SCHF vs. CWI

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) and CWI (State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - SCHF tracks the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index while CWI tracks the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHF returned 10.16%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for CWI. Their 0.97 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. SCHF charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for CWI.

Performance

SCHF vs. CWI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHF achieves a 15.34% return, which is significantly higher than CWI's 13.76% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHF has outperformed CWI with an annualized return of 10.16%, while CWI has yielded a comparatively lower 9.63% annualized return.

SCHF

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 0.33%
• 6M: 8.27%
• YTD: 15.34%
• 1Y: 31.49%
• 3Y*: 19.29%
• 5Y*: 9.97%
• 10Y*: 10.16%
• ALL TIME*: 7.86%

CWI

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 0.45%
• 6M: 7.62%
• YTD: 13.76%
• 1Y: 29.56%
• 3Y*: 18.88%
• 5Y*: 9.31%
• 10Y*: 9.63%
• ALL TIME*: 5.44%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
CWI State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF	$8.96M	$9.98M	$9.58M
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	$217.84M	$219.61M	$214.32M

SCHF vs. CWI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	15.34%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%
CWI State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF	13.76%	32.75%	6.27%	15.74%	-15.39%	8.81%	9.83%	21.92%	-13.83%	26.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHF and CWI is 0.97 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.97

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

SCHF vs. CWI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHF	CWI
Financial Services	25.6%	18.4%
Technology	16.4%	15.6%
Industrials	14.3%	8.0%
Healthcare	7.1%	5.3%
Basic Materials	6.7%	4.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	5.4%
Energy	5.3%	4.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	2.5%
Utilities	3.2%	1.2%
Communication Services	2.4%	2.7%
Real Estate	1.9%	0.9%

Return for Risk

SCHF vs. CWI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 78
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 78
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 79

CWI

CWI Risk / Return Rank: 73
CWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
CWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
CWI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
CWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
CWI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SCHF vs. CWI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWI). 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.

	SCHF	CWI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.73	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.40	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.32	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	2.59	+0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.23	9.50	+0.73

SCHF vs. CWI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHF Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the CWI Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHF and CWI, 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

SCHF vs. CWI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHF drawdown since its inception was -34.87%, smaller than the maximum CWI drawdown of -60.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHF and CWI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHF	CWI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.87%	-60.77%	+25.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-11.47%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-13.85%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.14%	-28.80%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.87%	-34.64%	-0.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.99%	-2.27%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.33%	-12.77%	+5.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	3.12%	-0.03%

Volatility

SCHF vs. CWI - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWI) have volatilities of 5.37% and 5.64%, 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

	SCHF	CWI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.37%	5.64%	-0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.41%	15.18%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.38%	17.15%	+0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.70%	16.58%	+0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.06%	17.04%	+0.02%

SCHF vs. CWI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHF has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than CWI's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHF vs. CWI - Dividend Comparison

SCHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.06%, more than CWI's 2.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CWI State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF	2.71%	2.97%	2.89%	2.80%	3.17%	2.65%	2.07%	3.05%	2.81%	2.29%	2.45%	2.62%
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	3.06%	3.42%	3.26%	2.97%	2.80%	3.19%	2.08%	2.95%	3.06%	2.35%	2.58%	2.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHF and CWI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SCHF and CWI 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, SCHF or CWI?

CWI has higher volatility (5.64%) compared to SCHF (5.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHF dropped -34.87% vs CWI's -60.77%.

Which ETF is better, SCHF or CWI?

On 10-year performance, SCHF leads with 10.16% vs 9.63% for CWI. On fees, SCHF is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHF has been the lower-risk option at 5.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHF or CWI?

Over the 10-year period, SCHF has performed better with a 10.16% return vs 9.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHF or CWI?

SCHF is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for CWI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHF or CWI?

SCHF has the higher dividend yield at 3.06%, compared with 2.71% for CWI.

What is the main difference between SCHF and CWI?

SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while CWI tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHF and 0.30% for CWI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.73), 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.