SCHF vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHF returned 10.27%/yr vs 12.77%/yr for SCHD. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.06% expense ratio.

Performance

SCHF vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHF achieves a 15.56% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 19.01% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHF has underperformed SCHD with an annualized return of 10.27%, while SCHD has yielded a comparatively higher 12.77% annualized return.

SCHF

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 5.91%
• YTD: 15.56%
• 6M: 18.62%
• 1Y: 32.67%
• 3Y*: 19.90%
• 5Y*: 9.84%
• 10Y*: 10.27%

SCHD

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.70%
• YTD: 19.01%
• 6M: 18.63%
• 1Y: 27.16%
• 3Y*: 15.09%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 12.77%

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

SCHF vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	15.56%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	19.01%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHF and SCHD is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2011	0.73

Over the past year, the correlation between SCHF and SCHD has dropped to 0.43 - well below their long-term average of 0.73, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SCHF vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHF	SCHD
Financial Services	20.6%	9.3%
Technology	15.7%	16.4%
Industrials	11.5%	7.5%
Basic Materials	6.5%	1.2%
Healthcare	6.5%	18.8%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	6.3%
Energy	5.0%	16.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	19.2%
Communication Services	2.3%	6.3%
Real Estate	1.7%	-
Utilities	1.7%	0.0%

Return for Risk

SCHF vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 59
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 61

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 80
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 73
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). 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.

	SCHF	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	2.49	-0.41
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	3.87	-0.99
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.45	-0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.86	5.91	-3.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.11	14.53	-3.42
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCHF vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHF Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHF and SCHD, 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

	SCHF	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.09	2.49	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.58	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.77	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.86	-0.43

Drawdowns

SCHF vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHF drawdown since its inception was -34.87%, roughly equal to the maximum SCHD drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHF and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHF	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.87%	-33.37%	-1.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-4.61%	-6.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-16.13%	+2.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.14%	-16.85%	-12.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.87%	-33.37%	-1.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-1.40%	+0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.38%	-3.32%	-4.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	1.88%	+1.07%

Volatility

SCHF vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) has a higher volatility of 5.66% compared to Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) at 2.66%. This indicates that SCHF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHF	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.66%	2.66%	+3.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.34%	7.66%	+5.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.74%	10.96%	+4.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.39%	14.38%	+2.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.18%	16.72%	+0.46%

SCHF vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SCHF and SCHD have an expense ratio of 0.06%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHF vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

SCHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%, less than SCHD's 3.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.26%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
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 SCHD in my portfolio?

SCHF and SCHD have a correlation of 0.43, 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 SCHD?

SCHF has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to SCHD (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHF dropped -34.87% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, SCHF or SCHD?

On 10-year performance, SCHD leads with 12.77% vs 10.27% for SCHF. Both ETFs have the same 0.06% expense ratio. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 2.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHF or SCHD?

Over the 10-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 12.77% return vs 10.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHF or SCHD?

SCHF and SCHD have the same expense ratio: 0.06% per year.

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

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.26%, compared with 2.96% for SCHF.

What is the main difference between SCHF and SCHD?

SCHF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SCHD is Dividend. SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 2.09), 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.