SWCGX vs. SWBGX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SWCGX (Schwab MarketTrack Conservative Portfolio™) and SWBGX (Schwab MarketTrack Balanced Portfolio™) are both Diversified Portfolio funds from Charles Schwab. Over the past 10 years, SWCGX returned 5.82%/yr vs 8.20%/yr for SWBGX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SWCGX charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SWBGX.

Performance

SWCGX vs. SWBGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab MarketTrack Conservative Portfolio™ (SWCGX) and Schwab MarketTrack Balanced Portfolio™ (SWBGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWCGX achieves a 5.33% return, which is significantly lower than SWBGX's 7.84% return. Over the past 10 years, SWCGX has underperformed SWBGX with an annualized return of 5.82%, while SWBGX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.20% annualized return.

SWCGX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 2.18%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 6M: 5.41%
• 1Y: 14.18%
• 3Y*: 10.12%
• 5Y*: 4.50%
• 10Y*: 5.82%

SWBGX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 7.84%
• 6M: 8.06%
• 1Y: 19.03%
• 3Y*: 13.50%
• 5Y*: 6.81%
• 10Y*: 8.20%

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

SWCGX vs. SWBGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWCGX Schwab MarketTrack Conservative Portfolio™	5.33%	11.95%	6.32%	11.61%	-13.76%	7.66%	9.41%	14.91%	-3.70%	9.06%
SWBGX Schwab MarketTrack Balanced Portfolio™	7.84%	14.73%	9.10%	14.99%	-14.35%	12.85%	10.50%	18.56%	-5.43%	12.70%

Correlation

The correlation between SWCGX and SWBGX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 1996	0.97

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

Return for Risk

SWCGX vs. SWBGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWCGX

SWCGX Risk / Return Rank: 71
SWCGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SWCGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SWCGX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SWCGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SWCGX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

SWBGX

SWBGX Risk / Return Rank: 73
SWBGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
SWBGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
SWBGX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SWBGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SWBGX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

SWCGX vs. SWBGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab MarketTrack Conservative Portfolio™ (SWCGX) and Schwab MarketTrack Balanced Portfolio™ (SWBGX). 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.

	SWCGX	SWBGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	2.51	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.61	3.58	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.47	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.13	3.28	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.61	14.31	-0.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SWCGX vs. SWBGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWCGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is comparable to the SWBGX Sharpe Ratio of 2.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWCGX and SWBGX, 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

	SWCGX	SWBGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.48	2.51	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	0.62	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72	0.75	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.74	0.60	+0.14

Drawdowns

SWCGX vs. SWBGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWCGX drawdown since its inception was -30.18%, smaller than the maximum SWBGX drawdown of -40.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWCGX and SWBGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWCGX	SWBGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.18%	-40.37%	+10.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.58%	-5.89%	+1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.34%	-9.69%	+2.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.83%	-23.97%	+2.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-21.83%	-23.97%	+2.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.34%	-5.41%	+2.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	1.35%	-0.30%

Volatility

SWCGX vs. SWBGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab MarketTrack Conservative Portfolio™ (SWCGX) is 1.92%, while Schwab MarketTrack Balanced Portfolio™ (SWBGX) has a volatility of 2.38%. This indicates that SWCGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SWBGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWCGX	SWBGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.92%	2.38%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.59%	6.05%	-1.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.77%	7.70%	-1.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.92%	11.02%	-2.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.12%	10.97%	-2.85%

SWCGX vs. SWBGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWCGX has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than SWBGX's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

SWCGX vs. SWBGX - Dividend Comparison

SWCGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.37%, less than SWBGX's 7.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWBGX Schwab MarketTrack Balanced Portfolio™	7.13%	7.69%	10.74%	4.23%	4.13%	5.02%	6.41%	4.42%	7.11%	5.30%	3.18%	14.29%
SWCGX Schwab MarketTrack Conservative Portfolio™	6.37%	6.66%	10.09%	6.62%	4.07%	4.86%	3.28%	3.32%	4.85%	3.14%	2.49%	7.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWCGX and SWBGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SWCGX and SWBGX 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, SWCGX or SWBGX?

SWBGX has higher volatility (2.38%) compared to SWCGX (1.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWCGX dropped -30.18% vs SWBGX's -40.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWBGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 vs 2.48), 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.