GSIE vs. SCHF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GSIE (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF) and SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - GSIE tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity Index while SCHF tracks the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GSIE returned 9.97%/yr vs 11.18%/yr for SCHF. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GSIE charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHF.

Performance

GSIE vs. SCHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) 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, GSIE achieves a 8.35% return, which is significantly lower than SCHF's 17.68% return. Over the past 10 years, GSIE has underperformed SCHF with an annualized return of 9.97%, while SCHF has yielded a comparatively higher 11.18% annualized return.

GSIE

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 1.62%
• YTD: 8.35%
• 6M: 8.45%
• 1Y: 22.79%
• 3Y*: 17.50%
• 5Y*: 8.72%
• 10Y*: 9.97%

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)

GSIE vs. SCHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF	8.35%	32.53%	5.23%	16.99%	-15.86%	13.27%	7.45%	22.83%	-13.40%	26.22%
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 GSIE and SCHF is 0.96 - 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2015	0.98

The correlation between GSIE and SCHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSIE vs. SCHF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSIE	SCHF
Financial Services	26.4%	23.3%
Industrials	18.9%	18.1%
Technology	9.9%	17.6%
Healthcare	9.3%	7.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	7.5%	5.7%
Basic Materials	6.2%	7.4%
Energy	4.6%	4.7%
Communication Services	4.1%	3.6%
Utilities	3.3%	3.2%
Real Estate	1.2%	2.0%

Return for Risk

GSIE vs. SCHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSIE

GSIE Risk / Return Rank: 46
GSIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
GSIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
GSIE Omega Ratio Rank: 45
GSIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
GSIE Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

GSIE vs. SCHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) 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.

	GSIE	SCHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	2.20	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.97	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.40	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	3.18	-1.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.03	12.22	-4.18

GSIE vs. SCHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSIE Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the SCHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSIE 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

GSIE vs. SCHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSIE drawdown since its inception was -34.63%, roughly equal to the maximum SCHF drawdown of -34.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSIE and SCHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSIE	SCHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.63%	-34.87%	+0.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.76%	-11.48%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.07%	-13.41%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	-29.14%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.63%	-34.87%	+0.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.50%	0.00%	-0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.04%	-7.36%	+1.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.98%	-0.14%

Volatility

GSIE vs. SCHF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) is 4.31%, while Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) has a volatility of 6.42%. This indicates that GSIE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSIE	SCHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	6.42%	-2.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.09%	14.43%	-2.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.49%	16.63%	-2.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.10%	16.55%	-0.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.72%	17.21%	-0.49%

GSIE vs. SCHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSIE has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHF's 0.06% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GSIE vs. SCHF - Dividend Comparison

GSIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.48%, less than SCHF's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF	2.48%	2.65%	3.11%	2.87%	3.01%	2.40%	1.60%	2.80%	2.68%	2.31%	2.15%	0.13%
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 GSIE and SCHF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, GSIE and SCHF 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 is riskier, GSIE or SCHF?

SCHF has higher volatility (6.42%) compared to GSIE (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSIE dropped -34.63% vs SCHF's -34.87%.

Which ETF is better, GSIE or SCHF?

On 10-year performance, SCHF leads with 11.18% vs 9.97% for GSIE. On fees, SCHF is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, GSIE has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSIE or SCHF?

Over the 10-year period, SCHF has performed better with a 11.18% return vs 9.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSIE or SCHF?

SCHF is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for GSIE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GSIE or SCHF?

SCHF has the higher dividend yield at 2.90%, compared with 2.48% for GSIE.

What is the main difference between GSIE and SCHF?

GSIE tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity Index, while SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for GSIE and 0.06% for SCHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.58), 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.