SWYFX vs. SPYG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

SWYFX (Schwab Target 2035 Index Fund) and SPYG (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both funds - SWYFX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Charles Schwab, while SPYG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index. Over the past 5 years, SWYFX returned 7.74%/yr vs 15.56%/yr for SPYG. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

SWYFX vs. SPYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Target 2035 Index Fund (SWYFX) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWYFX achieves a 8.10% return, which is significantly lower than SPYG's 12.85% return.

SWYFX

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 1.68%
• YTD: 8.10%
• 6M: 8.55%
• 1Y: 19.87%
• 3Y*: 14.85%
• 5Y*: 7.74%
• 10Y*: —

SPYG

• 1D: 2.87%
• 1M: 1.59%
• YTD: 12.85%
• 6M: 14.09%
• 1Y: 32.88%
• 3Y*: 26.69%
• 5Y*: 15.56%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

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

SWYFX vs. SPYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWYFX Schwab Target 2035 Index Fund	8.10%	16.40%	11.71%	18.20%	-16.36%	14.26%	13.85%	22.37%	-7.99%	17.84%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	12.85%	22.09%	35.99%	30.02%	-29.41%	32.01%	33.46%	30.84%	-0.12%	27.24%

Correlation

The correlation between SWYFX and SPYG 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	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2016	0.88

The correlation between SWYFX and SPYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SWYFX vs. SPYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWYFX

SWYFX Risk / Return Rank: 67
SWYFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SWYFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SWYFX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
SWYFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
SWYFX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

SPYG

SPYG Risk / Return Rank: 61
SPYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
SPYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
SPYG Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SPYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SPYG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

SWYFX vs. SPYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Target 2035 Index Fund (SWYFX) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). 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.

	SWYFX	SPYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.95	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	2.63	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.34	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	2.40	+0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.09	9.64	+2.45

SWYFX vs. SPYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWYFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is comparable to the SPYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWYFX and SPYG, 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

SWYFX vs. SPYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWYFX drawdown since its inception was -25.51%, smaller than the maximum SPYG drawdown of -67.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWYFX and SPYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWYFX	SPYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.51%	-67.63%	+42.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.82%	-13.76%	+6.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.61%	-22.14%	+10.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.19%	-32.67%	+9.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.01%	-1.92%	+0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.00%	-24.30%	+20.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.56%	3.42%	-1.86%

Volatility

SWYFX vs. SPYG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Target 2035 Index Fund (SWYFX) is 3.70%, while State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) has a volatility of 6.86%. This indicates that SWYFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWYFX	SPYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	6.86%	-3.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.59%	13.76%	-6.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.30%	17.01%	-7.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.13%	21.31%	-9.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.85%	20.73%	-7.88%

SWYFX vs. SPYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SWYFX and SPYG 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

SWYFX vs. SPYG - Dividend Comparison

SWYFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.11%, more than SPYG's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.47%	0.52%	0.60%	1.15%	1.03%	0.62%	0.90%	1.37%	1.51%	1.41%	1.55%	1.57%
SWYFX Schwab Target 2035 Index Fund	2.11%	2.28%	2.37%	2.14%	2.02%	1.80%	1.73%	2.00%	0.00%	1.44%	0.99%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWYFX and SPYG in my portfolio?

SWYFX and SPYG 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, SWYFX or SPYG?

SPYG has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to SWYFX (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWYFX dropped -25.51% vs SPYG's -67.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWYFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.95), 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.