SWLSX vs. SWHFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SWLSX (Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™) and SWHFX (Schwab Health Care Fund™) are both mutual funds - SWLSX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Charles Schwab, while SWHFX is a Health & Biotech Equities fund managed by Charles Schwab. Over the past 10 years, SWLSX returned 16.76%/yr vs 6.99%/yr for SWHFX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SWLSX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for SWHFX.

Performance

SWLSX vs. SWHFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™ (SWLSX) and Schwab Health Care Fund™ (SWHFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWLSX achieves a 11.17% return, which is significantly higher than SWHFX's -5.57% return. Over the past 10 years, SWLSX has outperformed SWHFX with an annualized return of 16.76%, while SWHFX has yielded a comparatively lower 6.99% annualized return.

SWLSX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 7.06%
• YTD: 11.17%
• 6M: 10.00%
• 1Y: 29.73%
• 3Y*: 24.86%
• 5Y*: 16.18%
• 10Y*: 16.76%

SWHFX

• 1D: -1.19%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: -5.57%
• 6M: -10.58%
• 1Y: 4.51%
• 3Y*: 3.05%
• 5Y*: 2.95%
• 10Y*: 6.99%

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

SWLSX vs. SWHFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWLSX Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™	11.17%	19.69%	29.41%	38.27%	-27.00%	29.03%	29.03%	31.02%	-7.93%	29.01%
SWHFX Schwab Health Care Fund™	-5.57%	9.81%	0.10%	0.73%	-4.66%	23.36%	12.83%	17.64%	3.68%	20.31%

Correlation

The correlation between SWLSX and SWHFX is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2006	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between SWLSX and SWHFX has dropped to 0.29 - well below their long-term average of 0.74, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

SWLSX vs. SWHFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWLSX

SWLSX Risk / Return Rank: 35
SWLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
SWLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SWLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SWLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
SWLSX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

SWHFX

SWHFX Risk / Return Rank: 4
SWHFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
SWHFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
SWHFX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
SWHFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
SWHFX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

SWLSX vs. SWHFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™ (SWLSX) and Schwab Health Care Fund™ (SWHFX). 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.

	SWLSX	SWHFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	0.28	+1.64
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	0.50	+2.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.06	+0.27
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	0.32	+1.58
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.56	0.74	+5.82
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SWLSX vs. SWHFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWLSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is higher than the SWHFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWLSX and SWHFX, 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

	SWLSX	SWHFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	0.28	+1.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77	0.20	+0.57
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81	0.44	+0.37
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.49	+0.08

Drawdowns

SWLSX vs. SWHFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWLSX drawdown since its inception was -49.89%, which is greater than SWHFX's maximum drawdown of -43.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWLSX and SWHFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWLSX	SWHFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.89%	-43.10%	-6.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.17%	-13.74%	-2.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.93%	-19.35%	-3.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.32%	-19.35%	-11.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.32%	-27.28%	-4.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-12.43%	+12.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.94%	-8.17%	+0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.67%	6.00%	-1.33%

Volatility

SWLSX vs. SWHFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™ (SWLSX) is 3.46%, while Schwab Health Care Fund™ (SWHFX) has a volatility of 3.96%. This indicates that SWLSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SWHFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWLSX	SWHFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.46%	3.96%	-0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.26%	12.14%	+0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.02%	15.77%	+0.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.04%	14.65%	+6.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	15.97%	+4.87%

SWLSX vs. SWHFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWLSX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than SWHFX's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

SWLSX vs. SWHFX - Dividend Comparison

SWLSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, while SWHFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWHFX Schwab Health Care Fund™	0.00%	0.00%	9.49%	3.60%	4.18%	12.52%	11.47%	4.56%	10.02%	7.32%	2.63%	16.31%
SWLSX Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™	1.05%	1.17%	0.11%	0.04%	2.07%	7.77%	1.07%	5.32%	12.35%	7.92%	4.46%	17.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWLSX and SWHFX in my portfolio?

SWLSX and SWHFX have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SWLSX or SWHFX?

SWHFX has higher volatility (3.96%) compared to SWLSX (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWLSX dropped -49.89% vs SWHFX's -43.10%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWLSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 0.28), 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.