SCHF vs. QTUM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) and QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while QTUM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SCHF returned 9.76%/yr vs 28.09%/yr for QTUM. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHF charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for QTUM.

Performance

SCHF vs. QTUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHF achieves a 15.39% return, which is significantly lower than QTUM's 47.39% return.

SCHF

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 3.90%
• YTD: 15.39%
• 6M: 17.24%
• 1Y: 31.75%
• 3Y*: 19.18%
• 5Y*: 9.76%
• 10Y*: 10.82%

QTUM

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: 12.73%
• YTD: 47.39%
• 6M: 45.72%
• 1Y: 86.28%
• 3Y*: 48.15%
• 5Y*: 28.09%
• 10Y*: —

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

SCHF vs. QTUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	15.39%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-11.27%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	47.39%	36.65%	50.54%	39.86%	-28.80%	35.18%	42.05%	47.99%	-19.44%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHF and QTUM is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 5, 2018	0.76

The correlation between SCHF and QTUM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHF vs. QTUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHF	QTUM
Financial Services	23.3%	0.0%
Industrials	18.1%	8.7%
Technology	17.6%	83.6%
Basic Materials	7.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	0.7%
Healthcare	7.0%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	-
Energy	4.7%	-
Communication Services	3.6%	4.8%
Utilities	3.2%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

SCHF vs. QTUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 63
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 64

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 90
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

SCHF vs. QTUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). 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	QTUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.94	-1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	3.45	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.46	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	5.46	-2.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.14	19.77	-9.62

SCHF vs. QTUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHF Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is lower than the QTUM Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHF and QTUM, 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. QTUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHF drawdown since its inception was -34.87%, smaller than the maximum QTUM drawdown of -38.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHF and QTUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHF	QTUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.87%	-38.45%	+3.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-15.26%	+3.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-25.39%	+11.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.14%	-38.45%	+9.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.00%	-4.42%	+3.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.37%	-8.24%	+0.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	4.21%	-1.22%

Volatility

SCHF vs. QTUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is 6.91%, while Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) has a volatility of 14.18%. This indicates that SCHF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QTUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHF	QTUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.91%	14.18%	-7.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.42%	23.17%	-8.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.67%	28.39%	-11.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.56%	26.99%	-10.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.24%	27.40%	-10.16%

SCHF vs. QTUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHF has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than QTUM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHF vs. QTUM - Dividend Comparison

SCHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%, more than QTUM's 0.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.73%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	2.96%	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 QTUM in my portfolio?

SCHF and QTUM have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHF or QTUM?

QTUM has higher volatility (14.18%) compared to SCHF (6.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHF dropped -34.87% vs QTUM's -38.45%.

Which ETF is better, SCHF or QTUM?

On 5-year performance, QTUM leads with 28.09% vs 9.76% for SCHF. On fees, SCHF is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHF has been the lower-risk option at 6.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHF or QTUM?

Over the 5-year period, QTUM has performed better with a 28.09% return vs 9.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHF or QTUM?

SCHF is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for QTUM.

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

SCHF has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 0.73% for QTUM.

What is the main difference between SCHF and QTUM?

SCHF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while QTUM is Technology Equities. SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while QTUM tracks BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHF and 0.40% for QTUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 1.82), 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.