SWMIX vs. SICNX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SWMIX (Schwab International Opportunities Fund) and SICNX (Schwab International Core Equity Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Charles Schwab. Over the past 10 years, SWMIX returned 8.41%/yr vs 9.73%/yr for SICNX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SWMIX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for SICNX.

Performance

SWMIX vs. SICNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Opportunities Fund (SWMIX) and Schwab International Core Equity Fund (SICNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWMIX achieves a 13.97% return, which is significantly higher than SICNX's 11.97% return. Over the past 10 years, SWMIX has underperformed SICNX with an annualized return of 8.41%, while SICNX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.73% annualized return.

SWMIX

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 3.08%
• YTD: 13.97%
• 6M: 13.64%
• 1Y: 19.49%
• 3Y*: 13.18%
• 5Y*: 2.98%
• 10Y*: 8.41%

SICNX

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: 11.97%
• 6M: 11.67%
• 1Y: 24.76%
• 3Y*: 20.25%
• 5Y*: 10.81%
• 10Y*: 9.73%

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

SWMIX vs. SICNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWMIX Schwab International Opportunities Fund	13.97%	21.83%	0.91%	12.52%	-25.35%	5.78%	23.94%	26.07%	-19.12%	33.64%
SICNX Schwab International Core Equity Fund	11.97%	31.57%	9.04%	20.00%	-15.31%	11.01%	4.64%	19.16%	-18.30%	25.48%

Correlation

The correlation between SWMIX and SICNX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 30, 2008	0.96

The correlation between SWMIX and SICNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SWMIX vs. SICNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWMIX

SWMIX Risk / Return Rank: 20
SWMIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
SWMIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
SWMIX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
SWMIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
SWMIX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

SICNX

SICNX Risk / Return Rank: 33
SICNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
SICNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
SICNX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
SICNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SICNX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

SWMIX vs. SICNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Opportunities Fund (SWMIX) and Schwab International Core Equity Fund (SICNX). 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.

	SWMIX	SICNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	1.50	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.48	2.02	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.29	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	2.11	-0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.72	7.34	-1.62

SWMIX vs. SICNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWMIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is comparable to the SICNX Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWMIX and SICNX, 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

SWMIX vs. SICNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWMIX drawdown since its inception was -61.81%, which is greater than SICNX's maximum drawdown of -55.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWMIX and SICNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWMIX	SICNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.81%	-55.78%	-6.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.90%	-12.21%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.56%	-13.53%	-3.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.51%	-29.11%	-11.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.51%	-40.62%	+0.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.63%	-12.17%	-0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.59%	3.50%	+0.09%

Volatility

SWMIX vs. SICNX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Opportunities Fund (SWMIX) has a higher volatility of 6.96% compared to Schwab International Core Equity Fund (SICNX) at 5.40%. This indicates that SWMIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SICNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWMIX	SICNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.96%	5.40%	+1.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.90%	13.53%	+3.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.89%	17.19%	+1.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.35%	16.25%	+2.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.36%	16.49%	+1.87%

SWMIX vs. SICNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWMIX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than SICNX's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

SWMIX vs. SICNX - Dividend Comparison

Neither SWMIX nor SICNX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SICNX Schwab International Core Equity Fund	0.00%	0.00%	2.61%	2.67%	3.42%	2.86%	1.03%	3.56%	2.86%	2.61%	2.50%	2.04%
SWMIX Schwab International Opportunities Fund	0.00%	0.00%	2.04%	1.73%	3.59%	17.50%	6.16%	1.94%	10.57%	4.60%	0.87%	7.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWMIX and SICNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, SWMIX and SICNX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SWMIX or SICNX?

SWMIX has higher volatility (6.96%) compared to SICNX (5.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWMIX dropped -61.81% vs SICNX's -55.78%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SICNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.10), 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.