SYZ vs. IWC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SYZ (Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF) and IWC (iShares Micro-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SYZ is actively managed, while IWC is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

SYZ vs. IWC - 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 Micro-Cap ETF (IWC). 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 lower than IWC's 18.97% return.

SYZ

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

IWC

• 1D: -2.09%
• 1M: 2.88%
• YTD: 18.97%
• 6M: 18.63%
• 1Y: 55.24%
• 3Y*: 21.73%
• 5Y*: 5.45%
• 10Y*: 11.35%

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

SYZ vs. IWC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	17.30%	0.89%
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	18.97%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between SYZ and IWC is 0.83, 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	0.83

Return for Risk

SYZ vs. IWC — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWC

IWC Risk / Return Rank: 71
IWC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IWC Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
IWC Omega Ratio Rank: 59
IWC Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
IWC Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. IWC - 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 Micro-Cap ETF (IWC). 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	IWC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.22	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.60	0.31	+1.29

Drawdowns

SYZ vs. IWC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYZ drawdown since its inception was -8.00%, smaller than the maximum IWC drawdown of -64.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYZ and IWC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYZ	IWC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.00%	-64.61%	+56.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.43%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-40.68%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-2.90%	+1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	-15.28%	+13.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SYZ	IWC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.29%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.26%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	23.63%	-6.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.65%	24.42%	-7.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.65%	24.42%	-7.77%

SYZ vs. IWC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SYZ and IWC have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

SYZ vs. IWC - Dividend Comparison

SYZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than IWC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	0.91%	1.10%	1.06%	1.17%	1.18%	0.78%	0.98%	1.19%	1.01%	1.09%	1.16%	1.49%
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 IWC in my portfolio?

SYZ and IWC have a correlation of 0.83, 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 IWC?

Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYZ or IWC?

SYZ and IWC have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

IWC has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.14% for SYZ.

What is the main difference between SYZ and IWC?

They also come from different issuers: Lazard and iShares.