SCHE vs. GEME

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SCHE (Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and GEME (Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. SCHE is passively managed, while GEME is actively managed. Over the past year, SCHE returned 22.13% vs 56.59% for GEME. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCHE charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GEME.

Performance

SCHE vs. GEME - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHE achieves a 9.54% return, which is significantly lower than GEME's 28.05% return.

SCHE

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -0.87%
• 6M: 4.41%
• YTD: 9.54%
• 1Y: 22.13%
• 3Y*: 15.66%
• 5Y*: 5.20%
• 10Y*: 7.95%

GEME

• 1D: -2.80%
• 1M: -4.46%
• 6M: 21.67%
• YTD: 28.05%
• 1Y: 56.59%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCHE vs. GEME - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	9.54%	25.55%
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	28.05%	37.43%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHE and GEME is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2025	0.87

The correlation between SCHE and GEME has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SCHE vs. GEME — 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: 43
SCHE Omega Ratio Rank: 46
SCHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
SCHE Martin Ratio Rank: 50

GEME

GEME Risk / Return Rank: 88
GEME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
GEME Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
GEME Omega Ratio Rank: 88
GEME Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
GEME Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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. GEME - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME). 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.

	SCHE	GEME	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	2.42	-1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.79	2.95	-1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.43	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	4.23	-2.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.75	14.64	-7.89

SCHE vs. GEME - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHE Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is lower than the GEME Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHE and GEME, 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

SCHE vs. GEME - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHE drawdown since its inception was -36.20%, which is greater than GEME's maximum drawdown of -16.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHE and GEME.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHE	GEME	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.20%	-16.86%	-19.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-13.46%	+2.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.08%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.40%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.67%	-8.70%	+5.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.53%	-2.50%	-10.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	3.88%	-0.59%

Volatility

SCHE vs. GEME - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) is 6.54%, while Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) has a volatility of 9.24%. This indicates that SCHE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GEME based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHE	GEME	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.54%	9.24%	-2.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.24%	20.97%	-5.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.61%	23.54%	-5.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.90%	24.03%	-6.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.41%	24.03%	-4.62%

SCHE vs. GEME - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHE has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than GEME's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHE vs. GEME - Dividend Comparison

SCHE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, less than GEME's 5.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	5.47%	7.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 GEME in my portfolio?

SCHE and GEME have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHE or GEME?

GEME has higher volatility (9.24%) compared to SCHE (6.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHE dropped -36.20% vs GEME's -16.86%.

Which ETF is better, SCHE or GEME?

On 1-year performance, GEME leads with 56.59% vs 22.13% for SCHE. On fees, SCHE is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, SCHE has been the lower-risk option at 6.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHE or GEME?

Over the 1-year period, GEME has performed better with a 56.59% return vs 22.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHE or GEME?

SCHE is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GEME.

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

GEME has the higher dividend yield at 5.47%, compared with 2.66% for SCHE.

What is the main difference between SCHE and GEME?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Pacific AM. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for SCHE and 0.75% for GEME.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GEME currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.26), 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.