SAEF vs. DBC

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and DBC (Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SAEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Charles Schwab, while DBC is a Commodities fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Index Excess Return. SAEF is actively managed, while DBC is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SAEF returned 11.84%/yr vs 11.63%/yr for DBC. At a 0.08 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SAEF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DBC.

Performance

SAEF vs. DBC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAEF achieves a 13.52% return, which is significantly lower than DBC's 28.76% return.

SAEF

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.72%
• 6M: 7.66%
• YTD: 13.52%
• 1Y: 20.31%
• 3Y*: 11.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBC

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 2.02%
• 6M: 23.09%
• YTD: 28.76%
• 1Y: 33.57%
• 3Y*: 11.63%
• 5Y*: 11.71%
• 10Y*: 8.60%

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

SAEF vs. DBC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	13.52%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.31%
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	28.76%	8.10%	2.18%	-6.19%	19.34%	-2.62%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and DBC is -0.24, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2021	0.08

The correlation between SAEF and DBC shifts across timeframes, from -0.24 (1 year) to 0.08 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. DBC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 36
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 35

DBC

DBC Risk / Return Rank: 60
DBC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
DBC Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DBC Omega Ratio Rank: 63
DBC Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
DBC Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

SAEF vs. DBC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). 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.

	SAEF	DBC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	1.79	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.67	2.42	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.31	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.59	2.04	-0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.30	7.04	-2.75

SAEF vs. DBC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is lower than the DBC Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAEF and DBC, 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

SAEF vs. DBC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAEF drawdown since its inception was -28.05%, smaller than the maximum DBC drawdown of -76.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAEF and DBC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	DBC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	-76.36%	+48.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-16.54%	+3.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	-16.54%	-10.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.34%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.78%	-25.52%	+22.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.16%	-46.12%	+35.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.74%	4.78%	-0.04%

Volatility

SAEF vs. DBC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) is 4.51%, while Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC) has a volatility of 6.03%. This indicates that SAEF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAEF	DBC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.51%	6.03%	-1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.31%	16.67%	-2.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.84%	18.81%	+0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.30%	19.28%	+2.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.30%	17.80%	+3.50%

SAEF vs. DBC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAEF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than DBC's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAEF vs. DBC - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than DBC's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	2.58%	3.33%	5.22%	4.94%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	1.59%	1.30%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and DBC in my portfolio?

SAEF and DBC have a correlation of -0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAEF or DBC?

DBC has higher volatility (6.03%) compared to SAEF (4.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAEF dropped -28.05% vs DBC's -76.36%.

Which ETF is better, SAEF or DBC?

On 3-year performance, SAEF leads with 11.84% vs 11.63% for DBC. On fees, SAEF is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, SAEF has been the lower-risk option at 4.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAEF or DBC?

Over the 3-year period, SAEF has performed better with a 11.84% return vs 11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAEF or DBC?

SAEF is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DBC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SAEF or DBC?

DBC has the higher dividend yield at 2.58%, compared with 0.34% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and DBC?

SAEF is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while DBC is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SAEF and 0.85% for DBC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.09), 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.