SCHF vs. SCHY

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) and SCHY (Schwab International 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 SCHY is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SCHF returned 10.81%/yr vs 8.39%/yr for SCHY. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCHF charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for SCHY.

Performance

SCHF vs. SCHY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHF achieves a 17.43% return, which is significantly higher than SCHY's 7.84% return.

SCHF

• 1D: 1.11%
• 1M: 3.94%
• YTD: 17.43%
• 6M: 18.46%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 19.47%
• 5Y*: 10.81%
• 10Y*: 10.58%

SCHY

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: -2.08%
• YTD: 7.84%
• 6M: 8.86%
• 1Y: 22.05%
• 3Y*: 14.12%
• 5Y*: 8.39%
• 10Y*: —

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

SCHF vs. SCHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	17.43%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	2.18%
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	7.84%	33.98%	-1.79%	14.27%	-9.43%	3.42%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHF and SCHY is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 29, 2021	0.88

The correlation between SCHF and SCHY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHF vs. SCHY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHF	SCHY
Financial Services	23.3%	15.9%
Industrials	18.1%	13.0%
Technology	17.6%	3.6%
Basic Materials	7.4%	5.8%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	7.8%
Healthcare	7.0%	7.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	14.4%
Energy	4.7%	9.6%
Communication Services	3.6%	15.0%
Utilities	3.2%	6.8%
Real Estate	2.0%	0.8%

Return for Risk

SCHF vs. SCHY — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 67
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 68
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 67

SCHY

SCHY Risk / Return Rank: 53
SCHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SCHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SCHY Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SCHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
SCHY Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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. SCHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY). 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	SCHY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	1.83	+0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	2.52	+0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.32	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	2.43	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.74	7.44	+4.29

SCHF vs. SCHY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHF Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the SCHY Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHF and SCHY, 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. SCHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHF drawdown since its inception was -34.87%, which is greater than SCHY's maximum drawdown of -24.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHF and SCHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHF	SCHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.87%	-24.04%	-10.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-9.11%	-2.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-12.16%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.14%	-24.04%	-5.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.22%	+5.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.36%	-4.96%	-2.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	2.97%	+0.01%

Volatility

SCHF vs. SCHY - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) has a higher volatility of 6.60% compared to Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) at 3.38%. This indicates that SCHF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHF	SCHY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.60%	3.38%	+3.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.46%	10.08%	+4.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.63%	12.09%	+4.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.56%	13.27%	+3.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.24%	13.24%	+4.00%

SCHF vs. SCHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHF has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SCHY's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHF vs. SCHY - Dividend Comparison

SCHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.91%, less than SCHY's 3.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	2.91%	3.42%	3.26%	2.97%	2.80%	3.19%	2.08%	2.95%	3.06%	2.35%	2.58%	2.26%
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	3.44%	3.55%	4.64%	3.97%	3.67%	1.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHF and SCHY in my portfolio?

SCHF and SCHY have a correlation of 0.79, 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 SCHY?

SCHF has higher volatility (6.60%) compared to SCHY (3.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHF dropped -34.87% vs SCHY's -24.04%.

Which ETF is better, SCHF or SCHY?

On 5-year performance, SCHF leads with 10.81% vs 8.39% for SCHY. On fees, SCHF is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHY has been the lower-risk option at 3.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHF or SCHY?

Over the 5-year period, SCHF has performed better with a 10.81% return vs 8.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHF or SCHY?

SCHF is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for SCHY.

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

SCHY has the higher dividend yield at 3.44%, compared with 2.91% for SCHF.

What is the main difference between SCHF and SCHY?

SCHF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SCHY is Dividend. SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while SCHY tracks Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHF and 0.08% for SCHY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.83), 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.