SCHA vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHA is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index, while XLK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHA returned 11.39%/yr vs 25.11%/yr for XLK. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHA charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

SCHA vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHA achieves a 21.09% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 27.41% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHA has underperformed XLK with an annualized return of 11.39%, while XLK has yielded a comparatively higher 25.11% annualized return.

SCHA

• 1D: 3.42%
• 1M: 4.11%
• YTD: 21.09%
• 6M: 16.82%
• 1Y: 39.46%
• 3Y*: 18.41%
• 5Y*: 6.95%
• 10Y*: 11.39%

XLK

• 1D: 3.73%
• 1M: 4.57%
• YTD: 27.41%
• 6M: 24.16%
• 1Y: 53.33%
• 3Y*: 30.17%
• 5Y*: 21.81%
• 10Y*: 25.11%

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

SCHA vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	21.09%	11.60%	11.16%	18.46%	-19.81%	16.45%	19.34%	26.50%	-11.79%	14.94%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	27.41%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHA and XLK is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.72

The correlation between SCHA and XLK shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (3 years) to 0.72 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SCHA vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHA	XLK
Technology	23.9%	99.7%
Industrials	15.6%	0.1%
Financial Services	15.3%	-
Healthcare	13.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	-
Real Estate	5.9%	-
Energy	5.4%	0.2%
Basic Materials	4.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	-
Utilities	2.3%	-
Communication Services	2.3%	-

Return for Risk

SCHA vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHA

SCHA Risk / Return Rank: 82
SCHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
SCHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
SCHA Omega Ratio Rank: 73
SCHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
SCHA Martin Ratio Rank: 87

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 79
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 80
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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.

	SCHA	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	2.38	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.98	2.92	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.39	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.17	3.37	+0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.27	10.91	+4.36

SCHA vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHA Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is comparable to the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHA and XLK, 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

SCHA vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHA drawdown since its inception was -42.41%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHA and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHA	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.41%	-82.05%	+39.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	-15.92%	+6.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.29%	-25.66%	-1.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.79%	-33.56%	+2.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.41%	-33.56%	-8.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-7.57%	+7.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.57%	-34.93%	+27.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	4.90%	-2.31%

Volatility

SCHA vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) is 6.55%, while State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has a volatility of 10.87%. This indicates that SCHA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHA	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.55%	10.87%	-4.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.72%	18.91%	-5.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.60%	22.54%	-3.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.03%	25.19%	-3.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.75%	24.64%	-1.89%

SCHA vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHA has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than XLK's 0.08% 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. XLK - Dividend Comparison

SCHA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, more than XLK's 0.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.42%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHA and XLK in my portfolio?

SCHA and XLK have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHA or XLK?

XLK has higher volatility (10.87%) compared to SCHA (6.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHA dropped -42.41% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, SCHA or XLK?

On 10-year performance, XLK leads with 25.11% vs 11.39% for SCHA. On fees, SCHA is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, SCHA has been the lower-risk option at 6.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHA or XLK?

Over the 10-year period, XLK has performed better with a 25.11% return vs 11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHA or XLK?

SCHA is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for XLK.

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

SCHA has the higher dividend yield at 0.99%, compared with 0.42% for XLK.

What is the main difference between SCHA and XLK?

SCHA is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while XLK is Technology Equities. SCHA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for SCHA and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 2.13), 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.