SYZ vs. GSG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SYZ (Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF) and GSG (iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - SYZ is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Lazard, while GSG is a Commodities fund tracking the S&P GSCI Total Return Index. SYZ is actively managed, while GSG is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.18, they often move in opposite directions. SYZ charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GSG.

Performance

SYZ vs. GSG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SYZ achieves a 19.94% return, which is significantly lower than GSG's 33.95% return.

SYZ

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 0.30%
• 6M: 13.08%
• YTD: 19.94%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GSG

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 4.15%
• 6M: 29.74%
• YTD: 33.95%
• 1Y: 37.41%
• 3Y*: 15.32%
• 5Y*: 14.20%
• 10Y*: 7.61%

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

SYZ vs. GSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	19.94%	0.54%
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust	33.95%	1.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SYZ and GSG is -0.18, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2025	-0.18

Return for Risk

SYZ vs. GSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SYZ

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

GSG

GSG Risk / Return Rank: 54
GSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
GSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
GSG Omega Ratio Rank: 57
GSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
GSG Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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. GSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG). 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.

	SYZ	GSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.60	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.20	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.29	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.00	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.66	—

Drawdowns

SYZ vs. GSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYZ drawdown since its inception was -8.00%, smaller than the maximum GSG drawdown of -89.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYZ and GSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYZ	GSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.00%	-89.62%	+81.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-18.81%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.81%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-57.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.20%	-59.56%	+57.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.98%	-63.68%	+61.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.63%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SYZ	GSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.17%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	21.54%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.62%	23.48%	-6.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.62%	22.80%	-6.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.62%	22.00%	-5.38%

SYZ vs. GSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SYZ has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than GSG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SYZ vs. GSG - Dividend Comparison

SYZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, while GSG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust	0.00%
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYZ and GSG in my portfolio?

SYZ and GSG have a correlation of -0.18, 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 GSG?

On fees, SYZ is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYZ or GSG?

SYZ is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GSG.

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

SYZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.24%, compared with 0.00% for GSG.

What is the main difference between SYZ and GSG?

SYZ is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while GSG is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Lazard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SYZ and 0.75% for GSG.