SCHC vs. FDEGX

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

SCHC (Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF) and FDEGX (Fidelity Growth Strategies Fund) are both funds - SCHC is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Small Cap ex U.S. Liquid Index, while FDEGX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, SCHC returned 7.81%/yr vs 11.34%/yr for FDEGX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHC charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FDEGX.

Performance

SCHC vs. FDEGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) and Fidelity Growth Strategies Fund (FDEGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHC achieves a 4.65% return, which is significantly lower than FDEGX's 5.33% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHC has underperformed FDEGX with an annualized return of 7.81%, while FDEGX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.34% annualized return.

SCHC

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -3.47%
• 6M: 0.04%
• YTD: 4.65%
• 1Y: 15.26%
• 3Y*: 14.41%
• 5Y*: 5.82%
• 10Y*: 7.81%
• ALL TIME*: 6.92%

FDEGX

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: -7.51%
• 6M: -0.12%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 1Y: -5.12%
• 3Y*: 11.99%
• 5Y*: 6.04%
• 10Y*: 11.34%
• ALL TIME*: 9.48%

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

SCHC vs. FDEGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF	4.65%	37.59%	1.97%	14.36%	-21.74%	12.02%	10.48%	23.10%	-18.60%	29.42%
FDEGX Fidelity Growth Strategies Fund	5.33%	2.88%	26.57%	20.93%	-26.50%	21.30%	29.34%	36.59%	-6.92%	21.03%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHC and FDEGX is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2010	0.73

The correlation between SCHC and FDEGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SCHC vs. FDEGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHC

SCHC Risk / Return Rank: 33
SCHC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SCHC Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
SCHC Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SCHC Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
SCHC Martin Ratio Rank: 35

FDEGX

FDEGX Risk / Return Rank: 2
FDEGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
FDEGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
FDEGX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
FDEGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
FDEGX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

SCHC vs. FDEGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) and Fidelity Growth Strategies Fund (FDEGX). 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.

	SCHC	FDEGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	-0.20	+1.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	-0.12	+1.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	0.99	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.23	-0.23	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.97	-0.57	+4.54

SCHC vs. FDEGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHC Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is higher than the FDEGX Sharpe Ratio of -0.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHC and FDEGX, 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

SCHC vs. FDEGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHC drawdown since its inception was -43.94%, smaller than the maximum FDEGX drawdown of -85.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHC and FDEGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHC	FDEGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.94%	-85.96%	+42.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.48%	-20.45%	+7.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.30%	-26.04%	+10.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.48%	-36.62%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.94%	-36.62%	-7.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.55%	-9.66%	+2.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.02%	-36.71%	+26.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.85%	8.20%	-4.35%

Volatility

SCHC vs. FDEGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) is 4.14%, while Fidelity Growth Strategies Fund (FDEGX) has a volatility of 6.72%. This indicates that SCHC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDEGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHC	FDEGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	6.72%	-2.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.33%	17.71%	-3.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.46%	23.41%	-6.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.62%	23.62%	-6.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.80%	22.16%	-4.36%

SCHC vs. FDEGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHC has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than FDEGX's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHC vs. FDEGX - Dividend Comparison

SCHC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, while FDEGX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDEGX Fidelity Growth Strategies Fund	0.00%	0.00%	7.89%	0.05%	0.00%	14.15%	8.37%	3.65%	0.75%	0.05%	0.59%	0.13%
SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF	3.54%	3.66%	3.72%	2.94%	1.78%	3.02%	1.62%	3.23%	2.51%	2.73%	2.01%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHC and FDEGX in my portfolio?

SCHC and FDEGX have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHC or FDEGX?

FDEGX has higher volatility (6.72%) compared to SCHC (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHC dropped -43.94% vs FDEGX's -85.96%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.93 vs -0.20), 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.