SCHA vs. ESML

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) and ESML (iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - SCHA tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Total Return Index while ESML tracks the MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SCHA returned 7.13%/yr vs 7.18%/yr for ESML. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SCHA charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for ESML.

Performance

SCHA vs. ESML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHA achieves a 19.79% return, which is significantly higher than ESML's 16.26% return.

SCHA

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 4.77%
• YTD: 19.79%
• 6M: 19.32%
• 1Y: 40.27%
• 3Y*: 18.92%
• 5Y*: 7.13%
• 10Y*: 11.13%

ESML

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 3.86%
• YTD: 16.26%
• 6M: 15.99%
• 1Y: 34.21%
• 3Y*: 17.27%
• 5Y*: 7.18%
• 10Y*: —

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

SCHA vs. ESML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	19.79%	11.60%	11.16%	18.46%	-19.81%	16.45%	19.34%	26.50%	-12.64%
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	16.26%	10.62%	12.01%	17.27%	-17.28%	19.28%	19.56%	29.12%	-10.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHA and ESML is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 13, 2018	0.98

The correlation between SCHA and ESML has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHA vs. ESML - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHA	ESML
Technology	23.3%	17.5%
Financial Services	15.7%	14.4%
Industrials	15.4%	19.3%
Healthcare	13.5%	12.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	11.3%
Real Estate	6.0%	6.5%
Energy	5.5%	5.9%
Basic Materials	4.2%	3.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	3.7%
Communication Services	2.4%	2.2%
Utilities	2.3%	2.7%

Return for Risk

SCHA vs. ESML — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHA

SCHA Risk / Return Rank: 71
SCHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SCHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SCHA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SCHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
SCHA Martin Ratio Rank: 79

ESML

ESML Risk / Return Rank: 66
ESML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
ESML Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
ESML Omega Ratio Rank: 57
ESML Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
ESML Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

SCHA vs. ESML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML). 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.

	SCHA	ESML	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	2.07	+0.18
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.16	2.95	+0.21
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.35	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.26	3.80	+0.45
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.66	14.00	+1.66
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCHA vs. ESML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHA Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is comparable to the ESML Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHA and ESML, 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

	SCHA	ESML	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.25	2.07	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	0.34	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.46	+0.11

Drawdowns

SCHA vs. ESML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHA drawdown since its inception was -42.41%, roughly equal to the maximum ESML drawdown of -41.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHA and ESML.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHA	ESML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.41%	-41.97%	-0.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	-9.04%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.29%	-26.68%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.79%	-28.61%	-2.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.41%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.47%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.58%	-8.97%	+1.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	2.45%	+0.13%

Volatility

SCHA vs. ESML - Volatility Comparison

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) has a higher volatility of 5.08% compared to iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) at 4.25%. This indicates that SCHA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ESML based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHA	ESML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	4.25%	+0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.83%	11.67%	+1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.01%	16.66%	+1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.93%	21.23%	+0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.71%	23.40%	-0.69%

SCHA vs. ESML - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHA has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than ESML's 0.17% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHA vs. ESML - Dividend Comparison

SCHA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, more than ESML's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	0.95%	1.08%	1.22%	1.31%	1.46%	0.94%	0.99%	1.10%	1.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	1.00%	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 SCHA and ESML in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, SCHA and ESML move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SCHA or ESML?

SCHA has higher volatility (5.08%) compared to ESML (4.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHA dropped -42.41% vs ESML's -41.97%.

Which ETF is better, SCHA or ESML?

On 5-year performance, ESML leads with 7.18% vs 7.13% for SCHA. On fees, SCHA is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, ESML has been the lower-risk option at 4.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHA or ESML?

Over the 5-year period, ESML has performed better with a 7.18% return vs 7.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHA or ESML?

SCHA is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.17% for ESML.

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

SCHA has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.95% for ESML.

What is the main difference between SCHA and ESML?

SCHA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Total Return Index, while ESML tracks MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for SCHA and 0.17% for ESML.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 2.07), 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.