SCZ vs VXUS
iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $13.2B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 2,080 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.56% | +13.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.05% | +25.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.39% | +19.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.10% | +8.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 10, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCZ vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) 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 SCZ returned +19.05% while VXUS returned +25.90%. Year to date, SCZ is up 11.56% versus a gain of 13.91% for VXUS.
Over three years, SCZ compounded at +17.39% per year against +19.76% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.10% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs +3.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% compared with 15.0% for VXUS. 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 -62.6% for SCZ 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCZ charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCZ currently yields 3.15% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCZ and VXUS share 1472 holdings out of 8654 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCZ or VXUS?
SCZ has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCZ or VXUS?
Over the past year SCZ returned +19.05% vs +25.90% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCZ annualized +3.70% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCZ or VXUS?
SCZ has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SCZ -62.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCZ and VXUS?
SCZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SCZ and VXUS?
SCZ and VXUS share 1472 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8654 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCZ or VXUS?
SCZ yields 3.15% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SCZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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