SCHJ vs. SAEF

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

SCHJ (Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF) and SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHJ is a Corporate Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg US Corporate (1-5 Y), while SAEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Charles Schwab. SCHJ is passively managed, while SAEF is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SCHJ returned 5.48%/yr vs 2.62%/yr for SAEF. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SCHJ charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SAEF.

Performance

SCHJ vs. SAEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (SCHJ) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHJ achieves a 0.87% return, which is significantly higher than SAEF's -11.57% return.

SCHJ

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.31%
• 6M: 0.85%
• YTD: 0.87%
• 1Y: 3.91%
• 3Y*: 5.48%
• 5Y*: 2.37%
• 10Y*: —

SAEF

• 1D: -22.22%
• 1M: -20.64%
• 6M: -16.48%
• YTD: -11.57%
• 1Y: -8.20%
• 3Y*: 2.62%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCHJ vs. SAEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SCHJ Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF	0.87%	6.80%	4.89%	6.36%	-5.73%	0.09%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	-11.57%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.31%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHJ and SAEF is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2021	0.28

Return for Risk

SCHJ vs. SAEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHJ

SCHJ Risk / Return Rank: 77
SCHJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
SCHJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
SCHJ Omega Ratio Rank: 83
SCHJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
SCHJ Martin Ratio Rank: 72

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 6
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

SCHJ vs. SAEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (SCHJ) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). 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.

	SCHJ	SAEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	-0.28	+2.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	-0.15	+3.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	0.97	+0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	-0.34	+3.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.24	-1.65	+11.88

SCHJ vs. SAEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHJ Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the SAEF Sharpe Ratio of -0.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHJ and SAEF, 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

SCHJ vs. SAEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHJ drawdown since its inception was -13.62%, smaller than the maximum SAEF drawdown of -28.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHJ and SAEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHJ	SAEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.62%	-28.05%	+14.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.47%	-24.27%	+22.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.47%	-27.40%	+25.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.43%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-24.27%	+24.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.85%	-10.16%	+8.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.38%	4.98%	-4.60%

Volatility

SCHJ vs. SAEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (SCHJ) is 0.69%, while Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) has a volatility of 25.56%. This indicates that SCHJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SAEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHJ	SAEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.69%	25.56%	-24.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.52%	28.98%	-27.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93%	29.13%	-27.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.95%	23.66%	-20.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.11%	23.66%	-19.55%

SCHJ vs. SAEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHJ has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than SAEF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHJ vs. SAEF - Dividend Comparison

SCHJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.49%, more than SAEF's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.44%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHJ Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF	4.49%	4.42%	4.00%	2.98%	1.64%	0.94%	2.54%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHJ and SAEF in my portfolio?

SCHJ and SAEF have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHJ or SAEF?

SAEF has higher volatility (25.56%) compared to SCHJ (0.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHJ dropped -13.62% vs SAEF's -28.05%.

Which ETF is better, SCHJ or SAEF?

On 3-year performance, SCHJ leads with 5.48% vs 2.62% for SAEF. On fees, SCHJ is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, SCHJ has been the lower-risk option at 0.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHJ or SAEF?

Over the 3-year period, SCHJ has performed better with a 5.48% return vs 2.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHJ or SAEF?

SCHJ is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SAEF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHJ or SAEF?

SCHJ has the higher dividend yield at 4.49%, compared with 0.44% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SCHJ and SAEF?

SCHJ is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while SAEF is Mid Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for SCHJ and 0.59% for SAEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs -0.28), 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.