SCJ vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $265M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.72% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 795 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.60% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.86% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.12% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.78% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCJ vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF (SCJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCJ returned +26.86% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, SCJ is up 20.60% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, SCJ compounded at +20.12% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.78% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SCJ has the edge at +4.96% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 15.1% 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 -43.7% for SCJ and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCJ charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCJ currently yields 2.72% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCJ and VXUS share 712 holdings out of 7945 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCJ or VXUS?
SCJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCJ or VXUS?
Over the past year SCJ returned +26.86% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCJ annualized +4.96% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCJ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.1% for SCJ. Worst drawdown: SCJ -43.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCJ and VXUS?
SCJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCJ and VXUS?
SCJ and VXUS share 712 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7945 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCJ or VXUS?
SCJ yields 2.72% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SCJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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