SCHZ vs. SCHF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SCHZ (Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) and SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHZ is a Total Bond Market fund tracking the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond 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, SCHZ returned 1.52%/yr vs 10.27%/yr for SCHF. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. SCHZ charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHF.

Performance

SCHZ vs. SCHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (SCHZ) 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, SCHZ achieves a 0.30% return, which is significantly lower than SCHF's 15.56% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHZ has underperformed SCHF with an annualized return of 1.52%, while SCHF has yielded a comparatively higher 10.27% annualized return.

SCHZ

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 0.30%
• 6M: 0.15%
• 1Y: 5.16%
• 3Y*: 3.94%
• 5Y*: 0.07%
• 10Y*: 1.52%

SCHF

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 5.91%
• YTD: 15.56%
• 6M: 18.62%
• 1Y: 32.67%
• 3Y*: 19.90%
• 5Y*: 9.84%
• 10Y*: 10.27%

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

SCHZ vs. SCHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHZ Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	0.30%	7.24%	1.26%	5.60%	-13.17%	-1.72%	7.46%	8.65%	-0.26%	3.50%
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	15.56%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHZ and SCHF is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2011	-0.01

The correlation between SCHZ and SCHF shifts across timeframes, from -0.01 (all time) to 0.40 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SCHZ vs. SCHF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHZ	SCHF
Financial Services	8.3%	20.6%
Technology	3.0%	15.7%
Healthcare	2.3%	6.5%
Utilities	2.1%	1.7%
Communication Services	2.1%	2.3%
Industrials	1.7%	11.5%
Consumer Cyclical	1.4%	5.7%
Energy	1.3%	5.0%
Consumer Defensive	1.1%	4.9%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.7%
Basic Materials	0.4%	6.5%

Return for Risk

SCHZ vs. SCHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHZ

SCHZ Risk / Return Rank: 37
SCHZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SCHZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SCHZ Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SCHZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SCHZ Martin Ratio Rank: 37

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 59
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

SCHZ vs. SCHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (SCHZ) 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.

	SCHZ	SCHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	2.09	-0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	2.87	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.37	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	2.86	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.87	11.11	-5.24
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCHZ vs. SCHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is lower than the SCHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHZ 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SCHZ	SCHF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	2.09	-0.72
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	0.60	-0.59
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28	0.60	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.44	+0.01

Drawdowns

SCHZ vs. SCHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHZ drawdown since its inception was -18.74%, smaller than the maximum SCHF drawdown of -34.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHZ and SCHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHZ	SCHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.74%	-34.87%	+16.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.70%	-11.48%	+8.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.18%	-13.41%	+7.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.01%	-29.14%	+11.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.74%	-34.87%	+16.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.47%	-0.86%	-1.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.68%	-7.38%	+3.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	2.95%	-2.07%

Volatility

SCHZ vs. SCHF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (SCHZ) is 1.24%, while Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) has a volatility of 5.66%. This indicates that SCHZ 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

	SCHZ	SCHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.24%	5.66%	-4.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.67%	13.34%	-10.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.79%	15.74%	-11.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.08%	16.39%	-10.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.41%	17.18%	-11.77%

SCHZ vs. SCHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHZ 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

SCHZ vs. SCHF - Dividend Comparison

SCHZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.12%, more than SCHF's 2.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	2.96%	3.42%	3.26%	2.97%	2.80%	3.19%	2.08%	2.95%	3.06%	2.35%	2.58%	2.26%
SCHZ Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	4.12%	4.05%	3.96%	3.28%	2.63%	2.16%	2.43%	2.79%	2.56%	2.40%	2.24%	2.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHZ and SCHF in my portfolio?

SCHZ and SCHF have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHZ or SCHF?

SCHF has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to SCHZ (1.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHZ dropped -18.74% vs SCHF's -34.87%.

Which ETF is better, SCHZ or SCHF?

On 10-year performance, SCHF leads with 10.27% vs 1.52% for SCHZ. On fees, SCHZ is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SCHZ has been the lower-risk option at 1.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHZ or SCHF?

Over the 10-year period, SCHF has performed better with a 10.27% return vs 1.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHZ or SCHF?

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

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

SCHZ has the higher dividend yield at 4.12%, compared with 2.96% for SCHF.

What is the main difference between SCHZ and SCHF?

SCHZ is categorized as Total Bond Market, while SCHF is Foreign Large Cap Equities. SCHZ tracks Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, while SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for SCHZ and 0.06% for SCHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.37), 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.