SWYBX vs. SWYLX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SWYBX (Schwab Target 2015 Index Fund) and SWYLX (Schwab Target 2020 Index Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds from Charles Schwab. Over the past 5 years, SWYBX returned 5.07%/yr vs 5.38%/yr for SWYLX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

SWYBX vs. SWYLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Target 2015 Index Fund (SWYBX) and Schwab Target 2020 Index Fund (SWYLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWYBX achieves a 5.11% return, which is significantly lower than SWYLX's 5.55% return.

SWYBX

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 0.93%
• YTD: 5.11%
• 6M: 5.09%
• 1Y: 13.20%
• 3Y*: 10.08%
• 5Y*: 5.07%
• 10Y*: —

SWYLX

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 0.97%
• YTD: 5.55%
• 6M: 5.46%
• 1Y: 14.01%
• 3Y*: 10.53%
• 5Y*: 5.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

SWYBX vs. SWYLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWYBX Schwab Target 2015 Index Fund	5.11%	11.88%	7.59%	12.68%	-13.59%	7.67%	10.93%	14.99%	-2.59%	9.85%
SWYLX Schwab Target 2020 Index Fund	5.55%	12.23%	8.03%	13.15%	-13.79%	8.06%	11.04%	16.21%	-3.08%	12.11%

Correlation

The correlation between SWYBX and SWYLX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2016	0.99

The correlation between SWYBX and SWYLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SWYBX vs. SWYLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWYBX

SWYBX Risk / Return Rank: 70
SWYBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SWYBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
SWYBX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SWYBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SWYBX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SWYLX

SWYLX Risk / Return Rank: 70
SWYLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SWYLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
SWYLX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SWYLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SWYLX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

SWYBX vs. SWYLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Target 2015 Index Fund (SWYBX) and Schwab Target 2020 Index Fund (SWYLX). 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.

	SWYBX	SWYLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	2.22	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	3.17	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.43	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	2.97	-0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.07	13.25	-0.18

SWYBX vs. SWYLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWYBX Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the SWYLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWYBX and SWYLX, 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

SWYBX vs. SWYLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWYBX drawdown since its inception was -20.49%, roughly equal to the maximum SWYLX drawdown of -20.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWYBX and SWYLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWYBX	SWYLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.49%	-20.63%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.48%	-4.70%	+0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.84%	-7.02%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.49%	-20.63%	+0.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.20%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.44%	-3.46%	+0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	1.05%	-0.04%

Volatility

SWYBX vs. SWYLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Target 2015 Index Fund (SWYBX) is 2.33%, while Schwab Target 2020 Index Fund (SWYLX) has a volatility of 2.52%. This indicates that SWYBX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SWYLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWYBX	SWYLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.33%	2.52%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.87%	5.20%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.93%	6.29%	-0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.20%	8.50%	-0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.84%	8.26%	-0.42%

SWYBX vs. SWYLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SWYBX and SWYLX have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SWYBX vs. SWYLX - Dividend Comparison

SWYBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.30%, less than SWYLX's 5.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
SWYBX Schwab Target 2015 Index Fund	4.30%	4.52%	3.67%	2.38%	2.61%	2.74%	2.32%	2.23%	1.77%	1.44%	0.78%
SWYLX Schwab Target 2020 Index Fund	5.40%	5.70%	4.82%	2.61%	2.48%	2.44%	1.77%	2.12%	2.29%	1.21%	0.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWYBX and SWYLX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, SWYBX and SWYLX 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, SWYBX or SWYLX?

SWYLX has higher volatility (2.52%) compared to SWYBX (2.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWYBX dropped -20.49% vs SWYLX's -20.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWYLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 2.22), 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.