SCJ vs VOO
iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SCJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCJ offers more diversification with 795 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCJ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $265M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.72% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 795 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.04% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.89% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.73% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.56% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SCJ vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF (SCJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCJ returned +22.89% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, SCJ is up 18.04% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, SCJ compounded at +19.73% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.56% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -43.7% for SCJ and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCJ charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCJ currently yields 2.72% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SCJ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1293 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCJ or VOO?
SCJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCJ or VOO?
Over the past year SCJ returned +22.89% vs +20.69% for VOO, so SCJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCJ annualized +4.84% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCJ or VOO?
SCJ has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SCJ -43.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SCJ and VOO?
SCJ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCJ and VOO?
SCJ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1293 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCJ or VOO?
SCJ yields 2.72% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SCJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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