SCHY vs. IBB

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

SCHY (Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF) and IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHY is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index, while IBB is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SCHY returned 8.63%/yr vs 2.78%/yr for IBB. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHY charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBB.

Performance

SCHY vs. IBB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). 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 SCHY having a 10.12% return and IBB slightly higher at 10.62%.

SCHY

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 2.12%
• 6M: 8.67%
• YTD: 10.12%
• 1Y: 23.00%
• 3Y*: 14.24%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.76%

IBB

• 1D: -1.70%
• 1M: 7.42%
• 6M: 9.84%
• YTD: 10.62%
• 1Y: 44.15%
• 3Y*: 12.68%
• 5Y*: 2.78%
• 10Y*: 7.41%
• ALL TIME*: 7.17%

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

SCHY vs. IBB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	10.12%	33.98%	-1.79%	14.27%	-9.43%	3.42%
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	10.62%	27.98%	-2.41%	3.76%	-13.69%	-2.54%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHY and IBB is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 29, 2021	0.51

The correlation between SCHY and IBB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHY vs. IBB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHY	IBB
Consumer Defensive	17.1%	-
Financial Services	13.1%	-
Communication Services	11.8%	-
Industrials	10.4%	-
Healthcare	8.1%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	-
Technology	7.5%	-
Energy	7.2%	-
Utilities	6.0%	-
Basic Materials	5.5%	-
Real Estate	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

SCHY vs. IBB — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHY

SCHY Risk / Return Rank: 72
SCHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
SCHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
SCHY Omega Ratio Rank: 78
SCHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
SCHY Martin Ratio Rank: 56

IBB

IBB Risk / Return Rank: 87
IBB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
IBB Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
IBB Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IBB Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
IBB Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

SCHY vs. IBB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). 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.

	SCHY	IBB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.17	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	3.03	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	4.60	-2.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.20	13.90	-6.69

SCHY vs. IBB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHY Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the IBB Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHY and IBB, 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

SCHY vs. IBB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHY drawdown since its inception was -24.04%, smaller than the maximum IBB drawdown of -62.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHY and IBB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHY	IBB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.04%	-62.85%	+38.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.11%	-9.63%	+0.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.16%	-24.85%	+12.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.04%	-39.82%	+15.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.22%	-5.90%	+2.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.95%	-21.09%	+16.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	3.19%	+0.01%

Volatility

SCHY vs. IBB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) is 2.87%, while iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) has a volatility of 6.21%. This indicates that SCHY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHY	IBB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.87%	6.21%	-3.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.23%	15.93%	-5.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.08%	20.51%	-8.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.25%	22.14%	-8.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.19%	23.13%	-9.94%

SCHY vs. IBB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHY has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than IBB's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHY vs. IBB - Dividend Comparison

SCHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.43%, more than IBB's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	0.22%	0.23%	0.29%	0.26%	0.31%	0.21%	0.21%	0.33%	0.20%	0.30%	0.19%	0.03%
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	3.43%	3.55%	4.64%	3.97%	3.67%	1.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHY and IBB in my portfolio?

SCHY and IBB have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHY or IBB?

IBB has higher volatility (6.21%) compared to SCHY (2.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHY dropped -24.04% vs IBB's -62.85%.

Which ETF is better, SCHY or IBB?

On 5-year performance, SCHY leads with 8.63% vs 2.78% for IBB. On fees, SCHY is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, SCHY has been the lower-risk option at 2.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHY or IBB?

Over the 5-year period, SCHY has performed better with a 8.63% return vs 2.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHY or IBB?

SCHY is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHY or IBB?

SCHY has the higher dividend yield at 3.43%, compared with 0.22% for IBB.

What is the main difference between SCHY and IBB?

SCHY is categorized as Dividend, while IBB is Health & Biotech Equities. SCHY tracks Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index, while IBB tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for SCHY and 0.47% for IBB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.92), 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.