VSS vs. SCZ
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ).
VSS and SCZ are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. VSS is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. It was launched on Apr 2, 2009. SCZ is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index. It was launched on Dec 10, 2007. Both VSS and SCZ are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: VSS or SCZ.
Key characteristics
| VSS | SCZ | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -0.30% | -1.36% |
| 1Y Return | 7.81% | 4.68% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -2.36% | -3.97% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 4.23% | 3.23% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 3.32% | 4.19% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.52 | 0.27 |
| Daily Std Dev | 13.23% | 13.72% |
| Max Drawdown | -43.51% | -61.86% |
| Current Drawdown | -12.62% | -17.27% |
Correlation
The correlation between VSS and SCZ is 0.95, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
VSS vs. SCZ - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, VSS achieves a -0.30% return, which is significantly higher than SCZ's -1.36% return. Over the past 10 years, VSS has underperformed SCZ with an annualized return of 3.32%, while SCZ has yielded a comparatively higher 4.19% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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VSS vs. SCZ - Expense Ratio Comparison
VSS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than SCZ's 0.40% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
VSS vs. SCZ - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ). 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.
Dividends
VSS vs. SCZ - Dividend Comparison
VSS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.15%, more than SCZ's 3.00% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF | 3.15% | 3.14% | 2.30% | 2.74% | 1.90% | 3.25% | 2.80% | 2.83% | 2.93% | 2.66% | 2.67% | 2.71% |
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF | 3.00% | 2.96% | 1.99% | 2.96% | 1.52% | 3.51% | 2.79% | 2.38% | 2.82% | 2.06% | 2.61% | 2.39% |
Drawdowns
VSS vs. SCZ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VSS drawdown since its inception was -43.51%, smaller than the maximum SCZ drawdown of -61.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSS and SCZ. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
VSS vs. SCZ - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) is 3.71%, while iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) has a volatility of 3.97%. This indicates that VSS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.