WATFX vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

WATFX (Western Asset Core Bond Fund) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both funds - WATFX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Over the past 10 years, WATFX returned 1.54%/yr vs 12.77%/yr for SCHD. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. WATFX charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

WATFX vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Core Bond Fund (WATFX) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WATFX achieves a 0.02% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 19.01% return. Over the past 10 years, WATFX has underperformed SCHD with an annualized return of 1.54%, while SCHD has yielded a comparatively higher 12.77% annualized return.

WATFX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 0.02%
• 6M: 0.11%
• 1Y: 5.58%
• 3Y*: 3.69%
• 5Y*: -0.94%
• 10Y*: 1.54%

SCHD

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 19.01%
• 6M: 20.36%
• 1Y: 28.08%
• 3Y*: 15.09%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: 12.77%

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

WATFX vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WATFX Western Asset Core Bond Fund	0.02%	8.01%	0.44%	5.52%	-17.32%	-2.13%	9.12%	10.44%	-0.62%	5.21%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	19.01%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between WATFX and SCHD is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.21
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2011	-0.03

The correlation between WATFX and SCHD shifts across timeframes, from -0.03 (all time) to 0.21 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WATFX vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

WATFX

WATFX Risk / Return Rank: 21
WATFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
WATFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
WATFX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
WATFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
WATFX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 82
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 76
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

WATFX vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Core Bond Fund (WATFX) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). 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.

	WATFX	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	2.57	-1.29
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	3.98	-2.05
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.46	-0.23
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.93	6.17	-4.24
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.76	15.20	-9.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WATFX vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WATFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is lower than the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WATFX and SCHD, 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

	WATFX	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.28	2.57	-1.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.14	0.59	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28	0.77	-0.49
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.86	-0.30

Drawdowns

WATFX vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WATFX drawdown since its inception was -23.69%, smaller than the maximum SCHD drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WATFX and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	WATFX	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.69%	-33.37%	+9.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.04%	-4.61%	+1.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.35%	-16.13%	+7.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.26%	-16.85%	-6.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.69%	-33.37%	+9.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.35%	-1.40%	-5.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-3.32%	+0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.02%	1.87%	-0.85%

Volatility

WATFX vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Western Asset Core Bond Fund (WATFX) is 1.42%, while Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has a volatility of 2.92%. This indicates that WATFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WATFX	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.42%	2.92%	-1.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.87%	7.66%	-4.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.14%	10.96%	-6.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.83%	14.38%	-7.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.54%	16.72%	-11.18%

WATFX vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

WATFX has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

WATFX vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

WATFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.93%, more than SCHD's 3.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.26%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
WATFX Western Asset Core Bond Fund	3.93%	4.15%	4.48%	3.35%	2.39%	2.05%	3.90%	3.62%	2.92%	2.34%	2.51%	2.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WATFX and SCHD in my portfolio?

WATFX and SCHD have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WATFX or SCHD?

SCHD has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to WATFX (1.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WATFX dropped -23.69% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs 1.28), 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.