SCHC vs. HFXI

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

SCHC (Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF) and HFXI (IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHC is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Small Cap ex U.S. Liquid Index, while HFXI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex North America 50% Hedged to USD Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHC returned 7.81%/yr vs 11.03%/yr for HFXI. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCHC charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for HFXI.

Performance

SCHC vs. HFXI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) and IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF (HFXI). 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 HFXI's 13.95% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHC has underperformed HFXI with an annualized return of 7.81%, while HFXI has yielded a comparatively higher 11.03% 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%

HFXI

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -5.10%
• 6M: 8.59%
• YTD: 13.95%
• 1Y: 29.40%
• 3Y*: 18.31%
• 5Y*: 11.89%
• 10Y*: 11.03%
• ALL TIME*: 9.15%

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

SCHC vs. HFXI - 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%
HFXI IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF	13.95%	30.10%	7.58%	19.56%	-10.71%	13.96%	6.88%	23.67%	-12.69%	22.68%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHC and HFXI 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	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 22, 2015	0.84

The correlation between SCHC and HFXI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHC vs. HFXI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHC	HFXI
Industrials	20.0%	19.2%
Financial Services	15.9%	21.9%
Basic Materials	13.1%	6.0%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	7.9%
Technology	8.6%	17.9%
Real Estate	6.2%	2.3%
Energy	5.3%	3.2%
Healthcare	5.0%	9.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	6.0%
Utilities	2.8%	3.2%
Communication Services	2.7%	3.5%

Return for Risk

SCHC vs. HFXI — 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

HFXI

HFXI Risk / Return Rank: 75
HFXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
HFXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
HFXI Omega Ratio Rank: 77
HFXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
HFXI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. HFXI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) and IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF (HFXI). 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	HFXI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	1.81	-0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	2.49	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.34	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.23	2.72	-1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.97	10.22	-6.24

SCHC vs. HFXI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHC Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is lower than the HFXI Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHC and HFXI, 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. HFXI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHC drawdown since its inception was -43.94%, which is greater than HFXI's maximum drawdown of -32.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHC and HFXI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHC	HFXI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.94%	-32.42%	-11.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.48%	-10.84%	-1.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.30%	-13.52%	-1.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.48%	-22.35%	-14.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.94%	-32.42%	-11.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.55%	-5.17%	-2.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.02%	-5.42%	-4.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.85%	2.88%	+0.97%

Volatility

SCHC vs. HFXI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) is 4.14%, while IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF (HFXI) has a volatility of 5.93%. This indicates that SCHC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HFXI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHC	HFXI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	5.93%	-1.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.33%	14.58%	-0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.46%	16.37%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.62%	15.16%	+2.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.80%	16.57%	+1.23%

SCHC vs. HFXI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHC has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than HFXI's 0.20% 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

SCHC vs. HFXI - Dividend Comparison

SCHC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, more than HFXI's 3.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HFXI IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF	3.40%	4.19%	2.68%	2.49%	4.65%	3.10%	2.00%	3.19%	4.33%	2.56%	2.71%	0.78%
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 HFXI in my portfolio?

SCHC and HFXI 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, SCHC or HFXI?

HFXI has higher volatility (5.93%) compared to SCHC (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHC dropped -43.94% vs HFXI's -32.42%.

Which ETF is better, SCHC or HFXI?

On 10-year performance, HFXI leads with 11.03% vs 7.81% for SCHC. On fees, SCHC is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, SCHC has been the lower-risk option at 4.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHC or HFXI?

Over the 10-year period, HFXI has performed better with a 11.03% return vs 7.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHC or HFXI?

SCHC is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for HFXI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHC or HFXI?

SCHC has the higher dividend yield at 3.54%, compared with 3.40% for HFXI.

What is the main difference between SCHC and HFXI?

SCHC is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while HFXI is Foreign Large Cap Equities. SCHC tracks FTSE Developed Small Cap ex U.S. Liquid Index, while HFXI tracks FTSE Developed ex North America 50% Hedged to USD Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and New York Life. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for SCHC and 0.20% for HFXI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HFXI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 0.93), 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.