SAEF vs. SCHK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and SCHK (Schwab 1000 Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SAEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Charles Schwab, while SCHK is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Schwab 1000 Index. SAEF is actively managed, while SCHK is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SAEF returned 14.04%/yr vs 21.32%/yr for SCHK. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAEF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SCHK.

Performance

SAEF vs. SCHK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAEF achieves a 13.56% return, which is significantly higher than SCHK's 10.10% return.

SAEF

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 5.97%
• YTD: 13.56%
• 6M: 11.41%
• 1Y: 26.64%
• 3Y*: 14.04%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCHK

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 10.10%
• 6M: 9.43%
• 1Y: 26.58%
• 3Y*: 21.32%
• 5Y*: 12.78%
• 10Y*: —

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

SAEF vs. SCHK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	13.56%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.31%
SCHK Schwab 1000 Index ETF	10.10%	17.23%	24.48%	26.63%	-19.51%	0.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and SCHK is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2021	0.83

The correlation between SAEF and SCHK shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.83 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SAEF vs. SCHK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAEF	SCHK
Consumer Cyclical	22.6%	9.8%
Industrials	20.3%	8.9%
Financial Services	15.0%	11.2%
Technology	14.7%	38.0%
Healthcare	10.0%	8.4%
Communication Services	7.5%	10.1%
Real Estate	4.5%	2.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	4.3%
Basic Materials	2.3%	1.9%
Energy	-	3.2%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. SCHK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 41
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 38

SCHK

SCHK Risk / Return Rank: 66
SCHK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SCHK Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SCHK Omega Ratio Rank: 65
SCHK Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
SCHK Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. SCHK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK). 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	SCHK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	2.10	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.84	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.38	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	2.98	-0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.65	13.32	-7.67

SAEF vs. SCHK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is lower than the SCHK Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAEF and SCHK, 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. SCHK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAEF drawdown since its inception was -28.05%, smaller than the maximum SCHK drawdown of -34.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAEF and SCHK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	SCHK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	-34.80%	+6.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-8.97%	-3.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	-19.21%	-8.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.59%	+1.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.28%	-5.16%	-5.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.72%	2.00%	+2.72%

Volatility

SAEF vs. SCHK - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) have volatilities of 4.90% and 4.74%, 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	SCHK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.90%	4.74%	+0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.26%	10.01%	+4.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.94%	12.77%	+6.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.38%	17.33%	+4.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.38%	19.12%	+2.26%

SAEF vs. SCHK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAEF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHK's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAEF vs. SCHK - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than SCHK's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.33%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHK Schwab 1000 Index ETF	1.01%	1.09%	1.20%	1.38%	1.57%	1.17%	1.58%	1.82%	1.80%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and SCHK in my portfolio?

SAEF and SCHK have a correlation of 0.73, 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 SCHK?

SAEF has higher volatility (4.90%) compared to SCHK (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAEF dropped -28.05% vs SCHK's -34.80%.

Which ETF is better, SAEF or SCHK?

On 3-year performance, SCHK leads with 21.32% vs 14.04% for SAEF. On fees, SCHK is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SCHK has been the lower-risk option at 4.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAEF or SCHK?

Over the 3-year period, SCHK has performed better with a 21.32% return vs 14.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAEF or SCHK?

SCHK is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SAEF.

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

SCHK has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.33% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and SCHK?

SAEF is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while SCHK is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SAEF and 0.03% for SCHK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.42), 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.