SWISX vs. SWCAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SWISX (Schwab International Index Fund) and SWCAX (Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund™) are both mutual funds - SWISX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net), while SWCAX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Charles Schwab. Over the past 10 years, SWISX returned 9.58%/yr vs 1.48%/yr for SWCAX. At a correlation of -0.09, they often move in opposite directions. SWISX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.48%/yr for SWCAX.

Performance

SWISX vs. SWCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) and Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund™ (SWCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWISX achieves a 10.58% return, which is significantly higher than SWCAX's 1.03% return. Over the past 10 years, SWISX has outperformed SWCAX with an annualized return of 9.58%, while SWCAX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.48% annualized return.

SWISX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 1.99%
• YTD: 10.58%
• 6M: 10.97%
• 1Y: 25.29%
• 3Y*: 16.19%
• 5Y*: 9.33%
• 10Y*: 9.58%

SWCAX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.36%
• YTD: 1.03%
• 6M: 1.40%
• 1Y: 5.93%
• 3Y*: 3.19%
• 5Y*: 0.54%
• 10Y*: 1.48%

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

SWISX vs. SWCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	10.58%	31.59%	3.54%	18.13%	-14.30%	11.25%	8.14%	21.87%	-13.38%	25.32%
SWCAX Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund™	1.03%	3.95%	1.51%	4.73%	-8.10%	0.36%	3.93%	6.02%	1.16%	4.37%

Correlation

The correlation between SWISX and SWCAX is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1998	-0.09

The correlation between SWISX and SWCAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (all time) to 0.26 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SWISX vs. SWCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWISX

SWISX Risk / Return Rank: 35
SWISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SWISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
SWISX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SWISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
SWISX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

SWCAX

SWCAX Risk / Return Rank: 66
SWCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
SWCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SWCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SWCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SWCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. SWCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) and Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund™ (SWCAX). 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.

	SWISX	SWCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	2.57	-1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	4.06	-1.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.67	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.14	2.14	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.03	6.36	+1.66

SWISX vs. SWCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWISX Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is lower than the SWCAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWISX and SWCAX, 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

SWISX vs. SWCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWISX drawdown since its inception was -60.65%, which is greater than SWCAX's maximum drawdown of -13.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWISX and SWCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWISX	SWCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.65%	-13.51%	-47.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-2.75%	-8.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	-4.36%	-9.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.42%	-12.30%	-17.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.83%	-12.30%	-21.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.92%	+0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.79%	-1.87%	-12.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	0.92%	+2.12%

Volatility

SWISX vs. SWCAX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) has a higher volatility of 5.02% compared to Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund™ (SWCAX) at 0.62%. This indicates that SWISX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SWCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWISX	SWCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.02%	0.62%	+4.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.02%	1.79%	+11.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.62%	2.29%	+13.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.37%	3.11%	+13.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.88%	3.37%	+13.51%

SWISX vs. SWCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWISX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SWCAX's 0.48% expense ratio.

Dividends

SWISX vs. SWCAX - Dividend Comparison

SWISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.21%, which matches SWCAX's 3.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWCAX Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund™	3.18%	3.46%	2.67%	2.23%	1.57%	1.68%	2.45%	2.54%	2.50%	2.22%	3.10%	2.79%
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	3.21%	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 SWCAX in my portfolio?

SWISX and SWCAX have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SWISX or SWCAX?

SWISX has higher volatility (5.02%) compared to SWCAX (0.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWISX dropped -60.65% vs SWCAX's -13.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs 1.56), 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.