SWLRX vs. SWISX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SWLRX (Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Maximum Payout) and SWISX (Schwab International Index Fund) are both mutual funds - SWLRX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Charles Schwab, while SWISX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Over the past 10 years, SWLRX returned 3.47%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for SWISX. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SWLRX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SWISX.

Performance

SWLRX vs. SWISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Maximum Payout (SWLRX) and Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWLRX achieves a 3.95% return, which is significantly lower than SWISX's 10.79% return. Over the past 10 years, SWLRX has underperformed SWISX with an annualized return of 3.47%, while SWISX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.17% annualized return.

SWLRX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -0.23%
• YTD: 3.95%
• 6M: 3.91%
• 1Y: 9.35%
• 3Y*: 7.93%
• 5Y*: 2.59%
• 10Y*: 3.47%

SWISX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.18%
• YTD: 10.79%
• 6M: 10.26%
• 1Y: 24.58%
• 3Y*: 17.53%
• 5Y*: 9.24%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

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

SWLRX vs. SWISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWLRX Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Maximum Payout	3.95%	9.85%	3.75%	8.04%	-12.49%	2.33%	6.93%	11.18%	-2.31%	5.64%
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	10.79%	31.59%	3.54%	18.13%	-14.30%	11.25%	8.14%	21.87%	-13.38%	25.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SWLRX and SWISX is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 28, 2008	0.51

Over the past year, SWLRX and SWISX have become more correlated (0.72) than their long-term average of 0.51, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

SWLRX vs. SWISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWLRX

SWLRX Risk / Return Rank: 61
SWLRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
SWLRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
SWLRX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
SWLRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
SWLRX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

SWISX

SWISX Risk / Return Rank: 38
SWISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
SWISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SWISX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SWISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SWISX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

SWLRX vs. SWISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Maximum Payout (SWLRX) and Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX). 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.

	SWLRX	SWISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	1.64	+0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	2.33	+0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.30	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	2.25	+0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.04	8.43	+1.61

SWLRX vs. SWISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWLRX Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is higher than the SWISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWLRX and SWISX, 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

SWLRX vs. SWISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWLRX drawdown since its inception was -18.60%, smaller than the maximum SWISX drawdown of -60.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWLRX and SWISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWLRX	SWISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.60%	-60.65%	+42.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.49%	-11.39%	+7.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.47%	-13.68%	+7.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.60%	-29.42%	+10.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.60%	-33.83%	+15.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.05%	0.00%	-1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.36%	-14.78%	+12.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	3.04%	-2.07%

Volatility

SWLRX vs. SWISX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Maximum Payout (SWLRX) is 1.38%, while Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) has a volatility of 4.84%. This indicates that SWLRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SWISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWLRX	SWISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.38%	4.84%	-3.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.43%	12.98%	-9.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.50%	15.63%	-11.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.22%	16.37%	-10.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.15%	16.86%	-11.71%

SWLRX vs. SWISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWLRX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than SWISX's 0.06% 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

SWLRX vs. SWISX - Dividend Comparison

SWLRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.60%, more than SWISX's 3.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	3.20%	3.55%	3.29%	3.31%	2.73%	3.34%	1.88%	3.09%	3.15%	2.71%	3.19%	2.71%
SWLRX Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Maximum Payout	4.60%	4.63%	4.94%	4.10%	4.63%	3.07%	2.19%	3.22%	3.30%	2.47%	4.00%	4.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWLRX and SWISX in my portfolio?

SWLRX and SWISX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SWLRX or SWISX?

SWISX has higher volatility (4.84%) compared to SWLRX (1.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWLRX dropped -18.60% vs SWISX's -60.65%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWLRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.64), 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.