SWYLX vs. VTWNX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SWYLX (Schwab Target 2020 Index Fund) and VTWNX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 5 years, SWYLX returned 5.38%/yr vs 4.88%/yr for VTWNX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SWYLX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VTWNX.

Performance

SWYLX vs. VTWNX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWYLX achieves a 5.55% return, which is significantly higher than VTWNX's 4.92% return.

SWYLX

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

VTWNX

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 1.09%
• YTD: 4.92%
• 6M: 5.00%
• 1Y: 12.75%
• 3Y*: 10.05%
• 5Y*: 4.88%
• 10Y*: 6.82%

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

SWYLX vs. VTWNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
VTWNX Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund	4.92%	12.17%	7.57%	12.71%	-14.17%	8.15%	12.05%	17.64%	-4.23%	11.83%

Correlation

The correlation between SWYLX and VTWNX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2016	0.96

The correlation between SWYLX and VTWNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SWYLX vs. VTWNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

VTWNX

VTWNX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VTWNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VTWNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VTWNX Omega Ratio Rank: 75
VTWNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VTWNX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

SWYLX vs. VTWNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	SWYLX	VTWNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	2.25	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	3.26	-0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.44	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	2.86	+0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.25	12.32	+0.93

SWYLX vs. VTWNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWYLX Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the VTWNX Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWYLX and VTWNX, 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

SWYLX vs. VTWNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWYLX drawdown since its inception was -20.63%, smaller than the maximum VTWNX drawdown of -42.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWYLX and VTWNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWYLX	VTWNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.63%	-42.16%	+21.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.70%	-4.43%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.02%	-6.20%	-0.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.63%	-19.38%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-0.17%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.46%	-4.79%	+1.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	1.03%	+0.02%

Volatility

SWYLX vs. VTWNX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Target 2020 Index Fund (SWYLX) has a higher volatility of 2.52% compared to Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund (VTWNX) at 2.30%. This indicates that SWYLX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTWNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWYLX	VTWNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.52%	2.30%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.20%	4.75%	+0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.29%	5.63%	+0.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.50%	7.44%	+1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.26%	8.29%	-0.03%

SWYLX vs. VTWNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWYLX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VTWNX's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SWYLX vs. VTWNX - Dividend Comparison

SWYLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.40%, less than VTWNX's 7.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
VTWNX Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund	7.81%	8.20%	9.35%	6.20%	4.99%	19.57%	6.28%	3.54%	4.94%	0.73%	2.74%	4.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWYLX and VTWNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, SWYLX and VTWNX 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, SWYLX or VTWNX?

SWYLX has higher volatility (2.52%) compared to VTWNX (2.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWYLX dropped -20.63% vs VTWNX's -42.16%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTWNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 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.