SPMD vs. SWMCX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SPMD (SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF) and SWMCX (Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, SPMD returned 8.92%/yr vs 8.82%/yr for SWMCX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SPMD charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SWMCX.

Performance

SPMD vs. SWMCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) and Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund (SWMCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPMD achieves a 15.83% return, which is significantly higher than SWMCX's 13.41% return.

SPMD

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.74%
• YTD: 15.83%
• 6M: 13.38%
• 1Y: 27.54%
• 3Y*: 16.54%
• 5Y*: 8.92%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

SWMCX

• 1D: 1.05%
• 1M: 2.84%
• YTD: 13.41%
• 6M: 11.55%
• 1Y: 22.93%
• 3Y*: 16.36%
• 5Y*: 8.82%
• 10Y*: —

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

SPMD vs. SWMCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPMD SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF	15.83%	7.44%	13.91%	16.48%	-13.13%	24.76%	13.46%	25.19%	-10.34%	-0.42%
SWMCX Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund	13.41%	10.54%	15.28%	17.20%	-17.31%	22.55%	17.03%	30.46%	-9.16%	0.40%

Correlation

The correlation between SPMD and SWMCX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2017	0.96

The correlation between SPMD and SWMCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SPMD vs. SWMCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPMD

SPMD Risk / Return Rank: 57
SPMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SPMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPMD Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SPMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SPMD Martin Ratio Rank: 64

SWMCX

SWMCX Risk / Return Rank: 46
SWMCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
SWMCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SWMCX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SWMCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SWMCX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

SPMD vs. SWMCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) and Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund (SWMCX). 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.

	SPMD	SWMCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.68	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.40	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	2.84	+0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	10.84	+0.61

SPMD vs. SWMCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the SWMCX Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPMD and SWMCX, 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

SPMD vs. SWMCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPMD drawdown since its inception was -57.62%, which is greater than SWMCX's maximum drawdown of -40.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPMD and SWMCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPMD	SWMCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.62%	-40.34%	-17.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.86%	-8.15%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.08%	-21.07%	-3.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.08%	-26.09%	+2.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-0.73%	+0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.10%	-6.60%	-1.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	2.13%	+0.28%

Volatility

SPMD vs. SWMCX - Volatility Comparison

SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) and Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund (SWMCX) have volatilities of 4.55% and 4.56%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPMD	SWMCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	4.56%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.74%	10.48%	+1.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.89%	13.82%	+2.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.72%	18.32%	+1.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.21%	20.62%	+0.59%

SPMD vs. SWMCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPMD has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SWMCX's 0.04% 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

SPMD vs. SWMCX - Dividend Comparison

SPMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.53%, less than SWMCX's 1.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPMD SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF	1.53%	1.39%	1.42%	1.47%	1.64%	1.24%	1.30%	1.57%	1.85%	1.97%	2.13%	5.33%
SWMCX Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund	1.87%	2.13%	2.60%	1.49%	1.59%	2.93%	1.45%	2.44%	1.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPMD and SWMCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, SPMD and SWMCX 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, SPMD or SWMCX?

SWMCX has higher volatility (4.56%) compared to SPMD (4.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPMD dropped -57.62% vs SWMCX's -40.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.68), 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.