SWISX vs. VBTLX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SWISX (Schwab International Index Fund) and VBTLX (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - SWISX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net), while VBTLX is a Total Bond Market fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SWISX returned 9.70%/yr vs 1.54%/yr for VBTLX. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. SWISX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBTLX.

Performance

SWISX vs. VBTLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) and Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBTLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWISX achieves a 8.95% return, which is significantly higher than VBTLX's 0.42% return. Over the past 10 years, SWISX has outperformed VBTLX with an annualized return of 9.70%, while VBTLX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.54% annualized return.

SWISX

• 1D: 3.03%
• 1M: 0.97%
• YTD: 8.95%
• 6M: 10.44%
• 1Y: 21.50%
• 3Y*: 16.43%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 9.70%

VBTLX

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 0.42%
• 6M: 0.97%
• 1Y: 4.90%
• 3Y*: 4.05%
• 5Y*: 0.05%
• 10Y*: 1.54%

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

SWISX vs. VBTLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	8.95%	31.59%	3.54%	18.13%	-14.30%	11.25%	8.14%	21.87%	-13.38%	25.32%
VBTLX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.42%	7.17%	1.26%	5.74%	-13.16%	-1.81%	7.72%	8.73%	-0.25%	3.56%

Correlation

The correlation between SWISX and VBTLX is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001	-0.11

The correlation between SWISX and VBTLX shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (all time) to 0.40 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SWISX vs. VBTLX — 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: 34
SWISX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
SWISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SWISX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

VBTLX

VBTLX Risk / Return Rank: 30
VBTLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VBTLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
VBTLX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VBTLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VBTLX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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. VBTLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) and Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBTLX). 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	VBTLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	1.25	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	1.89	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.22	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	1.70	+0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.82	4.93	+1.89

SWISX vs. VBTLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWISX Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is comparable to the VBTLX Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWISX and VBTLX, 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. VBTLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWISX drawdown since its inception was -60.65%, which is greater than VBTLX's maximum drawdown of -18.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWISX and VBTLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWISX	VBTLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.65%	-18.81%	-41.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-2.89%	-8.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	-6.00%	-7.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.42%	-18.14%	-11.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.83%	-18.81%	-15.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.01%	-2.18%	+1.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.80%	-2.67%	-12.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	1.00%	+2.05%

Volatility

SWISX vs. VBTLX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) has a higher volatility of 5.34% compared to Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBTLX) at 1.33%. This indicates that SWISX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBTLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWISX	VBTLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.34%	1.33%	+4.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.07%	2.85%	+10.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.74%	3.93%	+11.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.39%	6.01%	+10.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.90%	4.98%	+11.92%

SWISX vs. VBTLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWISX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than VBTLX's 0.04% expense ratio. However, 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. VBTLX - Dividend Comparison

SWISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.26%, less than VBTLX's 3.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	3.26%	3.55%	3.29%	3.31%	2.73%	3.34%	1.88%	3.09%	3.15%	2.71%	3.19%	2.71%
VBTLX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.98%	3.87%	3.69%	3.10%	2.59%	1.96%	2.39%	2.74%	2.57%	2.56%	2.53%	2.82%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWISX and VBTLX in my portfolio?

SWISX and VBTLX have a correlation of 0.40, 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 VBTLX?

SWISX has higher volatility (5.34%) compared to VBTLX (1.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWISX dropped -60.65% vs VBTLX's -18.81%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.33 vs 1.25), 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.