SCHF vs. SWISX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) and SWISX (Schwab International Index Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Charles Schwab - SCHF tracks the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index while SWISX tracks the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHF returned 11.18%/yr vs 9.58%/yr for SWISX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.06% expense ratio.

Performance

SCHF vs. SWISX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHF achieves a 17.68% return, which is significantly higher than SWISX's 10.58% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHF has outperformed SWISX with an annualized return of 11.18%, while SWISX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.58% annualized return.

SCHF

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 3.82%
• YTD: 17.68%
• 6M: 18.27%
• 1Y: 36.30%
• 3Y*: 20.89%
• 5Y*: 10.67%
• 10Y*: 11.18%

SWISX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 1.99%
• YTD: 10.58%
• 6M: 10.97%
• 1Y: 25.29%
• 3Y*: 16.19%
• 5Y*: 9.33%
• 10Y*: 9.58%

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

SCHF vs. SWISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	17.68%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	10.58%	31.59%	3.54%	18.13%	-14.30%	11.25%	8.14%	21.87%	-13.38%	25.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHF and SWISX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.98

The correlation between SCHF and SWISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHF vs. SWISX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHF	SWISX
Financial Services	23.3%	24.1%
Industrials	18.1%	19.8%
Technology	17.6%	12.0%
Basic Materials	7.4%	6.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	7.8%
Healthcare	7.0%	9.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	6.7%
Energy	4.7%	3.8%
Communication Services	3.6%	4.9%
Utilities	3.2%	3.8%
Real Estate	2.0%	1.8%

Return for Risk

SCHF vs. SWISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 68
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 68

SWISX

SWISX Risk / Return Rank: 35
SWISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SWISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
SWISX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SWISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
SWISX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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. SWISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX). 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	SWISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	1.56	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	2.23	+0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.28	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.18	2.14	+1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.22	8.03	+4.19

SCHF vs. SWISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHF Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is higher than the SWISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHF and SWISX, 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. SWISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHF drawdown since its inception was -34.87%, smaller than the maximum SWISX drawdown of -60.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHF and SWISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHF	SWISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.87%	-60.65%	+25.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-11.39%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-13.68%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.14%	-29.42%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.87%	-33.83%	-1.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.36%	-14.79%	+7.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	3.04%	-0.06%

Volatility

SCHF vs. SWISX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) has a higher volatility of 6.42% compared to Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) at 5.02%. This indicates that SCHF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SWISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHF	SWISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.42%	5.02%	+1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.43%	13.02%	+1.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.63%	15.62%	+1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.55%	16.37%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.21%	16.88%	+0.33%

SCHF vs. SWISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SCHF and SWISX 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. SWISX - Dividend Comparison

SCHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.90%, less than SWISX's 3.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	2.90%	3.42%	3.26%	2.97%	2.80%	3.19%	2.08%	2.95%	3.06%	2.35%	2.58%	2.26%
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	3.21%	3.55%	3.29%	3.31%	2.73%	3.34%	1.88%	3.09%	3.15%	2.71%	3.19%	2.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHF and SWISX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SCHF and SWISX 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 SWISX?

SCHF has higher volatility (6.42%) compared to SWISX (5.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHF dropped -34.87% vs SWISX's -60.65%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.56), 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.