TPLNX vs. SWSSX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TPLNX (Timothy Plan Small Cap Value Fund) and SWSSX (Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, TPLNX returned 9.83%/yr vs 11.83%/yr for SWSSX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TPLNX charges 1.52%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SWSSX.

Performance

TPLNX vs. SWSSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Timothy Plan Small Cap Value Fund (TPLNX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TPLNX achieves a 14.29% return, which is significantly lower than SWSSX's 21.72% return. Over the past 10 years, TPLNX has underperformed SWSSX with an annualized return of 9.83%, while SWSSX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.83% annualized return.

TPLNX

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 14.29%
• 6M: 12.13%
• 1Y: 18.08%
• 3Y*: 13.66%
• 5Y*: 6.28%
• 10Y*: 9.83%

SWSSX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 4.82%
• YTD: 21.72%
• 6M: 18.97%
• 1Y: 42.68%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 6.95%
• 10Y*: 11.83%

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

TPLNX vs. SWSSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TPLNX Timothy Plan Small Cap Value Fund	14.29%	0.58%	11.18%	17.31%	-13.13%	28.12%	2.00%	28.29%	-15.66%	12.94%
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	21.72%	12.88%	11.57%	17.07%	-20.43%	14.77%	20.12%	25.63%	-11.19%	14.76%

Correlation

The correlation between TPLNX and SWSSX is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1998	0.92

The correlation between TPLNX and SWSSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TPLNX vs. SWSSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TPLNX

TPLNX Risk / Return Rank: 23
TPLNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
TPLNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
TPLNX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
TPLNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
TPLNX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

SWSSX

SWSSX Risk / Return Rank: 72
SWSSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SWSSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SWSSX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SWSSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SWSSX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

TPLNX vs. SWSSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Timothy Plan Small Cap Value Fund (TPLNX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX). 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.

	TPLNX	SWSSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	2.26	-1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.82	3.07	-1.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.37	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.96	4.04	-2.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.28	14.31	-9.03

TPLNX vs. SWSSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TPLNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is lower than the SWSSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TPLNX and SWSSX, 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

TPLNX vs. SWSSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TPLNX drawdown since its inception was -55.96%, smaller than the maximum SWSSX drawdown of -60.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TPLNX and SWSSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TPLNX	SWSSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.96%	-60.34%	+4.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.04%	-11.00%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.49%	-27.50%	+4.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.75%	-31.93%	+6.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.18%	-41.81%	-1.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.72%	-10.71%	+1.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.72%	3.10%	+0.62%

Volatility

TPLNX vs. SWSSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Timothy Plan Small Cap Value Fund (TPLNX) is 4.96%, while Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX) has a volatility of 6.39%. This indicates that TPLNX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SWSSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TPLNX	SWSSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.96%	6.39%	-1.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.87%	14.33%	-2.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.24%	19.75%	-2.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.54%	22.68%	-2.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.16%	24.15%	-1.99%

TPLNX vs. SWSSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TPLNX has a 1.52% expense ratio, which is higher than SWSSX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

TPLNX vs. SWSSX - Dividend Comparison

TPLNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.52%, more than SWSSX's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	1.06%	1.29%	1.66%	1.49%	1.32%	8.88%	2.55%	6.12%	10.45%	5.22%	4.10%	6.92%
TPLNX Timothy Plan Small Cap Value Fund	4.52%	5.17%	12.41%	3.95%	6.72%	9.40%	0.16%	3.68%	16.26%	9.20%	1.34%	9.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TPLNX and SWSSX in my portfolio?

TPLNX and SWSSX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TPLNX or SWSSX?

SWSSX has higher volatility (6.39%) compared to TPLNX (4.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TPLNX dropped -55.96% vs SWSSX's -60.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWSSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.14), 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.