SCHX vs. SCHF

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

SCHX (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF) and SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Total Stock Market Index, while SCHF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHX returned 15.06%/yr vs 10.24%/yr for SCHF. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCHX charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHF.

Performance

SCHX vs. SCHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX) and Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHX achieves a 10.71% return, which is significantly lower than SCHF's 14.71% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHX has outperformed SCHF with an annualized return of 15.06%, while SCHF has yielded a comparatively lower 10.24% annualized return.

SCHX

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 1.71%
• 6M: 8.69%
• YTD: 10.71%
• 1Y: 21.07%
• 3Y*: 20.16%
• 5Y*: 12.57%
• 10Y*: 15.06%

SCHF

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: -0.59%
• 6M: 10.88%
• YTD: 14.71%
• 1Y: 28.58%
• 3Y*: 18.20%
• 5Y*: 10.17%
• 10Y*: 10.24%

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

SCHX vs. SCHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF	10.71%	17.46%	24.88%	26.84%	-19.41%	26.81%	20.81%	31.22%	-4.66%	21.95%
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	14.71%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHX and SCHF is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.82

The correlation between SCHX and SCHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHX vs. SCHF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHX	SCHF
Technology	38.3%	17.6%
Financial Services	11.1%	23.3%
Communication Services	10.3%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	7.3%
Industrials	8.6%	18.1%
Healthcare	8.4%	7.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	5.7%
Energy	3.2%	4.7%
Utilities	2.1%	3.2%
Real Estate	2.0%	2.0%
Basic Materials	1.8%	7.4%

Return for Risk

SCHX vs. SCHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHX

SCHX Risk / Return Rank: 63
SCHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SCHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
SCHX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SCHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SCHX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 64
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

SCHX vs. SCHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX) and Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF). 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.

	SCHX	SCHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.67	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.30	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.30	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	2.50	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.05	9.45	+0.61

SCHX vs. SCHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHX Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the SCHF Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHX and SCHF, 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

SCHX vs. SCHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHX drawdown since its inception was -34.33%, roughly equal to the maximum SCHF drawdown of -34.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHX and SCHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHX	SCHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.33%	-34.87%	+0.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.02%	-11.48%	+2.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.04%	-13.41%	-5.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.41%	-29.14%	+3.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.33%	-34.87%	+0.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.71%	-2.52%	+1.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.95%	-7.34%	+3.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.10%	3.03%	-0.93%

Volatility

SCHX vs. SCHF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX) is 3.70%, while Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that SCHX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHX	SCHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	5.50%	-1.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.01%	15.15%	-5.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.66%	17.16%	-4.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.24%	16.65%	+0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.14%	17.02%	+1.12%

SCHX vs. SCHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SCHF's 0.06% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHX vs. SCHF - Dividend Comparison

SCHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than SCHF's 3.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	3.08%	3.42%	3.26%	2.97%	2.80%	3.19%	2.08%	2.95%	3.06%	2.35%	2.58%	2.26%
SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF	1.02%	1.09%	1.22%	1.39%	1.64%	1.22%	1.64%	1.82%	2.02%	1.70%	1.92%	2.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHX and SCHF in my portfolio?

SCHX and SCHF have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHX or SCHF?

SCHF has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to SCHX (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHX dropped -34.33% vs SCHF's -34.87%.

Which ETF is better, SCHX or SCHF?

On 10-year performance, SCHX leads with 15.06% vs 10.24% for SCHF. On fees, SCHX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SCHX has been the lower-risk option at 3.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHX or SCHF?

Over the 10-year period, SCHX has performed better with a 15.06% return vs 10.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHX or SCHF?

SCHX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for SCHF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHX or SCHF?

SCHF has the higher dividend yield at 3.08%, compared with 1.02% for SCHX.

What is the main difference between SCHX and SCHF?

SCHX is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while SCHF is Foreign Large Cap Equities. SCHX tracks Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Total Stock Market Index, while SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for SCHX and 0.06% for SCHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.67), 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.