SFILX vs. VFSNX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SFILX (Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index Fund) and VFSNX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SFILX returned 8.74%/yr vs 8.41%/yr for VFSNX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SFILX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for VFSNX.

Performance

SFILX vs. VFSNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index Fund (SFILX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SFILX achieves a 8.14% return, which is significantly higher than VFSNX's 7.53% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SFILX having a 8.74% annualized return and VFSNX not far behind at 8.41%.

SFILX

• 1D: -2.34%
• 1M: -3.18%
• YTD: 8.14%
• 6M: 7.80%
• 1Y: 21.13%
• 3Y*: 17.85%
• 5Y*: 7.08%
• 10Y*: 8.74%

VFSNX

• 1D: -2.67%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 7.53%
• 6M: 7.39%
• 1Y: 20.77%
• 3Y*: 15.97%
• 5Y*: 5.50%
• 10Y*: 8.41%

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

SFILX vs. VFSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SFILX Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index Fund	8.14%	36.17%	1.29%	14.80%	-14.89%	9.69%	7.50%	19.58%	-18.67%	26.08%
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.53%	29.97%	2.63%	15.18%	-21.26%	12.74%	11.92%	21.72%	-18.46%	30.30%

Correlation

The correlation between SFILX and VFSNX is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2009	0.95

The correlation between SFILX and VFSNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SFILX vs. VFSNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SFILX

SFILX Risk / Return Rank: 36
SFILX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
SFILX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
SFILX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SFILX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
SFILX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

VFSNX

VFSNX Risk / Return Rank: 36
VFSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VFSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VFSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VFSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VFSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

SFILX vs. VFSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index Fund (SFILX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX). 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.

	SFILX	VFSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	1.57	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	2.17	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.29	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	1.96	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.28	7.26	+0.02

SFILX vs. VFSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SFILX Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the VFSNX Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SFILX and VFSNX, 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

SFILX vs. VFSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SFILX drawdown since its inception was -43.13%, roughly equal to the maximum VFSNX drawdown of -43.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SFILX and VFSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SFILX	VFSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.13%	-43.65%	+0.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-11.47%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.05%	-14.70%	+1.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.29%	-33.75%	+1.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.13%	-43.65%	+0.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.62%	-4.84%	+0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.17%	-9.46%	+1.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	3.08%	+0.05%

Volatility

SFILX vs. VFSNX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index Fund (SFILX) is 5.18%, while Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) has a volatility of 6.00%. This indicates that SFILX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFSNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SFILX	VFSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.18%	6.00%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.54%	12.40%	-0.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.94%	14.28%	-0.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.37%	15.19%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.03%	15.66%	+0.37%

SFILX vs. VFSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SFILX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VFSNX's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

SFILX vs. VFSNX - Dividend Comparison

SFILX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.78%, more than VFSNX's 3.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SFILX Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index Fund	7.78%	8.41%	4.71%	3.11%	4.88%	6.00%	1.98%	2.78%	5.77%	1.41%	2.45%	2.09%
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.23%	3.36%	3.41%	3.11%	2.26%	2.70%	1.90%	3.25%	2.81%	2.85%	2.93%	2.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SFILX and VFSNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SFILX and VFSNX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SFILX or VFSNX?

VFSNX has higher volatility (6.00%) compared to SFILX (5.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SFILX dropped -43.13% vs VFSNX's -43.65%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SFILX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 vs 1.57), 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.