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iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF(HSCZ)
Advisory History & Simulated Performance *
*as per simulation (see disclosures)- ALL
- 1Y
- 1M
- 1W
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- PASS (Skip)
Stock price based on last close Advisory Performance History (Simulated)
Upturn Advisory & Investor View for HSCZ
11/06/2026: HSCZ (2-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
HSCZ provides focused exposure to international small-cap equities in developed markets, such as Japan and the UK, while using currency forwards to neutralize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations against the US dollar. Its main strength is the ability to isolate international small-cap equity performance, making it a specialized tool for strategic asset allocation. However, the fund faces risks related to lower liquidity and higher volatility inherent in small-cap stocks, alongside the potential costs of maintaining the currency hedge. It is best suited for experienced investors looking for specific regional equity exposure without currency risk, and it is important to monitor the trading volume and hedge efficiency in various interest-rate environments.
How to Read the Upturn Advisory
The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.
ETF holdings, costs, diversification, valuation, risks, and market conditions provide supporting context about the fund.
Investor Fit
| Investor style | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth investor | Mixed fit | Small-cap equities provide growth potential, but international markets may have different growth cycles than the US. |
| Momentum investor | Strong fit while signal remains positive | Momentum investors can use this to capture international small-cap trends while neutralizing currency headwinds. |
| Value investor | Strong fit | International small-caps often trade at lower valuations compared to US large-cap stocks. |
| Dividend/Income investor | Mixed fit | While many underlying holdings pay dividends, the primary goal of the fund is capital appreciation rather than income generation. |
| Low-risk investor | Weak fit | Small-cap stocks are inherently volatile and generally unsuitable for low-risk investors. |
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
An investor seeking tactical international small-cap exposure who has a strong view that they want to remove the 'currency noise' from their foreign investment returns.
Suitability
Best for long-term investors looking to diversify portfolios with non-US assets, provided they understand the risks of small-cap equities and the nuances of currency hedging.
Risk Profile
| Risk factor | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | High | Small-cap stocks are typically more sensitive to market downturns and economic shifts. |
| Market risk | High | Exposure to international equity markets subjects investors to geopolitical and local economic risks. |
| Concentration | Medium | The fund holds a broad basket, but concentration in certain developed markets like Japan or the UK is significant. |
| Tracking/expense | Medium | Costs associated with maintaining the currency hedge can impact the tracking of the benchmark index. |
| Liquidity | High | Low trading volume can lead to difficulties in entering or exiting positions without impacting price. |
| Business/sector quality | Medium | Small-cap companies may have less robust balance sheets than large-cap multinationals. |
Risk Analysis
Volatility
HSCZ exhibits higher volatility compared to large-cap international funds, consistent with the risk profile of small-cap equities.
Market Risk
The primary risk is equity market decline in developed international economies, exacerbated by the small-cap nature of the holdings.
What the ETF Owns
| Exposure Type | Exposure | Weight (%) | Retail Investor Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Japan Equity Small-Cap | 30 | Japan represents a significant portion of the EAFE small-cap universe, providing exposure to local consumer and industrial companies. |
| Geography | United Kingdom Equity Small-Cap | 20 | UK small-cap stocks offer exposure to domestic-focused businesses outside of the large-cap FTSE constituents. |
| Geography | Other Developed Markets (Europe/Australia) | 48 | This provides diversified exposure to small-cap firms across diverse economies such as Germany, Australia, and Switzerland. |
| Derivatives | Currency Forward Contracts | 2 | These contracts are used to hedge the exposure to foreign currencies, effectively locking in the USD value of the underlying foreign assets. |
Price Behavior
Steady Uptrend
The stock demonstrates consistent and steady upward price momentum.
Very Smooth
The stock has followed a highly orderly price path with minimal short-term disruption.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 28.97% | Avg. Invested days 93 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Advisory Rating  | Upturn Advisory Performance  5.0 | ETF Returns Performance  4.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 11/06/2026 |
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