SWISX vs. SCHC

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

SWISX (Schwab International Index Fund) and SCHC (Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF) are both funds - SWISX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net), while SCHC is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Custom Developed Small Cap ex-US Liquid Net of Tax (Lux). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SWISX returned 8.88%/yr vs 7.91%/yr for SCHC. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SWISX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SCHC.

Performance

SWISX vs. SCHC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) and Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SWISX having a 6.62% return and SCHC slightly higher at 6.81%. Over the past 10 years, SWISX has outperformed SCHC with an annualized return of 8.88%, while SCHC has yielded a comparatively lower 7.91% annualized return.

SWISX

• 1D: -2.52%
• 1M: -1.61%
• YTD: 6.62%
• 6M: 9.04%
• 1Y: 18.18%
• 3Y*: 15.81%
• 5Y*: 7.96%
• 10Y*: 8.88%

SCHC

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: -5.20%
• YTD: 6.81%
• 6M: 9.38%
• 1Y: 23.23%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 5.72%
• 10Y*: 7.91%

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

SWISX vs. SCHC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	6.62%	31.59%	3.54%	18.13%	-14.30%	11.25%	8.14%	21.87%	-13.38%	25.32%
SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF	6.81%	37.59%	1.97%	14.36%	-21.74%	12.02%	10.48%	23.10%	-18.60%	29.42%

Correlation

The correlation between SWISX and SCHC is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 2010	0.92

The correlation between SWISX and SCHC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

SWISX vs. SCHC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SWISX	SCHC
Financial Services	24.4%	12.6%
Industrials	20.3%	22.4%
Technology	10.7%	9.2%
Healthcare	9.2%	6.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	10.0%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	4.1%
Basic Materials	6.1%	13.7%
Communication Services	4.6%	3.2%
Energy	4.1%	6.5%
Utilities	4.0%	3.2%
Real Estate	2.0%	8.6%

Return for Risk

SWISX vs. SCHC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWISX

SWISX Risk / Return Rank: 22
SWISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
SWISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
SWISX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
SWISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
SWISX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

SCHC

SCHC Risk / Return Rank: 45
SCHC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SCHC Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
SCHC Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SCHC Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
SCHC Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

SWISX vs. SCHC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) and Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC). 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.

	SWISX	SCHC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	1.47	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	2.05	-0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.27	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	1.87	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.15	7.03	-0.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SWISX vs. SCHC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWISX Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is comparable to the SCHC Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWISX and SCHC, 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

	SWISX	SCHC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.22	1.47	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49	0.33	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.44	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.30	0.39	-0.09

Drawdowns

SWISX vs. SCHC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWISX drawdown since its inception was -60.65%, which is greater than SCHC's maximum drawdown of -43.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWISX and SCHC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWISX	SCHC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.65%	-43.94%	-16.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-12.48%	+1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	-15.52%	+1.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.42%	-36.48%	+7.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.83%	-43.94%	+10.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.13%	-5.65%	+2.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.81%	-10.05%	-4.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	3.31%	-0.27%

Volatility

SWISX vs. SCHC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) is 4.52%, while Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) has a volatility of 5.47%. This indicates that SWISX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWISX	SCHC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	5.47%	-0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.65%	13.49%	-0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	15.86%	-0.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.32%	17.56%	-1.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.89%	18.02%	-1.13%

SWISX vs. SCHC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWISX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SCHC's 0.11% 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

SWISX vs. SCHC - Dividend Comparison

SWISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.33%, less than SCHC's 3.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF	3.43%	3.66%	3.72%	2.94%	1.78%	3.02%	1.62%	3.23%	2.51%	2.73%	2.01%	2.34%
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	3.33%	3.55%	3.29%	3.31%	2.73%	3.34%	1.88%	3.09%	3.15%	2.71%	3.19%	2.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWISX and SCHC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, SWISX and SCHC 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, SWISX or SCHC?

SCHC has higher volatility (5.47%) compared to SWISX (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWISX dropped -60.65% vs SCHC's -43.94%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs 1.22), 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.