SCHE vs. PRFZ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SCHE (Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and PRFZ (Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index, while PRFZ is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHE returned 9.02%/yr vs 11.95%/yr for PRFZ. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHE charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for PRFZ.

Performance

SCHE vs. PRFZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF (PRFZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHE achieves a 10.50% return, which is significantly lower than PRFZ's 15.55% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHE has underperformed PRFZ with an annualized return of 9.02%, while PRFZ has yielded a comparatively higher 11.95% annualized return.

SCHE

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: -0.60%
• YTD: 10.50%
• 6M: 12.18%
• 1Y: 24.54%
• 3Y*: 16.79%
• 5Y*: 4.83%
• 10Y*: 9.02%

PRFZ

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 4.92%
• YTD: 15.55%
• 6M: 12.59%
• 1Y: 33.05%
• 3Y*: 16.84%
• 5Y*: 8.16%
• 10Y*: 11.95%

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

SCHE vs. PRFZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	10.50%	26.54%	10.60%	8.93%	-17.84%	-0.65%	14.49%	20.31%	-13.57%	32.70%
PRFZ Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF	15.55%	11.26%	12.68%	20.21%	-16.29%	28.26%	11.84%	21.91%	-11.43%	13.82%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHE and PRFZ is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2010	0.65

The correlation between SCHE and PRFZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHE vs. PRFZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHE	PRFZ
Technology	32.1%	20.8%
Financial Services	13.7%	13.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	10.4%
Communication Services	5.2%	2.7%
Industrials	4.8%	16.7%
Basic Materials	3.7%	3.3%
Energy	3.1%	5.4%
Healthcare	2.7%	16.4%
Utilities	2.1%	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.0%	2.5%
Real Estate	1.0%	6.7%

Return for Risk

SCHE vs. PRFZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHE

SCHE Risk / Return Rank: 49
SCHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
SCHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
SCHE Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SCHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
SCHE Martin Ratio Rank: 52

PRFZ

PRFZ Risk / Return Rank: 65
PRFZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
PRFZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
PRFZ Omega Ratio Rank: 57
PRFZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
PRFZ Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. PRFZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF (PRFZ). 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	PRFZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	1.81	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	2.58	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.31	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	3.20	-1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.70	11.02	-3.32

SCHE vs. PRFZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHE Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is comparable to the PRFZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHE and PRFZ, 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. PRFZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHE drawdown since its inception was -36.20%, smaller than the maximum PRFZ drawdown of -62.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHE and PRFZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHE	PRFZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.20%	-62.41%	+26.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-10.38%	-0.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.08%	-26.54%	+9.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.35%	-26.58%	-6.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.20%	-44.28%	+8.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.66%	0.00%	-2.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.58%	-9.41%	-3.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	3.01%	+0.19%

Volatility

SCHE vs. PRFZ - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) has a higher volatility of 6.91% compared to Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF (PRFZ) at 5.92%. This indicates that SCHE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PRFZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHE	PRFZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.91%	5.92%	+0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.48%	12.93%	+1.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.97%	18.33%	-1.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.79%	21.38%	-3.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.49%	22.46%	-2.97%

SCHE vs. PRFZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SCHE vs. PRFZ - Dividend Comparison

SCHE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, more than PRFZ's 0.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PRFZ Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF	0.82%	0.82%	1.45%	1.42%	1.33%	0.93%	0.91%	1.29%	1.37%	0.97%	1.31%	1.39%
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.61%	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 PRFZ in my portfolio?

SCHE and PRFZ have a correlation of 0.66, 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 PRFZ?

SCHE has higher volatility (6.91%) compared to PRFZ (5.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHE dropped -36.20% vs PRFZ's -62.41%.

Which ETF is better, SCHE or PRFZ?

On 10-year performance, PRFZ leads with 11.95% vs 9.02% for SCHE. On fees, SCHE is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, PRFZ has been the lower-risk option at 5.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHE or PRFZ?

Over the 10-year period, PRFZ has performed better with a 11.95% return vs 9.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHE or PRFZ?

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

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

SCHE has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 0.82% for PRFZ.

What is the main difference between SCHE and PRFZ?

SCHE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while PRFZ is Small Cap Blend Equities. SCHE tracks FTSE Emerging Index, while PRFZ tracks FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for SCHE and 0.39% for PRFZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PRFZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.45), 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.