SCJ vs VYM
iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCJ offers more diversification with 795 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $265M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.72% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 795 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.92% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.13% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.67% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.70% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SCJ vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF (SCJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCJ returned +22.13% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, SCJ is up 17.92% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, SCJ compounded at +19.67% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.70% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCJ charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCJ currently yields 2.72% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SCJ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1391 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 VYM?
SCJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCJ or VYM?
Over the past year SCJ returned +22.13% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SCJ annualized +4.83% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCJ or VYM?
SCJ has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SCJ -43.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SCJ and VYM?
SCJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCJ and VYM?
SCJ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1391 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCJ or VYM?
SCJ yields 2.72% while VYM yields 2.24%, 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.