GISOX vs. SCHF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GISOX (Grandeur Peak International Stalwarts Fund) and SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) are both funds - GISOX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Grandeur Peak Funds, while SCHF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index. Over the past 10 years, GISOX returned 7.99%/yr vs 11.18%/yr for SCHF. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GISOX charges 1.15%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHF.

Performance

GISOX vs. SCHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grandeur Peak International Stalwarts Fund (GISOX) and Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GISOX achieves a 20.69% return, which is significantly higher than SCHF's 17.68% return. Over the past 10 years, GISOX has underperformed SCHF with an annualized return of 7.99%, while SCHF has yielded a comparatively higher 11.18% annualized return.

GISOX

• 1D: 1.82%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 20.69%
• 6M: 21.04%
• 1Y: 20.77%
• 3Y*: 8.36%
• 5Y*: -1.25%
• 10Y*: 7.99%

SCHF

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 3.82%
• YTD: 17.68%
• 6M: 18.27%
• 1Y: 36.30%
• 3Y*: 20.89%
• 5Y*: 10.67%
• 10Y*: 11.18%

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

GISOX vs. SCHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GISOX Grandeur Peak International Stalwarts Fund	20.69%	9.82%	-10.00%	14.58%	-37.61%	24.41%	38.16%	31.57%	-17.66%	36.78%
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	17.68%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%

Correlation

The correlation between GISOX and SCHF is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.79

The correlation between GISOX and SCHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GISOX vs. SCHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

GISOX

GISOX Risk / Return Rank: 20
GISOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
GISOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
GISOX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
GISOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
GISOX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 68
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

GISOX vs. SCHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grandeur Peak International Stalwarts Fund (GISOX) and Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF). 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.

	GISOX	SCHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	2.20	-1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.69	2.97	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.40	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	3.18	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.65	12.22	-7.56

GISOX vs. SCHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GISOX Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is lower than the SCHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GISOX and SCHF, 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

GISOX vs. SCHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GISOX drawdown since its inception was -47.98%, which is greater than SCHF's maximum drawdown of -34.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GISOX and SCHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	GISOX	SCHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.98%	-34.87%	-13.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.42%	-11.48%	+1.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.45%	-13.41%	-9.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.98%	-29.14%	-18.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.98%	-34.87%	-13.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.08%	0.00%	-18.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.48%	-7.36%	-10.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.26%	2.98%	+1.28%

Volatility

GISOX vs. SCHF - Volatility Comparison

Grandeur Peak International Stalwarts Fund (GISOX) has a higher volatility of 7.96% compared to Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) at 6.42%. This indicates that GISOX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GISOX	SCHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.96%	6.42%	+1.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.73%	14.43%	+1.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.30%	16.63%	+1.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.34%	16.55%	+3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.93%	17.21%	+1.72%

GISOX vs. SCHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

GISOX has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHF's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

GISOX vs. SCHF - Dividend Comparison

GISOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, less than SCHF's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GISOX Grandeur Peak International Stalwarts Fund	0.42%	0.50%	0.45%	0.54%	0.10%	8.61%	0.21%	0.14%	2.76%	1.38%	0.29%	0.00%
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	2.90%	3.42%	3.26%	2.97%	2.80%	3.19%	2.08%	2.95%	3.06%	2.35%	2.58%	2.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GISOX and SCHF in my portfolio?

GISOX and SCHF have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GISOX or SCHF?

GISOX has higher volatility (7.96%) compared to SCHF (6.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GISOX dropped -47.98% vs SCHF's -34.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.08), 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.