EES vs. SCHA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund) and SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - EES tracks the WisdomTree U.S. Small Cap Index while SCHA tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EES returned 11.27%/yr vs 11.72%/yr for SCHA. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EES charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SCHA.

Performance

EES vs. SCHA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund (EES) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EES achieves a 15.85% return, which is significantly lower than SCHA's 22.53% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EES having a 11.27% annualized return and SCHA not far ahead at 11.72%.

EES

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 3.53%
• YTD: 15.85%
• 6M: 14.28%
• 1Y: 32.65%
• 3Y*: 16.43%
• 5Y*: 7.13%
• 10Y*: 11.27%

SCHA

• 1D: -1.72%
• 1M: 4.56%
• YTD: 22.53%
• 6M: 20.00%
• 1Y: 41.81%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 7.30%
• 10Y*: 11.72%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

EES vs. SCHA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund	15.85%	6.99%	9.86%	18.53%	-16.18%	34.39%	3.06%	21.68%	-10.12%	12.42%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	22.53%	11.60%	11.16%	18.46%	-19.81%	16.45%	19.34%	26.50%	-11.79%	14.94%

Correlation

The correlation between EES and SCHA is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.94

The correlation between EES and SCHA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

EES vs. SCHA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EES	SCHA
Financial Services	21.8%	15.4%
Technology	15.7%	24.3%
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	9.2%
Industrials	12.6%	15.4%
Healthcare	10.1%	13.8%
Energy	7.2%	4.8%
Basic Materials	5.0%	4.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	2.5%
Real Estate	4.7%	5.8%
Communication Services	3.3%	2.3%
Utilities	1.7%	2.1%

Return for Risk

EES vs. SCHA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

EES

EES Risk / Return Rank: 67
EES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
EES Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
EES Omega Ratio Rank: 57
EES Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
EES Martin Ratio Rank: 70

SCHA

SCHA Risk / Return Rank: 75
SCHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SCHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
SCHA Omega Ratio Rank: 64
SCHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
SCHA Martin Ratio Rank: 83

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

EES vs. SCHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund (EES) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	EES	SCHA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	2.24	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	3.11	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.37	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.11	4.42	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.18	16.18	-4.00

EES vs. SCHA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EES Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the SCHA Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EES and SCHA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

EES vs. SCHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EES drawdown since its inception was -63.66%, which is greater than SCHA's maximum drawdown of -42.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EES and SCHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	EES	SCHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.66%	-42.41%	-21.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.98%	-9.50%	+1.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.15%	-27.29%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.15%	-30.79%	+3.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.52%	-42.41%	-8.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.85%	-1.72%	+0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.34%	-7.56%	-2.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	2.59%	+0.10%

Volatility

EES vs. SCHA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund (EES) is 4.29%, while Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) has a volatility of 6.71%. This indicates that EES experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EES	SCHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.29%	6.71%	-2.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.50%	13.92%	-2.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.42%	18.77%	-1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.49%	22.05%	-0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.77%	22.75%	+1.02%

EES vs. SCHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

EES has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHA's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

EES vs. SCHA - Dividend Comparison

EES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.09%, more than SCHA's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund	1.09%	1.29%	1.37%	1.18%	1.12%	1.69%	1.29%	1.31%	1.81%	0.93%	1.02%	1.38%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	0.98%	1.26%	1.51%	1.42%	1.37%	1.19%	1.05%	1.39%	1.58%	1.24%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EES and SCHA in my portfolio?

EES and SCHA have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EES or SCHA?

SCHA has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to EES (4.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EES dropped -63.66% vs SCHA's -42.41%.

Which ETF is better, EES or SCHA?

On 10-year performance, SCHA leads with 11.72% vs 11.27% for EES. On fees, SCHA is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, EES has been the lower-risk option at 4.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EES or SCHA?

Over the 10-year period, SCHA has performed better with a 11.72% return vs 11.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EES or SCHA?

SCHA is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for EES.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EES or SCHA?

EES has the higher dividend yield at 1.09%, compared with 0.98% for SCHA.

What is the main difference between EES and SCHA?

EES tracks WisdomTree U.S. Small Cap Index, while SCHA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for EES and 0.04% for SCHA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 1.89), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.