SCHK vs. SAEF

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SCHK (Schwab 1000 Index ETF) and SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHK is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Schwab 1000 Index, while SAEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Charles Schwab. SCHK is passively managed, while SAEF is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SCHK returned 20.60%/yr vs 14.01%/yr for SAEF. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCHK charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SAEF.

Performance

SCHK vs. SAEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) 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, SCHK achieves a 8.17% return, which is significantly lower than SAEF's 13.47% return.

SCHK

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: 8.17%
• 6M: 6.80%
• 1Y: 21.87%
• 3Y*: 20.60%
• 5Y*: 12.15%
• 10Y*: —

SAEF

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 5.87%
• YTD: 13.47%
• 6M: 11.57%
• 1Y: 22.50%
• 3Y*: 14.01%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCHK vs. SAEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SCHK Schwab 1000 Index ETF	8.17%	17.23%	24.48%	26.63%	-19.51%	0.85%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	13.47%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.31%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHK and SAEF is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2021	0.83

The correlation between SCHK and SAEF shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.83 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SCHK vs. SAEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHK	SAEF
Technology	38.0%	14.7%
Financial Services	11.2%	15.0%
Communication Services	10.1%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	22.6%
Industrials	8.9%	20.3%
Healthcare	8.4%	10.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	3.3%
Energy	3.2%	-
Utilities	2.1%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	4.5%
Basic Materials	1.9%	2.3%

Return for Risk

SCHK vs. SAEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHK

SCHK Risk / Return Rank: 58
SCHK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SCHK Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SCHK Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SCHK Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SCHK Martin Ratio Rank: 66

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 37
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

SCHK vs. SAEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) 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.

	SCHK	SAEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.20	+0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	1.81	+0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.21	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	1.76	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.86	4.77	+6.08

SCHK vs. SAEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHK Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is higher than the SAEF Sharpe Ratio of 1.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHK 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

SCHK vs. SAEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHK drawdown since its inception was -34.80%, which is greater than SAEF's maximum drawdown of -28.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHK and SAEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHK	SAEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.80%	-28.05%	-6.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-12.81%	+3.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	-27.40%	+8.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.44%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.31%	-0.09%	-3.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.16%	-10.26%	+5.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	4.72%	-2.70%

Volatility

SCHK vs. SAEF - Volatility Comparison

Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) have volatilities of 4.95% and 5.06%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHK	SAEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	5.06%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.07%	14.32%	-4.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.82%	18.84%	-6.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.34%	21.37%	-4.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.12%	21.37%	-2.25%

SCHK vs. SAEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHK has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SAEF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHK vs. SAEF - Dividend Comparison

SCHK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, more than SAEF's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.44%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHK Schwab 1000 Index ETF	1.03%	1.09%	1.20%	1.38%	1.57%	1.17%	1.58%	1.82%	1.80%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHK and SAEF in my portfolio?

SCHK and SAEF have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHK or SAEF?

SAEF has higher volatility (5.06%) compared to SCHK (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHK dropped -34.80% vs SAEF's -28.05%.

Which ETF is better, SCHK or SAEF?

On 3-year performance, SCHK leads with 20.60% vs 14.01% for SAEF. On fees, SCHK is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SCHK has been the lower-risk option at 4.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHK or SAEF?

Over the 3-year period, SCHK has performed better with a 20.60% return vs 14.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHK or SAEF?

SCHK is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SAEF.

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

SCHK has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.44% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SCHK and SAEF?

SCHK is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while SAEF is Mid Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for SCHK and 0.59% for SAEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.20), 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.