SCHM vs. IMCB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SCHM (Schwab US Mid-Cap ETF) and IMCB (iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - SCHM tracks the Dow Jones US Total Stock Market Mid-Cap while IMCB tracks the IMCB-US - Morningstar U.S. Mid Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHM returned 10.94%/yr vs 11.29%/yr for IMCB. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

SCHM vs. IMCB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab US Mid-Cap ETF (SCHM) and iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SCHM having a 17.66% return and IMCB slightly higher at 17.96%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SCHM having a 10.94% annualized return and IMCB not far ahead at 11.29%.

SCHM

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: -2.01%
• 6M: 9.91%
• YTD: 17.66%
• 1Y: 25.66%
• 3Y*: 14.83%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 10.94%

IMCB

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 1.62%
• 6M: 13.19%
• YTD: 17.96%
• 1Y: 23.04%
• 3Y*: 16.05%
• 5Y*: 9.76%
• 10Y*: 11.29%

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

SCHM vs. IMCB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHM Schwab US Mid-Cap ETF	17.66%	10.17%	11.98%	16.69%	-17.07%	19.36%	15.26%	27.48%	-8.77%	19.60%
IMCB iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF	17.96%	10.25%	15.10%	16.37%	-16.09%	22.81%	13.35%	31.49%	-11.53%	19.70%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHM and IMCB is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2011	0.96

The correlation between SCHM and IMCB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHM vs. IMCB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHM	IMCB
Technology	22.1%	22.6%
Industrials	21.7%	18.5%
Financial Services	10.9%	11.9%
Healthcare	10.9%	7.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	9.1%
Real Estate	6.4%	4.3%
Basic Materials	4.7%	5.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	5.1%
Energy	3.4%	6.7%
Utilities	2.9%	6.0%
Communication Services	2.6%	2.5%

Return for Risk

SCHM vs. IMCB — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHM

SCHM Risk / Return Rank: 62
SCHM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SCHM Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SCHM Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SCHM Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
SCHM Martin Ratio Rank: 73

IMCB

IMCB Risk / Return Rank: 70
IMCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
IMCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IMCB Omega Ratio Rank: 66
IMCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
IMCB Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

SCHM vs. IMCB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab US Mid-Cap ETF (SCHM) and iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCB). 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.

	SCHM	IMCB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	1.77	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	2.51	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.31	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	2.88	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.60	11.29	-0.68

SCHM vs. IMCB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHM Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is comparable to the IMCB Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHM and IMCB, 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

SCHM vs. IMCB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHM drawdown since its inception was -42.43%, smaller than the maximum IMCB drawdown of -58.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHM and IMCB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHM	IMCB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.43%	-58.80%	+16.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.32%	-8.05%	-1.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.27%	-19.80%	-3.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.46%	-25.15%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.43%	-40.99%	-1.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.56%	-0.16%	-4.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.63%	-7.69%	+2.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	2.05%	+0.38%

Volatility

SCHM vs. IMCB - Volatility Comparison

Schwab US Mid-Cap ETF (SCHM) has a higher volatility of 5.18% compared to iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCB) at 2.44%. This indicates that SCHM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IMCB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHM	IMCB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.18%	2.44%	+2.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.89%	10.04%	+2.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.51%	13.11%	+3.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.70%	17.61%	+2.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.46%	19.60%	+0.86%

SCHM vs. IMCB - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SCHM and IMCB have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHM vs. IMCB - Dividend Comparison

SCHM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.26%, more than IMCB's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMCB iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF	1.21%	1.42%	1.43%	1.55%	1.70%	1.08%	1.12%	1.32%	1.80%	1.31%	1.79%	1.47%
SCHM Schwab US Mid-Cap ETF	1.26%	1.46%	1.43%	1.50%	1.67%	1.13%	1.31%	1.48%	1.56%	1.27%	1.51%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHM and IMCB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, SCHM and IMCB 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, SCHM or IMCB?

SCHM has higher volatility (5.18%) compared to IMCB (2.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHM dropped -42.43% vs IMCB's -58.80%.

Which ETF is better, SCHM or IMCB?

On 10-year performance, IMCB leads with 11.29% vs 10.94% for SCHM. Both ETFs have the same 0.04% expense ratio. On volatility, IMCB has been the lower-risk option at 2.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHM or IMCB?

Over the 10-year period, IMCB has performed better with a 11.29% return vs 10.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHM or IMCB?

SCHM and IMCB have the same expense ratio: 0.04% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHM or IMCB?

SCHM has the higher dividend yield at 1.26%, compared with 1.21% for IMCB.

What is the main difference between SCHM and IMCB?

SCHM tracks Dow Jones US Total Stock Market Mid-Cap, while IMCB tracks IMCB-US - Morningstar U.S. Mid Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IMCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 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.