SWMIX vs. SWPPX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SWMIX (Schwab International Opportunities Fund) and SWPPX (Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - SWMIX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Charles Schwab, while SWPPX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, SWMIX returned 7.82%/yr vs 15.55%/yr for SWPPX. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SWMIX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for SWPPX.

Performance

SWMIX vs. SWPPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Opportunities Fund (SWMIX) and Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWMIX achieves a 13.80% return, which is significantly higher than SWPPX's 10.15% return. Over the past 10 years, SWMIX has underperformed SWPPX with an annualized return of 7.82%, while SWPPX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.55% annualized return.

SWMIX

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: 2.93%
• YTD: 13.80%
• 6M: 14.23%
• 1Y: 20.20%
• 3Y*: 11.61%
• 5Y*: 3.16%
• 10Y*: 7.82%

SWPPX

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 10.15%
• 6M: 9.65%
• 1Y: 27.14%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 14.08%
• 10Y*: 15.55%

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

SWMIX vs. SWPPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWMIX Schwab International Opportunities Fund	13.80%	21.83%	0.91%	12.52%	-25.35%	5.78%	23.94%	26.07%	-19.12%	33.64%
SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund	10.15%	17.87%	24.96%	26.26%	-18.14%	28.67%	18.38%	31.46%	-4.47%	21.81%

Correlation

The correlation between SWMIX and SWPPX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2004	0.80

The correlation between SWMIX and SWPPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SWMIX vs. SWPPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWMIX

SWMIX Risk / Return Rank: 18
SWMIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
SWMIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
SWMIX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
SWMIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
SWMIX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

SWPPX

SWPPX Risk / Return Rank: 66
SWPPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SWPPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SWPPX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SWPPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
SWPPX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. SWPPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Opportunities Fund (SWMIX) and Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX). 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	SWPPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	2.16	-1.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.41	2.91	-1.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.39	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	3.04	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.41	13.71	-8.30

SWMIX vs. SWPPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWMIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is lower than the SWPPX Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWMIX and SWPPX, 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. SWPPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWMIX drawdown since its inception was -61.81%, which is greater than SWPPX's maximum drawdown of -55.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWMIX and SWPPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWMIX	SWPPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.81%	-55.06%	-6.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.90%	-8.89%	-4.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.56%	-18.74%	+2.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.51%	-24.51%	-16.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.51%	-33.80%	-6.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.38%	+1.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.63%	-9.93%	-2.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.59%	1.97%	+1.62%

Volatility

SWMIX vs. SWPPX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Opportunities Fund (SWMIX) has a higher volatility of 7.09% compared to Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX) at 4.83%. This indicates that SWMIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SWPPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWMIX	SWPPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.09%	4.83%	+2.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.90%	9.94%	+6.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.87%	12.50%	+6.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.35%	17.03%	+1.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.38%	18.27%	+0.11%

SWMIX vs. SWPPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWMIX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than SWPPX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

SWMIX vs. SWPPX - Dividend Comparison

SWMIX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SWPPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund	1.01%	1.11%	1.23%	1.43%	1.67%	1.27%	1.81%	1.95%	2.67%	1.79%	2.55%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWMIX and SWPPX in my portfolio?

SWMIX and SWPPX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SWMIX or SWPPX?

SWMIX has higher volatility (7.09%) compared to SWPPX (4.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWMIX dropped -61.81% vs SWPPX's -55.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWPPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.03), 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.