SCHC vs. VSS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SCHC (Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF) and VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds - SCHC tracks the FTSE Developed Small Cap ex U.S. Liquid Index while VSS tracks the FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHC returned 8.68%/yr vs 8.76%/yr for VSS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SCHC charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSS.

Performance

SCHC vs. VSS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHC achieves a 8.19% return, which is significantly lower than VSS's 10.76% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SCHC having a 8.68% annualized return and VSS not far ahead at 8.76%.

SCHC

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -1.97%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 8.34%
• 1Y: 24.95%
• 3Y*: 18.14%
• 5Y*: 6.51%
• 10Y*: 8.68%

VSS

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -0.37%
• YTD: 10.76%
• 6M: 11.06%
• 1Y: 26.93%
• 3Y*: 17.08%
• 5Y*: 6.23%
• 10Y*: 8.76%

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

SCHC vs. VSS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF	8.19%	37.59%	1.97%	14.36%	-21.74%	12.02%	10.48%	23.10%	-18.60%	29.42%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	10.76%	29.61%	2.94%	15.52%	-21.48%	13.05%	11.81%	21.36%	-18.48%	30.61%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHC and VSS is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2010	0.96

The correlation between SCHC and VSS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHC vs. VSS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHC	VSS
Industrials	16.1%	18.7%
Financial Services	13.1%	10.1%
Basic Materials	11.7%	12.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	9.1%
Technology	6.7%	14.5%
Real Estate	5.0%	7.1%
Energy	4.4%	4.4%
Healthcare	3.7%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	3.5%
Utilities	2.2%	2.5%
Communication Services	2.2%	2.3%

Return for Risk

SCHC vs. VSS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHC

SCHC Risk / Return Rank: 44
SCHC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
SCHC Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SCHC Omega Ratio Rank: 45
SCHC Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
SCHC Martin Ratio Rank: 45

VSS

VSS Risk / Return Rank: 51
VSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VSS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
VSS Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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. VSS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). 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	VSS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.74	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	2.38	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.32	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.01	2.33	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.33	8.70	-1.37

SCHC vs. VSS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHC Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the VSS Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHC and VSS, 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. VSS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHC drawdown since its inception was -43.94%, roughly equal to the maximum VSS drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHC and VSS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHC	VSS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.94%	-43.51%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.48%	-11.62%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.52%	-15.73%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.48%	-33.93%	-2.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.94%	-43.51%	-0.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.42%	-2.41%	-2.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.04%	-9.62%	-0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.41%	3.10%	+0.31%

Volatility

SCHC vs. VSS - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) have volatilities of 5.84% and 5.97%, 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

	SCHC	VSS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.84%	5.97%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.93%	13.61%	+0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.20%	15.59%	+0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.61%	16.59%	+1.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.00%	17.28%	+0.72%

SCHC vs. VSS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHC has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VSS's 0.07% expense ratio. However, 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. VSS - Dividend Comparison

SCHC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, more than VSS's 3.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF	3.38%	3.66%	3.72%	2.94%	1.78%	3.02%	1.62%	3.23%	2.51%	2.73%	2.01%	2.34%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	3.15%	3.39%	3.44%	3.14%	2.30%	2.74%	1.90%	3.25%	2.80%	2.83%	2.93%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHC and VSS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SCHC and VSS 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, SCHC or VSS?

VSS has higher volatility (5.97%) compared to SCHC (5.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHC dropped -43.94% vs VSS's -43.51%.

Which ETF is better, SCHC or VSS?

On 10-year performance, VSS leads with 8.76% vs 8.68% for SCHC. On fees, VSS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, SCHC has been the lower-risk option at 5.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHC or VSS?

Over the 10-year period, VSS has performed better with a 8.76% return vs 8.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHC or VSS?

VSS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for SCHC.

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

SCHC has the higher dividend yield at 3.38%, compared with 3.15% for VSS.

What is the main difference between SCHC and VSS?

SCHC tracks FTSE Developed Small Cap ex U.S. Liquid Index, while VSS tracks FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for SCHC and 0.07% for VSS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.55), 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.