SFENX vs. SWPPX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SFENX (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund) and SWPPX (Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - SFENX is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index, while SWPPX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SFENX returned 10.90%/yr vs 15.55%/yr for SWPPX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SFENX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for SWPPX.

Performance

SFENX vs. SWPPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (SFENX) and Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SFENX achieves a 13.58% return, which is significantly higher than SWPPX's 10.15% return. Over the past 10 years, SFENX has underperformed SWPPX with an annualized return of 10.90%, while SWPPX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.55% annualized return.

SFENX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 13.58%
• 6M: 14.59%
• 1Y: 32.77%
• 3Y*: 19.38%
• 5Y*: 9.93%
• 10Y*: 10.90%

SWPPX

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 10.15%
• 6M: 9.65%
• 1Y: 27.14%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 14.08%
• 10Y*: 15.55%

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

SFENX vs. SWPPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SFENX Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	13.58%	29.19%	12.31%	14.90%	-15.50%	13.91%	-3.01%	19.46%	-9.96%	26.44%
SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund	10.15%	17.87%	24.96%	26.26%	-18.14%	28.67%	18.38%	31.46%	-4.47%	21.81%

Correlation

The correlation between SFENX and SWPPX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2009	0.68

The correlation between SFENX and SWPPX shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (3 years) to 0.68 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SFENX vs. SWPPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SFENX

SFENX Risk / Return Rank: 70
SFENX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SFENX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SFENX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SFENX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
SFENX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

SWPPX

SWPPX Risk / Return Rank: 66
SWPPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SWPPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SWPPX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SWPPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
SWPPX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

SFENX vs. SWPPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (SFENX) and Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX). 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.

	SFENX	SWPPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	2.16	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.10	2.91	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.39	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	3.04	+0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.74	13.71	-1.97

SFENX vs. SWPPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SFENX Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the SWPPX Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SFENX and SWPPX, 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

SFENX vs. SWPPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SFENX drawdown since its inception was -47.19%, smaller than the maximum SWPPX drawdown of -55.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SFENX and SWPPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SFENX	SWPPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.19%	-55.06%	+7.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.45%	-8.89%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-18.74%	+2.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.26%	-24.51%	-4.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.59%	-33.80%	-5.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.16%	-1.38%	-1.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.86%	-9.93%	-2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	1.97%	+0.73%

Volatility

SFENX vs. SWPPX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (SFENX) has a higher volatility of 5.34% compared to Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX) at 4.83%. This indicates that SFENX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SWPPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SFENX	SWPPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.34%	4.83%	+0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.51%	9.94%	+1.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.83%	12.50%	+1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.49%	17.03%	-1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.91%	18.27%	-1.36%

SFENX vs. SWPPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SFENX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SWPPX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

SFENX vs. SWPPX - Dividend Comparison

SFENX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.46%, more than SWPPX's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SFENX Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	3.46%	3.93%	4.67%	5.00%	5.46%	4.61%	2.95%	3.82%	2.90%	2.37%	2.16%	3.23%
SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund	1.01%	1.11%	1.23%	1.43%	1.67%	1.27%	1.81%	1.95%	2.67%	1.79%	2.55%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SFENX and SWPPX in my portfolio?

SFENX and SWPPX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SFENX or SWPPX?

SFENX has higher volatility (5.34%) compared to SWPPX (4.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SFENX dropped -47.19% vs SWPPX's -55.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SFENX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 2.16), 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.