PRF vs. SCHE

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

PRF (Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF) and SCHE (Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PRF is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental Select US 1000 Index, while SCHE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PRF returned 13.42%/yr vs 7.76%/yr for SCHE. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PRF charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SCHE.

Performance

PRF vs. SCHE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF (PRF) 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, PRF achieves a 16.31% return, which is significantly higher than SCHE's 8.41% return. Over the past 10 years, PRF has outperformed SCHE with an annualized return of 13.42%, while SCHE has yielded a comparatively lower 7.76% annualized return.

PRF

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.92%
• 6M: 12.42%
• YTD: 16.31%
• 1Y: 28.99%
• 3Y*: 19.36%
• 5Y*: 13.16%
• 10Y*: 13.42%
• ALL TIME*: 10.61%

SCHE

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -3.73%
• 6M: 3.99%
• YTD: 8.41%
• 1Y: 18.66%
• 3Y*: 15.81%
• 5Y*: 5.24%
• 10Y*: 7.76%
• ALL TIME*: 4.83%

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

PRF vs. SCHE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PRF Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF	16.31%	18.33%	16.73%	15.72%	-7.79%	31.12%	7.78%	27.42%	-8.71%	16.01%
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	8.41%	26.54%	10.60%	8.93%	-17.84%	-0.65%	14.49%	20.31%	-13.57%	32.70%

Correlation

The correlation between PRF and SCHE is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2010	0.69

The correlation between PRF and SCHE shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (3 years) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PRF vs. SCHE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PRF	SCHE
Technology	22.3%	33.8%
Financial Services	16.0%	21.1%
Healthcare	12.6%	3.4%
Industrials	9.3%	6.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	8.9%
Communication Services	8.7%	7.1%
Energy	7.1%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	3.3%
Utilities	3.1%	2.8%
Basic Materials	3.0%	7.0%
Real Estate	2.6%	1.6%

Return for Risk

PRF vs. SCHE — Risk / Return Rank

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

PRF

PRF Risk / Return Rank: 93
PRF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
PRF Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
PRF Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PRF Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
PRF Martin Ratio Rank: 93

SCHE

SCHE Risk / Return Rank: 40
SCHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SCHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
SCHE Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SCHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
SCHE Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

PRF vs. SCHE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF (PRF) 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.

	PRF	SCHE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.70	1.06	+1.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.76	1.53	+2.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.20	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.42	1.66	+2.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.03	5.62	+12.41

PRF vs. SCHE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PRF Sharpe Ratio is 2.70, which is higher than the SCHE Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PRF 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

PRF vs. SCHE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PRF drawdown since its inception was -60.35%, which is greater than SCHE's maximum drawdown of -36.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PRF and SCHE.

Drawdown Indicators

	PRF	SCHE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.35%	-36.20%	-24.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.59%	-11.29%	+4.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.82%	-17.08%	+1.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	-31.38%	+11.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.16%	-36.20%	-1.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-4.66%	+3.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.89%	-12.52%	+5.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.61%	3.33%	-1.72%

Volatility

PRF vs. SCHE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF (PRF) is 1.79%, while Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) has a volatility of 5.89%. This indicates that PRF 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

	PRF	SCHE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.79%	5.89%	-4.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.10%	15.30%	-7.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.81%	17.72%	-6.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.11%	17.91%	-2.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.59%	19.42%	-1.83%

PRF vs. SCHE - Expense Ratio Comparison

PRF has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHE's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

PRF vs. SCHE - Dividend Comparison

PRF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, less than SCHE's 2.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PRF Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF	1.37%	1.59%	1.78%	1.84%	2.01%	1.58%	1.97%	1.99%	2.25%	1.58%	2.17%	2.25%
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.69%	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 PRF and SCHE in my portfolio?

PRF and SCHE have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PRF or SCHE?

SCHE has higher volatility (5.89%) compared to PRF (1.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PRF dropped -60.35% vs SCHE's -36.20%.

Which ETF is better, PRF or SCHE?

On 10-year performance, PRF leads with 13.42% vs 7.76% for SCHE. On fees, SCHE is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, PRF has been the lower-risk option at 1.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PRF or SCHE?

Over the 10-year period, PRF has performed better with a 13.42% return vs 7.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PRF or SCHE?

SCHE is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for PRF.

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

SCHE has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 1.37% for PRF.

What is the main difference between PRF and SCHE?

PRF is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while SCHE is Emerging Markets Equities. PRF tracks RAFI Fundamental Select US 1000 Index, while SCHE tracks FTSE Emerging Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for PRF and 0.11% for SCHE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PRF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 1.06), 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.