SAEF vs. EPU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and EPU (iShares MSCI Peru ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. SAEF is actively managed, while EPU is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SAEF returned 13.25%/yr vs 45.81%/yr for EPU. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.59% expense ratio.

Performance

SAEF vs. EPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAEF achieves a 9.41% return, which is significantly lower than EPU's 16.05% return.

SAEF

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 2.14%
• YTD: 9.41%
• 6M: 11.92%
• 1Y: 23.77%
• 3Y*: 13.25%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EPU

• 1D: -2.58%
• 1M: 7.83%
• YTD: 16.05%
• 6M: 27.68%
• 1Y: 79.15%
• 3Y*: 45.81%
• 5Y*: 24.36%
• 10Y*: 14.20%

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

SAEF vs. EPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	9.41%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.35%
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	16.05%	86.87%	21.73%	25.34%	2.05%	1.62%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and EPU is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2021	0.47

SAEF vs. EPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAEF	EPU
Consumer Cyclical	22.6%	4.1%
Industrials	20.3%	2.8%
Financial Services	15.0%	28.8%
Technology	14.7%	-
Healthcare	10.0%	1.2%
Communication Services	7.5%	1.6%
Real Estate	4.5%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	3.0%
Basic Materials	2.3%	52.7%
Energy	-	-
Utilities	-	2.8%

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. EPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 35
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 34

EPU

EPU Risk / Return Rank: 71
EPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
EPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
EPU Omega Ratio Rank: 70
EPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
EPU Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. EPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU). 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.

	SAEF	EPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	2.71	-1.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	3.13	-1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.43	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	3.82	-1.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	11.49	-6.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SAEF vs. EPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is lower than the EPU Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAEF and EPU, 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

	SAEF	EPU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.27	2.71	-1.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.98	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.21	0.45	-0.24

Drawdowns

SAEF vs. EPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAEF drawdown since its inception was -28.05%, smaller than the maximum EPU drawdown of -60.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAEF and EPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	EPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	-60.62%	+32.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-20.85%	+8.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	-20.85%	-6.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.59%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.28%	-10.53%	+9.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.39%	-18.83%	+8.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.73%	6.91%	-2.18%

Volatility

SAEF vs. EPU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) is 4.89%, while iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) has a volatility of 9.48%. This indicates that SAEF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAEF	EPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.89%	9.48%	-4.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.96%	25.04%	-11.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.79%	29.32%	-10.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.40%	25.12%	-3.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.40%	23.43%	-2.03%

SAEF vs. EPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SAEF and EPU have an expense ratio of 0.59%.

Dividends

SAEF vs. EPU - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than EPU's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	1.41%	1.63%	5.78%	4.17%	5.56%	3.13%	1.91%	2.67%	1.53%	3.30%	0.85%	1.90%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and EPU in my portfolio?

SAEF and EPU have a correlation of 0.40, 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 EPU?

EPU has higher volatility (9.48%) compared to SAEF (4.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAEF dropped -28.05% vs EPU's -60.62%.

Which ETF is better, SAEF or EPU?

On 3-year performance, EPU leads with 45.81% vs 13.25% for SAEF. Both ETFs have the same 0.59% expense ratio. On volatility, SAEF has been the lower-risk option at 4.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAEF or EPU?

Over the 3-year period, EPU has performed better with a 45.81% return vs 13.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAEF or EPU?

SAEF and EPU have the same expense ratio: 0.59% per year.

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

EPU has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 0.34% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and EPU?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EPU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.27), 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.