SAEF vs. OPTZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and OPTZ (Optimize Strategy Index ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. SAEF is actively managed, while OPTZ is passively managed. Over the past year, SAEF returned 22.62% vs 61.16% for OPTZ. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAEF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OPTZ.

Performance

SAEF vs. OPTZ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAEF achieves a 12.39% return, which is significantly lower than OPTZ's 32.54% return.

SAEF

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 4.87%
• YTD: 12.39%
• 6M: 10.95%
• 1Y: 22.62%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OPTZ

• 1D: -3.23%
• 1M: 7.00%
• YTD: 32.54%
• 6M: 30.49%
• 1Y: 61.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SAEF vs. OPTZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	12.39%	2.31%	19.12%
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	32.54%	22.83%	16.41%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and OPTZ is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 23, 2024	0.82

The correlation between SAEF and OPTZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAEF vs. OPTZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAEF	OPTZ
Consumer Cyclical	22.6%	8.5%
Industrials	20.3%	8.2%
Financial Services	15.0%	8.0%
Technology	14.7%	55.4%
Healthcare	10.0%	9.4%
Communication Services	7.5%	2.6%
Real Estate	4.5%	1.4%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	3.5%
Basic Materials	2.3%	1.1%
Energy	-	1.3%
Utilities	-	0.6%

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. OPTZ — 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: 37
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 35

OPTZ

OPTZ Risk / Return Rank: 92
OPTZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
OPTZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
OPTZ Omega Ratio Rank: 89
OPTZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
OPTZ Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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. OPTZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ). 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	OPTZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	3.09	-1.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.82	3.95	-2.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.52	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.77	5.78	-4.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.80	25.39	-20.59

SAEF vs. OPTZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is lower than the OPTZ Sharpe Ratio of 3.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAEF and OPTZ, 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. OPTZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAEF drawdown since its inception was -28.05%, which is greater than OPTZ's maximum drawdown of -25.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAEF and OPTZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	OPTZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	-25.75%	-2.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-10.63%	-2.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	-3.23%	+2.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.27%	-3.36%	-6.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.72%	2.42%	+2.30%

Volatility

SAEF vs. OPTZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) is 5.09%, while Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ) has a volatility of 9.74%. This indicates that SAEF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than OPTZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAEF	OPTZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.09%	9.74%	-4.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.29%	16.08%	-1.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.94%	19.88%	-0.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.37%	21.28%	+0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.37%	21.28%	+0.09%

SAEF vs. OPTZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAEF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than OPTZ's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAEF vs. OPTZ - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than OPTZ's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	0.44%	0.58%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.33%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and OPTZ in my portfolio?

SAEF and OPTZ have a correlation of 0.77, 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 OPTZ?

OPTZ has higher volatility (9.74%) compared to SAEF (5.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAEF dropped -28.05% vs OPTZ's -25.75%.

Which ETF is better, SAEF or OPTZ?

On 1-year performance, OPTZ leads with 61.16% vs 22.62% for SAEF. On fees, OPTZ is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, SAEF has been the lower-risk option at 5.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAEF or OPTZ?

Over the 1-year period, OPTZ has performed better with a 61.16% return vs 22.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAEF or OPTZ?

OPTZ is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SAEF.

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

OPTZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.44%, compared with 0.33% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and OPTZ?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Optimize. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SAEF and 0.25% for OPTZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OPTZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.09 vs 1.21), 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.