SCHF vs. UNG
SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) and UNG (United States Natural Gas Fund LP) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while UNG is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the Front Month Natural Gas. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHF returned 10.82%/yr vs -21.38%/yr for UNG. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SCHF charges 0.06%/yr vs 1.28%/yr for UNG.
Performance
SCHF vs. UNG - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, SCHF achieves a 15.39% return, which is significantly higher than UNG's -7.42% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHF has outperformed UNG with an annualized return of 10.82%, while UNG has yielded a comparatively lower -21.38% 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%
UNG
- 1D
- 1.70%
- 1M
- 1.70%
- YTD
- -7.42%
- 6M
- -10.84%
- 1Y
- -30.62%
- 3Y*
- -23.83%
- 5Y*
- -24.47%
- 10Y*
- -21.38%
SCHF vs. UNG - 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% |
UNG United States Natural Gas Fund LP | -7.42% | -27.07% | -17.11% | -64.04% | 12.89% | 35.76% | -45.43% | -31.77% | 5.96% | -37.58% |
Correlation
The correlation between SCHF and UNG is -0.21, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.21 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.05 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.03 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.03 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009 | 0.03 |
The correlation between SCHF and UNG shifts across timeframes, from -0.21 (1 year) to 0.03 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
SCHF vs. UNG — Risk / Return Rank
SCHF
UNG
SCHF vs. UNG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and United States Natural Gas Fund LP (UNG). 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 | UNG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +2.31 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +2.88 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 0.95 | +0.38 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.64 | -0.67 | +3.31 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.14 | -0.97 | +11.12 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
SCHF vs. UNG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum SCHF drawdown since its inception was -34.87%, smaller than the maximum UNG drawdown of -99.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHF and UNG.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| SCHF | UNG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -34.87% | -99.88% | +65.01% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.48% | -43.86% | +32.38% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -13.41% | -68.16% | +54.75% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -29.14% | -92.49% | +63.35% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -34.87% | -93.55% | +58.68% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.00% | -99.86% | +98.86% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.37% | -89.96% | +82.59% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.99% | 30.28% | -27.29% |
Volatility
SCHF vs. UNG - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is 6.91%, while United States Natural Gas Fund LP (UNG) has a volatility of 12.64%. This indicates that SCHF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than UNG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| SCHF | UNG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.91% | 12.64% | -5.73% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.42% | 52.01% | -37.59% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.67% | 60.61% | -43.94% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.56% | 64.11% | -47.55% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.24% | 54.77% | -37.53% |
SCHF vs. UNG - Expense Ratio Comparison
SCHF has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than UNG's 1.28% expense ratio.
Dividends
SCHF vs. UNG - Dividend Comparison
SCHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%, while UNG has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| 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% |
UNG United States Natural Gas Fund LP | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
SCHF and UNG have a correlation of -0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
UNG has higher volatility (12.64%) compared to SCHF (6.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHF dropped -34.87% vs UNG's -99.88%.
On 10-year performance, SCHF leads with 10.82% vs -21.38% for UNG. 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.
Over the 10-year period, SCHF has performed better with a 10.82% return vs -21.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
SCHF is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 1.28% for UNG.
SCHF has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 0.00% for UNG.
SCHF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while UNG is Oil & Gas. SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while UNG tracks Front Month Natural Gas. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Concierge Technologies. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHF and 1.28% for UNG.
SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs -0.49), 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.
Find the right allocation for SCHF and UNG
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer