FSML vs. SCHA

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

FSML (Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF) and SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. FSML is actively managed, while SCHA is passively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FSML charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SCHA.

Performance

FSML vs. SCHA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) 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, FSML achieves a 14.90% return, which is significantly lower than SCHA's 16.69% return.

FSML

• 1D: -3.10%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: 14.90%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCHA

• 1D: -3.41%
• 1M: -1.01%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 15.72%
• 1Y: 36.92%
• 3Y*: 17.38%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: 10.68%

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

FSML vs. SCHA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	14.90%	-3.75%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	16.69%	-3.52%

Correlation

The correlation between FSML and SCHA is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2025	0.95

Return for Risk

FSML vs. SCHA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHA

SCHA Risk / Return Rank: 67
SCHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SCHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SCHA Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SCHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
SCHA Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

FSML vs. SCHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FSML	SCHA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.30	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.14	0.57	+0.58

Drawdowns

FSML vs. SCHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSML drawdown since its inception was -10.83%, smaller than the maximum SCHA drawdown of -42.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSML and SCHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSML	SCHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.83%	-42.41%	+31.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.50%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.29%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.79%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.10%	-3.41%	+0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.62%	-7.58%	+4.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.59%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSML	SCHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.92%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.26%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.71%	18.30%	+2.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.71%	21.98%	-1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.71%	22.73%	-2.02%

FSML vs. SCHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSML has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHA's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSML vs. SCHA - Dividend Comparison

FSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than SCHA's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	0.16%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	1.03%	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 FSML and SCHA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FSML and SCHA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, FSML or SCHA?

On fees, SCHA is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSML or SCHA?

SCHA is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FSML.

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

SCHA has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.16% for FSML.

What is the main difference between FSML and SCHA?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSML and 0.04% for SCHA.