SCHX vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SCHX (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR 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 XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHX returned 15.35%/yr vs 9.20%/yr for XLU. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SCHX charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

SCHX vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHX achieves a 8.86% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 5.04% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHX has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 15.35%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.20% annualized return.

SCHX

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 8.86%
• 6M: 9.10%
• 1Y: 25.11%
• 3Y*: 20.84%
• 5Y*: 12.76%
• 10Y*: 15.35%

XLU

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 1.50%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 6M: 5.48%
• 1Y: 12.50%
• 3Y*: 13.79%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

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

SCHX vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF	8.86%	17.46%	24.88%	26.84%	-19.41%	26.81%	20.81%	31.22%	-4.66%	21.95%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	5.04%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHX and XLU is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.44

Over the past year, the correlation between SCHX and XLU has dropped to 0.19 - well below their long-term average of 0.44, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SCHX vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHX	XLU
Technology	42.9%	-
Communication Services	11.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.3%	-
Financial Services	9.0%	-
Healthcare	8.5%	-
Industrials	6.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	-
Energy	3.0%	-
Utilities	1.3%	100.0%
Basic Materials	1.0%	-
Real Estate	0.9%	-

Return for Risk

SCHX vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHX

SCHX Risk / Return Rank: 66
SCHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
SCHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SCHX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
SCHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
SCHX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 26
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	0.81	+1.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	1.18	+1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.15	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	1.30	+1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.65	2.80	+8.85

SCHX vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHX Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHX and XLU, 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. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHX drawdown since its inception was -34.33%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHX and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHX	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.33%	-51.98%	+17.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.02%	-9.18%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.04%	-17.26%	-1.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.41%	-25.26%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.33%	-36.07%	+1.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.37%	-6.05%	+3.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.96%	-10.22%	+6.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	4.25%	-2.21%

Volatility

SCHX vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX) is 4.47%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.59%. This indicates that SCHX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHX	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.47%	5.59%	-1.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.71%	11.68%	-1.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.47%	14.66%	-2.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.19%	17.34%	-0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.17%	19.27%	-1.10%

SCHX vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than XLU's 0.08% 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. XLU - Dividend Comparison

SCHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than XLU's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.67%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHX and XLU in my portfolio?

SCHX and XLU have a correlation of 0.19, 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 XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.59%) compared to SCHX (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHX dropped -34.33% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, SCHX or XLU?

On 10-year performance, SCHX leads with 15.35% vs 9.20% for XLU. On fees, SCHX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SCHX has been the lower-risk option at 4.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHX or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, SCHX has performed better with a 15.35% return vs 9.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHX or XLU?

SCHX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for XLU.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 1.02% for SCHX.

What is the main difference between SCHX and XLU?

SCHX is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. SCHX tracks Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Total Stock Market Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for SCHX and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 0.81), 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.