SWLSX vs. SWSSX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SWLSX (Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™) and SWSSX (Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares) are both mutual funds - SWLSX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Charles Schwab, while SWSSX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. SWLSX is actively managed, while SWSSX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SWLSX returned 16.91%/yr vs 11.83%/yr for SWSSX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SWLSX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SWSSX.

Performance

SWLSX vs. SWSSX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWLSX achieves a 7.87% return, which is significantly lower than SWSSX's 21.72% return. Over the past 10 years, SWLSX has outperformed SWSSX with an annualized return of 16.91%, while SWSSX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.83% annualized return.

SWLSX

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: -0.39%
• YTD: 7.87%
• 6M: 6.52%
• 1Y: 24.50%
• 3Y*: 22.86%
• 5Y*: 14.47%
• 10Y*: 16.91%

SWSSX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 4.82%
• YTD: 21.72%
• 6M: 18.97%
• 1Y: 42.68%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 6.95%
• 10Y*: 11.83%

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

SWLSX vs. SWSSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWLSX Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™	7.87%	19.69%	29.41%	38.27%	-27.00%	29.03%	29.03%	31.02%	-7.93%	29.01%
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	21.72%	12.88%	11.57%	17.07%	-20.43%	14.77%	20.12%	25.63%	-11.19%	14.76%

Correlation

The correlation between SWLSX and SWSSX is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2006	0.81

The correlation between SWLSX and SWSSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (3 years) to 0.81 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SWLSX vs. SWSSX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SWLSX	SWSSX
Technology	47.7%	19.1%
Communication Services	14.3%	2.5%
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	7.9%
Healthcare	7.6%	16.3%
Industrials	7.5%	17.9%
Financial Services	6.2%	15.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	2.2%
Energy	0.4%	5.3%
Basic Materials	-	4.7%
Real Estate	-	5.9%
Utilities	-	2.8%

Return for Risk

SWLSX vs. SWSSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWLSX

SWLSX Risk / Return Rank: 28
SWLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SWLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
SWLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
SWLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
SWLSX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

SWSSX

SWSSX Risk / Return Rank: 72
SWSSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SWSSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SWSSX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SWSSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SWSSX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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. SWSSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™ (SWLSX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX). 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.

	SWLSX	SWSSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	2.26	-0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	3.07	-0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.37	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.62	4.04	-2.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.50	14.31	-8.81

SWLSX vs. SWSSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWLSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is lower than the SWSSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWLSX and SWSSX, 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

SWLSX vs. SWSSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWLSX drawdown since its inception was -49.89%, smaller than the maximum SWSSX drawdown of -60.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWLSX and SWSSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWLSX	SWSSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.89%	-60.34%	+10.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.17%	-11.00%	-5.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.93%	-27.50%	+4.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.32%	-31.93%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.32%	-41.81%	+10.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.97%	0.00%	-2.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.92%	-10.71%	+2.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.75%	3.10%	+1.65%

Volatility

SWLSX vs. SWSSX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™ (SWLSX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX) have volatilities of 6.34% and 6.39%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWLSX	SWSSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.34%	6.39%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.31%	14.33%	-1.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.96%	19.75%	-2.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.18%	22.68%	-1.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.92%	24.15%	-3.23%

SWLSX vs. SWSSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWLSX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than SWSSX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

SWLSX vs. SWSSX - Dividend Comparison

SWLSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, more than SWSSX's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWLSX Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™	1.08%	1.17%	0.11%	0.04%	2.07%	7.77%	1.07%	5.32%	12.35%	7.92%	4.46%	17.08%
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	1.06%	1.29%	1.66%	1.49%	1.32%	8.88%	2.55%	6.12%	10.45%	5.22%	4.10%	6.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWLSX and SWSSX in my portfolio?

SWLSX and SWSSX have a correlation of 0.66, 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 SWSSX?

SWSSX has higher volatility (6.39%) compared to SWLSX (6.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWLSX dropped -49.89% vs SWSSX's -60.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWSSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.55), 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.