IVV vs SCJ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SCJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCJ offers more diversification with 795 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SCJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $265M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.72% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 795 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +17.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +22.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +19.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +8.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -43.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 20, 2007 |
IVV vs SCJ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF (SCJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while SCJ returned +22.22%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 17.76% for SCJ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +19.60% for SCJ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +8.68% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +4.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 15.0% for SCJ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -43.7% for SCJ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SCJ charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.72% for SCJ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SCJ share 1 holdings out of 1292 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in SCJ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.15% | 0.04% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SCJ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SCJ charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SCJ?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +22.22% for SCJ, so SCJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +4.82% for SCJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SCJ?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for SCJ. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SCJ -43.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and SCJ?
IVV and SCJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SCJ?
IVV and SCJ share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1292 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SCJ?
IVV yields 1.10% while SCJ yields 2.72%, so SCJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.