SCHF vs. SGDM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) and SGDM (Sprott Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while SGDM is a Gold fund tracking the Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHF returned 10.82%/yr vs 11.84%/yr for SGDM. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SCHF charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SGDM.

Performance

SCHF vs. SGDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM). 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 higher than SGDM's -4.58% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHF has underperformed SGDM with an annualized return of 10.82%, while SGDM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.84% annualized return.

SCHF

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 15.39%
• 6M: 17.24%
• 1Y: 31.75%
• 3Y*: 19.18%
• 5Y*: 9.76%
• 10Y*: 10.82%

SGDM

• 1D: 3.49%
• 1M: -14.98%
• YTD: -4.58%
• 6M: -4.02%
• 1Y: 43.72%
• 3Y*: 37.20%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 11.84%

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

SCHF vs. SGDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	15.39%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%
SGDM Sprott Gold Miners ETF	-4.58%	153.46%	12.14%	2.34%	-8.23%	-9.15%	21.85%	44.27%	-15.14%	10.46%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHF and SGDM is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2014	0.28

Over the past year, SCHF and SGDM have become more correlated (0.49) than their long-term average of 0.28, meaning their price movements have been converging.

SCHF vs. SGDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHF	SGDM
Financial Services	23.3%	-
Industrials	18.1%	-
Technology	17.6%	-
Basic Materials	7.4%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	-
Healthcare	7.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	-
Energy	4.7%	-
Communication Services	3.6%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

SCHF vs. SGDM — 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

SGDM

SGDM Risk / Return Rank: 31
SGDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
SGDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
SGDM Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SGDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
SGDM Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. SGDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM). 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	SGDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.01	+0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	1.42	+1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.20	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	1.30	+1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.14	3.60	+6.55

SCHF vs. SGDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHF Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is higher than the SGDM Sharpe Ratio of 1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHF and SGDM, 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. SGDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHF drawdown since its inception was -34.87%, smaller than the maximum SGDM drawdown of -54.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHF and SGDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHF	SGDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.87%	-54.95%	+20.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-35.96%	+24.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-35.96%	+22.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.14%	-45.06%	+15.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.87%	-49.69%	+14.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.00%	-30.31%	+29.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.37%	-25.46%	+18.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	12.93%	-9.94%

Volatility

SCHF vs. SGDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is 6.91%, while Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) has a volatility of 16.53%. This indicates that SCHF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SGDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHF	SGDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.91%	16.53%	-9.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.42%	38.64%	-24.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.67%	46.24%	-29.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.56%	36.11%	-19.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.24%	36.97%	-19.73%

SCHF vs. SGDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHF has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SGDM's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHF vs. SGDM - Dividend Comparison

SCHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%, more than SGDM's 1.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SGDM Sprott Gold Miners ETF	1.09%	1.04%	1.04%	1.39%	1.42%	1.33%	0.30%	0.25%	0.50%	0.58%	0.02%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHF and SGDM in my portfolio?

SCHF and SGDM have a correlation of 0.49, 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 SGDM?

SGDM has higher volatility (16.53%) compared to SCHF (6.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHF dropped -34.87% vs SGDM's -54.95%.

Which ETF is better, SCHF or SGDM?

On 10-year performance, SGDM leads with 11.84% vs 10.82% 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 SGDM?

Over the 10-year period, SGDM has performed better with a 11.84% return vs 10.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHF or SGDM?

SCHF is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SGDM.

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

SCHF has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 1.09% for SGDM.

What is the main difference between SCHF and SGDM?

SCHF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SGDM is Gold. SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while SGDM tracks Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHF and 0.50% for SGDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.01), 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.