GWX vs. SCHC

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

GWX (SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF) and SCHC (Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds - GWX tracks the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. Under USD2 Billion Index while SCHC tracks the FTSE Developed Small Cap ex U.S. Liquid Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GWX returned 8.00%/yr vs 8.67%/yr for SCHC. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GWX charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for SCHC.

Performance

GWX vs. SCHC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) and Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GWX achieves a 7.41% return, which is significantly higher than SCHC's 5.24% return. Over the past 10 years, GWX has underperformed SCHC with an annualized return of 8.00%, while SCHC has yielded a comparatively higher 8.67% annualized return.

GWX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -6.50%
• YTD: 7.41%
• 6M: 7.04%
• 1Y: 23.14%
• 3Y*: 16.07%
• 5Y*: 5.08%
• 10Y*: 8.00%

SCHC

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -6.25%
• YTD: 5.24%
• 6M: 4.81%
• 1Y: 19.49%
• 3Y*: 16.94%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 8.67%

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

GWX vs. SCHC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GWX SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF	7.41%	35.89%	0.21%	10.94%	-19.98%	9.66%	13.41%	18.18%	-18.97%	28.88%
SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF	5.24%	37.59%	1.97%	14.36%	-21.74%	12.02%	10.48%	23.10%	-18.60%	29.42%

Correlation

The correlation between GWX and SCHC is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2010	0.94

The correlation between GWX and SCHC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

GWX vs. SCHC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GWX	SCHC
Industrials	22.1%	16.1%
Technology	16.3%	6.7%
Basic Materials	14.7%	11.7%
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	7.4%
Healthcare	8.2%	3.7%
Financial Services	7.6%	13.1%
Real Estate	7.0%	5.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	3.1%
Energy	4.3%	4.4%
Communication Services	2.9%	2.2%
Utilities	1.4%	2.2%

Return for Risk

GWX vs. SCHC — Risk / Return Rank

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

GWX

GWX Risk / Return Rank: 45
GWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
GWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
GWX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
GWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
GWX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

SCHC

SCHC Risk / Return Rank: 37
SCHC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SCHC Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SCHC Omega Ratio Rank: 37
SCHC Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SCHC Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

GWX vs. SCHC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) and Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC). 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.

	GWX	SCHC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.20	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	1.72	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.22	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	1.57	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.10	5.59	+1.51

GWX vs. SCHC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GWX Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the SCHC Sharpe Ratio of 1.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GWX and SCHC, 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

GWX vs. SCHC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GWX drawdown since its inception was -63.25%, which is greater than SCHC's maximum drawdown of -43.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GWX and SCHC.

Drawdown Indicators

	GWX	SCHC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.25%	-43.94%	-19.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.91%	-12.48%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.73%	-15.52%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.58%	-36.48%	+1.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.27%	-43.94%	-1.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.67%	-7.03%	+0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.70%	-10.03%	-4.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	3.50%	-0.23%

Volatility

GWX vs. SCHC - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) has a higher volatility of 6.70% compared to Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) at 5.94%. This indicates that GWX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GWX	SCHC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.70%	5.94%	+0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.21%	14.12%	+0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.57%	16.33%	+0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.94%	17.64%	-0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.33%	17.85%	-0.52%

GWX vs. SCHC - Expense Ratio Comparison

GWX has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHC's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

GWX vs. SCHC - Dividend Comparison

GWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, less than SCHC's 3.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GWX SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF	2.75%	2.83%	2.71%	2.64%	2.71%	2.75%	1.74%	3.41%	2.94%	5.18%	4.21%	2.67%
SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF	3.52%	3.66%	3.72%	2.94%	1.78%	3.02%	1.62%	3.23%	2.51%	2.73%	2.01%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GWX and SCHC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, GWX and SCHC 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, GWX or SCHC?

GWX has higher volatility (6.70%) compared to SCHC (5.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GWX dropped -63.25% vs SCHC's -43.94%.

Which ETF is better, GWX or SCHC?

On 10-year performance, SCHC leads with 8.67% vs 8.00% for GWX. On fees, SCHC is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, SCHC has been the lower-risk option at 5.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GWX or SCHC?

Over the 10-year period, SCHC has performed better with a 8.67% return vs 8.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GWX or SCHC?

SCHC is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GWX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GWX or SCHC?

SCHC has the higher dividend yield at 3.52%, compared with 2.75% for GWX.

What is the main difference between GWX and SCHC?

GWX tracks S&P Developed Ex-U.S. Under USD2 Billion Index, while SCHC tracks FTSE Developed Small Cap ex U.S. Liquid Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GWX and 0.08% for SCHC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 1.20), 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.