TIIEX vs. SCHF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TIIEX (TIAA-CREF International Equity Fund) and SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, TIIEX returned 8.42%/yr vs 10.27%/yr for SCHF. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TIIEX charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHF.

Performance

TIIEX vs. SCHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF International Equity Fund (TIIEX) and Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TIIEX achieves a 7.50% return, which is significantly lower than SCHF's 15.56% return. Over the past 10 years, TIIEX has underperformed SCHF with an annualized return of 8.42%, while SCHF has yielded a comparatively higher 10.27% annualized return.

TIIEX

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 4.77%
• YTD: 7.50%
• 6M: 9.07%
• 1Y: 24.35%
• 3Y*: 16.67%
• 5Y*: 7.52%
• 10Y*: 8.42%

SCHF

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 5.91%
• YTD: 15.56%
• 6M: 18.62%
• 1Y: 32.67%
• 3Y*: 19.90%
• 5Y*: 9.84%
• 10Y*: 10.27%

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

TIIEX vs. SCHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TIIEX TIAA-CREF International Equity Fund	7.50%	33.20%	4.00%	16.91%	-17.33%	10.81%	15.81%	23.20%	-23.48%	31.49%
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	15.56%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%

Correlation

The correlation between TIIEX and SCHF is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2009	0.93

The correlation between TIIEX and SCHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TIIEX vs. SCHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

TIIEX

TIIEX Risk / Return Rank: 23
TIIEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
TIIEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
TIIEX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
TIIEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
TIIEX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 59
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

TIIEX vs. SCHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF International Equity Fund (TIIEX) and Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF). 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.

	TIIEX	SCHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	2.09	-0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	2.87	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.37	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	2.86	-1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.17	11.11	-4.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TIIEX vs. SCHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TIIEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is lower than the SCHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TIIEX and SCHF, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TIIEX	SCHF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	2.09	-0.71
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44	0.60	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.60	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.44	-0.14

Drawdowns

TIIEX vs. SCHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TIIEX drawdown since its inception was -64.69%, which is greater than SCHF's maximum drawdown of -34.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TIIEX and SCHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	TIIEX	SCHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.69%	-34.87%	-29.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.24%	-11.48%	-1.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.60%	-13.41%	-2.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.07%	-29.14%	-2.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.07%	-34.87%	-7.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-0.86%	-1.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.21%	-7.38%	-12.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.80%	2.95%	+0.85%

Volatility

TIIEX vs. SCHF - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF International Equity Fund (TIIEX) and Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) have volatilities of 5.45% and 5.66%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TIIEX	SCHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.45%	5.66%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.13%	13.34%	+0.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.13%	15.74%	+1.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.31%	16.39%	+0.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.09%	17.18%	+0.91%

TIIEX vs. SCHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

TIIEX has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHF's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

TIIEX vs. SCHF - Dividend Comparison

TIIEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.90%, more than SCHF's 2.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	2.96%	3.42%	3.26%	2.97%	2.80%	3.19%	2.08%	2.95%	3.06%	2.35%	2.58%	2.26%
TIIEX TIAA-CREF International Equity Fund	10.90%	11.72%	2.56%	2.66%	2.22%	2.84%	1.21%	1.67%	7.72%	1.29%	1.51%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TIIEX and SCHF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, TIIEX and SCHF 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, TIIEX or SCHF?

SCHF has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to TIIEX (5.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TIIEX dropped -64.69% vs SCHF's -34.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.37), 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.