SAEF vs. SCHA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SAEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Charles Schwab, while SCHA is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index. SAEF is actively managed, while SCHA is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SAEF returned 13.25%/yr vs 19.74%/yr for SCHA. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAEF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SCHA.

Performance

SAEF vs. SCHA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA). 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 SCHA's 20.80% return.

SAEF

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

SCHA

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 3.65%
• YTD: 20.80%
• 6M: 19.63%
• 1Y: 41.92%
• 3Y*: 19.74%
• 5Y*: 7.31%
• 10Y*: 11.12%

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

SAEF vs. SCHA - 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%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	20.80%	11.60%	11.16%	18.46%	-19.81%	-5.60%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and SCHA is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2021	0.92

The correlation between SAEF and SCHA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAEF vs. SCHA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAEF	SCHA
Consumer Cyclical	22.6%	9.0%
Industrials	20.3%	15.4%
Financial Services	15.0%	15.7%
Technology	14.7%	23.3%
Healthcare	10.0%	13.5%
Communication Services	7.5%	2.4%
Real Estate	4.5%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	2.6%
Basic Materials	2.3%	4.2%
Energy	-	5.5%
Utilities	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. SCHA — 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

SCHA

SCHA Risk / Return Rank: 76
SCHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SCHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SCHA Omega Ratio Rank: 66
SCHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
SCHA Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. SCHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA). 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	SCHA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	2.35	-1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	3.27	-1.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.39	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	4.43	-2.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	16.30	-11.26
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. SCHA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is lower than the SCHA Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAEF and SCHA, 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	SCHA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.27	2.35	-1.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.33	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.21	0.58	-0.36

Drawdowns

SAEF vs. SCHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAEF drawdown since its inception was -28.05%, smaller than the maximum SCHA drawdown of -42.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAEF and SCHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	SCHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	-42.41%	+14.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-9.50%	-3.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	-27.29%	-0.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.79%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.28%	0.00%	-1.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.39%	-7.58%	-2.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.73%	2.58%	+2.15%

Volatility

SAEF vs. SCHA - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) have volatilities of 4.89% and 4.81%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAEF	SCHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.89%	4.81%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.96%	12.84%	+1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.79%	17.96%	+0.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.40%	21.94%	-0.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.40%	22.71%	-1.31%

SAEF vs. SCHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAEF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHA's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAEF vs. SCHA - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than SCHA's 0.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	0.99%	1.26%	1.51%	1.42%	1.37%	1.19%	1.05%	1.39%	1.58%	1.24%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and SCHA in my portfolio?

SAEF and SCHA have a correlation of 0.86, 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 SCHA?

SAEF has higher volatility (4.89%) compared to SCHA (4.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAEF dropped -28.05% vs SCHA's -42.41%.

Which ETF is better, SAEF or SCHA?

On 3-year performance, SCHA leads with 19.74% vs 13.25% for SAEF. On fees, SCHA is cheaper at 0.04% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAEF or SCHA?

Over the 3-year period, SCHA has performed better with a 19.74% 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 SCHA?

SCHA is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SAEF.

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

SCHA has the higher dividend yield at 0.99%, compared with 0.34% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and SCHA?

SAEF is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while SCHA is Small Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SAEF and 0.04% for SCHA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 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.