IFV vs. SCHF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IFV (First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF) and SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IFV tracks the Dorsey Wright International Focus Five Index while SCHF tracks the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IFV returned 7.79%/yr vs 11.18%/yr for SCHF. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IFV charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHF.

Performance

IFV vs. SCHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) 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, IFV achieves a 12.31% return, which is significantly lower than SCHF's 17.68% return. Over the past 10 years, IFV has underperformed SCHF with an annualized return of 7.79%, while SCHF has yielded a comparatively higher 11.18% annualized return.

IFV

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 0.98%
• YTD: 12.31%
• 6M: 12.51%
• 1Y: 29.49%
• 3Y*: 18.66%
• 5Y*: 5.13%
• 10Y*: 7.79%

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)

IFV vs. SCHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IFV First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF	12.31%	32.26%	0.33%	20.45%	-25.39%	5.59%	6.15%	26.29%	-20.44%	32.58%
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 IFV and SCHF is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2014	0.82

The correlation between IFV and SCHF shifts across timeframes, from 0.77 (5 years) to 0.87 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IFV vs. SCHF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IFV	SCHF
Industrials	30.7%	18.1%
Financial Services	11.2%	23.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	7.3%
Basic Materials	9.8%	7.4%
Technology	9.5%	17.6%
Energy	7.8%	4.7%
Real Estate	5.8%	2.0%
Utilities	5.1%	3.2%
Healthcare	3.9%	7.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	5.7%
Communication Services	2.5%	3.6%

Return for Risk

IFV vs. SCHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

IFV

IFV Risk / Return Rank: 52
IFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
IFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
IFV Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
IFV Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

IFV vs. SCHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) 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.

	IFV	SCHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	2.20	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	2.97	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.40	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	3.18	-0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.71	12.22	-3.51

IFV vs. SCHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IFV Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the SCHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IFV 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

IFV vs. SCHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IFV drawdown since its inception was -48.89%, which is greater than SCHF's maximum drawdown of -34.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IFV and SCHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	IFV	SCHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.89%	-34.87%	-14.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.57%	-11.48%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.66%	-13.41%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.78%	-29.14%	-5.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.89%	-34.87%	-14.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.86%	0.00%	-1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.19%	-7.36%	-5.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	2.98%	+0.42%

Volatility

IFV vs. SCHF - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) and Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) have volatilities of 6.47% and 6.42%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IFV	SCHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.47%	6.42%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.54%	14.43%	+0.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.04%	16.63%	+0.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.12%	16.55%	+1.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.76%	17.21%	+3.55%

IFV vs. SCHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

IFV has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHF's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

IFV vs. SCHF - Dividend Comparison

IFV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, less than SCHF's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IFV First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF	1.77%	1.95%	2.31%	2.88%	3.79%	1.04%	1.53%	2.91%	1.86%	1.43%	1.10%	1.52%
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 IFV and SCHF in my portfolio?

IFV and SCHF have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IFV or SCHF?

IFV has higher volatility (6.47%) compared to SCHF (6.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IFV dropped -48.89% vs SCHF's -34.87%.

Which ETF is better, IFV or SCHF?

On 10-year performance, SCHF leads with 11.18% vs 7.79% for IFV. On fees, SCHF is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IFV or SCHF?

Over the 10-year period, SCHF has performed better with a 11.18% return vs 7.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IFV or SCHF?

SCHF is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 1.06% for IFV.

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

SCHF has the higher dividend yield at 2.90%, compared with 1.77% for IFV.

What is the main difference between IFV and SCHF?

IFV tracks Dorsey Wright International Focus Five Index, while SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 1.06% for IFV and 0.06% for SCHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.74), 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.