PGJ vs. SCHE

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PGJ (Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF) and SCHE (Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PGJ is a China Equities fund tracking the Halter USX China Index, while SCHE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PGJ returned -0.29%/yr vs 8.98%/yr for SCHE. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PGJ charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SCHE.

Performance

PGJ vs. SCHE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) and Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PGJ achieves a -23.70% return, which is significantly lower than SCHE's 8.99% return. Over the past 10 years, PGJ has underperformed SCHE with an annualized return of -0.29%, while SCHE has yielded a comparatively higher 8.98% annualized return.

PGJ

• 1D: -2.80%
• 1M: -12.94%
• YTD: -23.70%
• 6M: -24.84%
• 1Y: -21.34%
• 3Y*: -2.41%
• 5Y*: -16.10%
• 10Y*: -0.29%

SCHE

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -2.08%
• YTD: 8.99%
• 6M: 9.22%
• 1Y: 22.53%
• 3Y*: 17.06%
• 5Y*: 4.52%
• 10Y*: 8.98%

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

PGJ vs. SCHE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PGJ Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF	-23.70%	13.66%	5.91%	-2.38%	-24.50%	-42.87%	54.24%	32.18%	-29.51%	60.27%
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	8.99%	26.54%	10.60%	8.93%	-17.84%	-0.65%	14.49%	20.31%	-13.57%	32.70%

Correlation

The correlation between PGJ and SCHE is 0.67, 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	0.67
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	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2010	0.73

The correlation between PGJ and SCHE shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.79 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PGJ vs. SCHE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PGJ	SCHE
Consumer Cyclical	44.4%	9.6%
Communication Services	26.3%	7.1%
Technology	11.4%	33.7%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	3.4%
Financial Services	3.9%	20.0%
Real Estate	3.1%	1.6%
Industrials	2.6%	6.7%
Energy	2.1%	4.4%
Healthcare	0.7%	3.2%
Basic Materials	-	7.5%
Utilities	-	2.8%

Return for Risk

PGJ vs. SCHE — Risk / Return Rank

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

PGJ

PGJ Risk / Return Rank: 3
PGJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
PGJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
PGJ Omega Ratio Rank: 3
PGJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
PGJ Martin Ratio Rank: 2

SCHE

SCHE Risk / Return Rank: 44
SCHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
SCHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
SCHE Omega Ratio Rank: 43
SCHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
SCHE Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

PGJ vs. SCHE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) and Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE). 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.

	PGJ	SCHE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.88	1.31	-2.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.20	1.85	-3.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.87	1.25	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.61	2.00	-2.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.41	7.01	-8.42

PGJ vs. SCHE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PGJ Sharpe Ratio is -0.88, which is lower than the SCHE Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PGJ and SCHE, 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

PGJ vs. SCHE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PGJ drawdown since its inception was -78.37%, which is greater than SCHE's maximum drawdown of -36.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PGJ and SCHE.

Drawdown Indicators

	PGJ	SCHE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.37%	-36.20%	-42.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.08%	-11.29%	-23.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.08%	-17.08%	-18.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-70.00%	-33.31%	-36.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-78.37%	-36.20%	-42.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-70.91%	-4.15%	-66.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.83%	-12.56%	-19.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.21%	3.22%	+11.99%

Volatility

PGJ vs. SCHE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) is 6.66%, while Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) has a volatility of 7.30%. This indicates that PGJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PGJ	SCHE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.66%	7.30%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.82%	15.01%	+2.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.38%	17.22%	+7.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.77%	17.89%	+25.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.71%	19.44%	+17.27%

PGJ vs. SCHE - Expense Ratio Comparison

PGJ has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHE's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

PGJ vs. SCHE - Dividend Comparison

PGJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.50%, more than SCHE's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PGJ Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF	3.50%	3.38%	4.70%	2.50%	0.84%	0.00%	0.30%	0.17%	0.31%	2.05%	1.94%	0.37%
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.67%	2.88%	3.03%	3.83%	2.88%	2.86%	2.09%	3.27%	2.64%	2.31%	2.27%	2.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PGJ and SCHE in my portfolio?

PGJ and SCHE have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PGJ or SCHE?

SCHE has higher volatility (7.30%) compared to PGJ (6.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PGJ dropped -78.37% vs SCHE's -36.20%.

Which ETF is better, PGJ or SCHE?

On 10-year performance, SCHE leads with 8.98% vs -0.29% for PGJ. On fees, SCHE is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, PGJ has been the lower-risk option at 6.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PGJ or SCHE?

Over the 10-year period, SCHE has performed better with a 8.98% return vs -0.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PGJ or SCHE?

SCHE is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for PGJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PGJ or SCHE?

PGJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 2.67% for SCHE.

What is the main difference between PGJ and SCHE?

PGJ is categorized as China Equities, while SCHE is Emerging Markets Equities. PGJ tracks Halter USX China Index, while SCHE tracks FTSE Emerging Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for PGJ and 0.11% for SCHE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs -0.88), 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.