2.68%	3.65%	2.89%	2.70%	3.09%
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYZ and DES in my portfolio?

SYZ and DES have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SYZ or DES?

On fees, DES is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYZ or DES?

DES is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SYZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SYZ or DES?

DES has the higher dividend yield at 2.40%, compared with 0.14% for SYZ.

What is the main difference between SYZ and DES?

They also come from different issuers: Lazard and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SYZ and 0.38% for DES.