LFAI vs. SCHQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

LFAI (LifeX 2050 Longevity Income ETF) and SCHQ (Schwab Long-Term U.S. Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds. LFAI is actively managed, while SCHQ is passively managed. Over the past year, LFAI returned 4.26% vs 5.22% for SCHQ. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. LFAI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SCHQ.

Performance

LFAI vs. SCHQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LifeX 2050 Longevity Income ETF (LFAI) and Schwab Long-Term U.S. Treasury ETF (SCHQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with LFAI at -0.43% and SCHQ at -0.43%.

LFAI

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: -0.43%
• 6M: -1.22%
• 1Y: 4.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCHQ

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 0.65%
• YTD: -0.43%
• 6M: -1.74%
• 1Y: 5.22%
• 3Y*: -0.72%
• 5Y*: -5.29%
• 10Y*: —

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

LFAI vs. SCHQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
LFAI LifeX 2050 Longevity Income ETF	-0.43%	6.06%	-7.12%
SCHQ Schwab Long-Term U.S. Treasury ETF	-0.43%	5.50%	-11.38%

Correlation

The correlation between LFAI and SCHQ is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 17, 2024	0.97

The correlation between LFAI and SCHQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LFAI vs. SCHQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

LFAI

LFAI Risk / Return Rank: 20
LFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
LFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
LFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 19
LFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
LFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 20

SCHQ

SCHQ Risk / Return Rank: 17
SCHQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
SCHQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
SCHQ Omega Ratio Rank: 16
SCHQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
SCHQ Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

LFAI vs. SCHQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LifeX 2050 Longevity Income ETF (LFAI) and Schwab Long-Term U.S. Treasury ETF (SCHQ). 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.

	LFAI	SCHQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.68	0.59	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.02	0.91	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.10	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.81	0.75	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.28	1.94	+0.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LFAI vs. SCHQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LFAI Sharpe Ratio is 0.68, which is comparable to the SCHQ Sharpe Ratio of 0.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LFAI and SCHQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	LFAI	SCHQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68	0.59	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.37	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.16	-0.25	+0.09

Drawdowns

LFAI vs. SCHQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LFAI drawdown since its inception was -8.64%, smaller than the maximum SCHQ drawdown of -46.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LFAI and SCHQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	LFAI	SCHQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.64%	-46.13%	+37.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.30%	-7.01%	+1.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.65%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-40.93%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.38%	-36.82%	+33.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-26.36%	+22.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.87%	2.70%	-0.83%

Volatility

LFAI vs. SCHQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for LifeX 2050 Longevity Income ETF (LFAI) is 2.03%, while Schwab Long-Term U.S. Treasury ETF (SCHQ) has a volatility of 2.57%. This indicates that LFAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LFAI	SCHQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.03%	2.57%	-0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.42%	5.94%	-1.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.30%	8.93%	-2.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.16%	14.54%	-7.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.16%	15.33%	-8.17%

LFAI vs. SCHQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

LFAI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHQ's 0.03% 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

LFAI vs. SCHQ - Dividend Comparison

LFAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.55%, more than SCHQ's 4.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
LFAI LifeX 2050 Longevity Income ETF	13.55%	16.48%	1.91%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHQ Schwab Long-Term U.S. Treasury ETF	4.79%	4.54%	4.58%	3.79%	2.88%	1.69%	1.51%	0.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LFAI and SCHQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, LFAI and SCHQ 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, LFAI or SCHQ?

SCHQ has higher volatility (2.57%) compared to LFAI (2.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LFAI dropped -8.64% vs SCHQ's -46.13%.

Which ETF is better, LFAI or SCHQ?

On 1-year performance, SCHQ leads with 5.22% vs 4.26% for LFAI. On fees, SCHQ is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, LFAI has been the lower-risk option at 2.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LFAI or SCHQ?

Over the 1-year period, SCHQ has performed better with a 5.22% return vs 4.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LFAI or SCHQ?

SCHQ is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for LFAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LFAI or SCHQ?

LFAI has the higher dividend yield at 13.55%, compared with 4.79% for SCHQ.

What is the main difference between LFAI and SCHQ?

They also come from different issuers: Stone Ridge and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for LFAI and 0.03% for SCHQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LFAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.68 vs 0.59), 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.