WICIX vs. SCZ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

WICIX (Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund) and SCZ (iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, WICIX returned 0.79%/yr vs 5.65%/yr for SCZ. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WICIX charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SCZ.

Performance

WICIX vs. SCZ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WICIX achieves a 3.01% return, which is significantly lower than SCZ's 9.50% return.

WICIX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: 3.01%
• 6M: 3.26%
• 1Y: 7.81%
• 3Y*: 7.71%
• 5Y*: 0.79%
• 10Y*: —

SCZ

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.31%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 6M: 9.97%
• 1Y: 24.34%
• 3Y*: 16.72%
• 5Y*: 5.65%
• 10Y*: 8.92%

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

WICIX vs. SCZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
WICIX Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund	3.01%	19.23%	-0.58%	11.84%	-21.38%	12.97%	10.28%	13.65%
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	9.50%	32.08%	1.52%	12.98%	-21.27%	10.12%	11.71%	15.48%

Correlation

The correlation between WICIX and SCZ is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 3, 2019	0.90

The correlation between WICIX and SCZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WICIX vs. SCZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

WICIX

WICIX Risk / Return Rank: 7
WICIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
WICIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
WICIX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
WICIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
WICIX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

SCZ

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

WICIX vs. SCZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund (WICIX) 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.

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.

	WICIX	SCZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.53	1.65	-1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.85	2.34	-1.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.30	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.56	2.14	-1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.75	8.07	-6.32

WICIX vs. SCZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WICIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.53, which is lower than the SCZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WICIX and SCZ, 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

WICIX vs. SCZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WICIX drawdown since its inception was -40.70%, smaller than the maximum SCZ drawdown of -61.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WICIX and SCZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	WICIX	SCZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.70%	-61.86%	+21.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.67%	-11.43%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.62%	-15.06%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.70%	-36.87%	-3.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.13%	-1.84%	-1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.95%	-13.03%	-0.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.05%	3.02%	+1.03%

Volatility

WICIX vs. SCZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund (WICIX) is 4.06%, while iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) has a volatility of 4.73%. This indicates that WICIX 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.

Volatility by Period

	WICIX	SCZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.06%	4.73%	-0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.69%	12.53%	-1.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.28%	14.89%	-1.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.57%	16.79%	-1.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.91%	17.40%	-0.49%

WICIX vs. SCZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

WICIX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than SCZ's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

WICIX vs. SCZ - Dividend Comparison

WICIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.97%, more than SCZ's 3.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF	3.19%	3.30%	3.50%	2.96%	1.99%	2.96%	1.52%	3.52%	2.79%	2.38%	2.82%	2.06%
WICIX Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund	4.97%	5.12%	2.52%	1.70%	1.20%	1.36%	0.67%	3.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WICIX and SCZ in my portfolio?

WICIX and SCZ have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WICIX or SCZ?

SCZ has higher volatility (4.73%) compared to WICIX (4.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WICIX dropped -40.70% vs SCZ's -61.86%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs 0.53), 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.