SCHE vs. DFEM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

SCHE (Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and DFEM (Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index, while DFEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional. SCHE is passively managed, while DFEM is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SCHE returned 16.38%/yr vs 20.52%/yr for DFEM. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SCHE charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFEM.

Performance

SCHE vs. DFEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHE achieves a 8.15% return, which is significantly lower than DFEM's 19.14% return.

SCHE

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -3.78%
• YTD: 8.15%
• 6M: 8.93%
• 1Y: 23.97%
• 3Y*: 16.38%
• 5Y*: 4.48%
• 10Y*: 8.59%

DFEM

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: -3.62%
• YTD: 19.14%
• 6M: 21.20%
• 1Y: 39.95%
• 3Y*: 20.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCHE vs. DFEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	8.15%	26.54%	10.60%	8.93%	-6.00%
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	19.14%	29.51%	7.53%	13.91%	-8.69%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHE and DFEM is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2022	0.96

The correlation between SCHE and DFEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHE vs. DFEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHE	DFEM
Technology	32.1%	32.9%
Financial Services	13.7%	15.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	9.8%
Communication Services	5.2%	5.5%
Industrials	4.8%	11.9%
Basic Materials	3.7%	8.4%
Energy	3.1%	4.4%
Healthcare	2.7%	3.8%
Utilities	2.1%	2.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.0%	3.7%
Real Estate	1.0%	2.0%

Return for Risk

SCHE vs. DFEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHE

SCHE Risk / Return Rank: 47
SCHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
SCHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
SCHE Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SCHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SCHE Martin Ratio Rank: 50

DFEM

DFEM Risk / Return Rank: 71
DFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
DFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
DFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
DFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DFEM 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.

SCHE vs. DFEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM). 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.

	SCHE	DFEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	2.05	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	2.63	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.39	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	3.31	-1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.61	12.67	-5.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCHE vs. DFEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHE Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is lower than the DFEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHE and DFEM, 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

	SCHE	DFEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.44	2.05	-0.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.81	-0.58

Drawdowns

SCHE vs. DFEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHE drawdown since its inception was -36.20%, which is greater than DFEM's maximum drawdown of -20.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHE and DFEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHE	DFEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.20%	-20.82%	-15.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-12.12%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.08%	-18.09%	+1.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.37%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.73%	-6.35%	+1.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.59%	-5.03%	-7.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	3.16%	0.00%

Volatility

SCHE vs. DFEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) is 6.60%, while Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) has a volatility of 9.87%. This indicates that SCHE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHE	DFEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.60%	9.87%	-3.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.24%	17.39%	-3.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.80%	19.59%	-2.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.76%	17.53%	+0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.50%	17.53%	+1.97%

SCHE vs. DFEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHE has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEM's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHE vs. DFEM - Dividend Comparison

SCHE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, more than DFEM's 1.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	1.91%	2.32%	2.50%	2.38%	1.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.66%	2.88%	3.03%	3.83%	2.88%	2.86%	2.09%	3.27%	2.64%	2.31%	2.27%	2.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHE and DFEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SCHE and DFEM 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, SCHE or DFEM?

DFEM has higher volatility (9.87%) compared to SCHE (6.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHE dropped -36.20% vs DFEM's -20.82%.

Which ETF is better, SCHE or DFEM?

On 3-year performance, DFEM leads with 20.52% vs 16.38% for SCHE. On fees, SCHE is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, SCHE has been the lower-risk option at 6.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHE or DFEM?

Over the 3-year period, DFEM has performed better with a 20.52% return vs 16.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHE or DFEM?

SCHE is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHE or DFEM?

SCHE has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 1.91% for DFEM.

What is the main difference between SCHE and DFEM?

SCHE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while DFEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for SCHE and 0.39% for DFEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.44), 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.