SCHE vs. GEM

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

SCHE (Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and GEM (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - SCHE tracks the FTSE Emerging Index while GEM tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHE returned 8.21%/yr vs 8.97%/yr for GEM. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SCHE charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for GEM.

Performance

SCHE vs. GEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHE achieves a 7.33% return, which is significantly lower than GEM's 17.92% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHE has underperformed GEM with an annualized return of 8.21%, while GEM has yielded a comparatively higher 8.97% annualized return.

SCHE

• 1D: -4.07%
• 1M: -4.85%
• YTD: 7.33%
• 6M: 7.81%
• 1Y: 23.65%
• 3Y*: 16.32%
• 5Y*: 4.08%
• 10Y*: 8.21%

GEM

• 1D: -6.50%
• 1M: -3.82%
• YTD: 17.92%
• 6M: 19.76%
• 1Y: 40.69%
• 3Y*: 20.53%
• 5Y*: 6.23%
• 10Y*: 8.97%

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

SCHE vs. GEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	7.33%	26.54%	10.60%	8.93%	-17.84%	-0.65%	14.49%	20.31%	-13.57%	32.70%
GEM Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF	17.92%	33.43%	6.66%	11.82%	-21.33%	-0.19%	13.23%	17.79%	-14.25%	36.43%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHE and GEM is 0.95 - 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	0.95
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 Sep 30, 2015	0.96

The correlation between SCHE and GEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHE vs. GEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHE	GEM
Technology	30.8%	14.1%
Financial Services	13.6%	34.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	13.0%
Communication Services	5.2%	4.5%
Industrials	4.9%	7.5%
Basic Materials	3.9%	8.7%
Energy	3.1%	1.3%
Healthcare	2.8%	5.4%
Utilities	2.1%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.0%	4.2%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.5%

Return for Risk

SCHE vs. GEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHE

SCHE Risk / Return Rank: 43
SCHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
SCHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
SCHE Omega Ratio Rank: 43
SCHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SCHE Martin Ratio Rank: 47

GEM

GEM Risk / Return Rank: 63
GEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
GEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
GEM Omega Ratio Rank: 65
GEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
GEM Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. GEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM). 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	GEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	1.98	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.99	2.58	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.37	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.10	3.03	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.54	11.58	-4.04
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. GEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHE Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is comparable to the GEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHE and GEM, 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	GEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.42	1.98	-0.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23	0.35	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42	0.47	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.48	-0.25

Drawdowns

SCHE vs. GEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHE drawdown since its inception was -36.20%, roughly equal to the maximum GEM drawdown of -37.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHE and GEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHE	GEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.20%	-37.02%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-13.50%	+2.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.08%	-16.54%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.37%	-35.21%	+1.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.20%	-37.02%	+0.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.46%	-8.52%	+3.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.59%	-12.00%	-0.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.14%	3.52%	-0.38%

Volatility

SCHE vs. GEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) is 6.56%, while Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) has a volatility of 10.56%. This indicates that SCHE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHE	GEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.56%	10.56%	-4.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.22%	18.37%	-4.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.76%	20.62%	-3.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.75%	17.94%	-0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.50%	19.14%	+0.36%

SCHE vs. GEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHE has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than GEM's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHE vs. GEM - Dividend Comparison

SCHE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, more than GEM's 1.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GEM Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.95%	2.30%	2.58%	2.97%	2.96%	3.00%	1.63%	3.13%	2.08%	1.81%	1.98%	0.25%
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.68%	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 GEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SCHE and GEM 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 GEM?

GEM has higher volatility (10.56%) compared to SCHE (6.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHE dropped -36.20% vs GEM's -37.02%.

Which ETF is better, SCHE or GEM?

On 10-year performance, GEM leads with 8.97% vs 8.21% for SCHE. On fees, SCHE is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, SCHE has been the lower-risk option at 6.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHE or GEM?

Over the 10-year period, GEM has performed better with a 8.97% return vs 8.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHE or GEM?

SCHE is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for GEM.

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

SCHE has the higher dividend yield at 2.68%, compared with 1.95% for GEM.

What is the main difference between SCHE and GEM?

SCHE tracks FTSE Emerging Index, while GEM tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Goldman Sachs. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for SCHE and 0.45% for GEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.42), 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.