FSS vs. SCHG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FSS (Federal Signal Corporation) is a stock, while SCHG (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF) is Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Growth Total Stock Market Index. Over the past 10 years, FSS returned 26.27%/yr vs 18.65%/yr for SCHG. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

FSS vs. SCHG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federal Signal Corporation (FSS) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSS achieves a 9.14% return, which is significantly higher than SCHG's 1.35% return. Over the past 10 years, FSS has outperformed SCHG with an annualized return of 26.27%, while SCHG has yielded a comparatively lower 18.65% annualized return.

FSS

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 9.14%
• 6M: 3.87%
• 1Y: 15.40%
• 3Y*: 24.70%
• 5Y*: 25.00%
• 10Y*: 26.27%

SCHG

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: -3.93%
• YTD: 1.35%
• 6M: 0.09%
• 1Y: 17.91%
• 3Y*: 22.13%
• 5Y*: 13.27%
• 10Y*: 18.65%

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

FSS vs. SCHG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSS Federal Signal Corporation	9.14%	18.21%	21.05%	66.26%	8.22%	31.80%	3.99%	63.92%	0.39%	30.79%
SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF	1.35%	17.50%	34.95%	50.10%	-31.80%	28.11%	39.14%	36.02%	-1.36%	28.05%

Correlation

The correlation between FSS and SCHG is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2009	0.50

The correlation between FSS and SCHG shifts across timeframes, from 0.39 (1 year) to 0.50 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FSS vs. SCHG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSS

FSS Risk / Return Rank: 56
FSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
FSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
FSS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
FSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FSS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

SCHG

SCHG Risk / Return Rank: 28
SCHG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
SCHG Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
SCHG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
SCHG Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
SCHG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

FSS vs. SCHG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federal Signal Corporation (FSS) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG). 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.

	FSS	SCHG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.44	1.11	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	1.56	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.20	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.81	1.10	-0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.41	3.58	-2.17

FSS vs. SCHG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSS Sharpe Ratio is 0.44, which is lower than the SCHG Sharpe Ratio of 1.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSS and SCHG, 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

FSS vs. SCHG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSS drawdown since its inception was -83.43%, which is greater than SCHG's maximum drawdown of -34.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSS and SCHG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSS	SCHG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.43%	-34.59%	-48.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.04%	-16.41%	-2.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.54%	-23.39%	-8.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.96%	-34.59%	+1.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.96%	-34.59%	+1.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.55%	-6.46%	-2.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.56%	-5.20%	-17.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.98%	5.02%	+5.96%

Volatility

FSS vs. SCHG - Volatility Comparison

Federal Signal Corporation (FSS) has a higher volatility of 9.92% compared to Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) at 5.91%. This indicates that FSS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSS	SCHG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.92%	5.91%	+4.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.73%	12.52%	+11.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.60%	16.24%	+19.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.75%	22.38%	+8.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.64%	21.58%	+10.06%

Dividends

FSS vs. SCHG - Dividend Comparison

FSS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.49%, more than SCHG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSS Federal Signal Corporation	0.49%	0.52%	0.52%	0.51%	0.77%	0.83%	0.96%	0.99%	1.56%	1.39%	1.79%	1.58%
SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF	0.38%	0.36%	0.39%	0.46%	0.55%	0.42%	0.52%	0.82%	1.27%	1.01%	1.04%	1.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSS and SCHG in my portfolio?

FSS and SCHG have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSS or SCHG?

FSS has higher volatility (9.92%) compared to SCHG (5.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSS dropped -83.43% vs SCHG's -34.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.11 vs 0.43), 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.