XJH vs. SAEF

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

XJH (iShares ESG Screened S&P Mid-Cap ETF) and SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. XJH is passively managed, while SAEF is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, XJH returned 14.70%/yr vs 12.81%/yr for SAEF. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XJH charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SAEF.

Performance

XJH vs. SAEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Screened S&P Mid-Cap ETF (XJH) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XJH achieves a 11.87% return, which is significantly higher than SAEF's 9.22% return.

XJH

• 1D: -2.05%
• 1M: -0.88%
• YTD: 11.87%
• 6M: 11.82%
• 1Y: 24.57%
• 3Y*: 14.70%
• 5Y*: 7.22%
• 10Y*: —

SAEF

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -1.02%
• YTD: 9.22%
• 6M: 11.25%
• 1Y: 23.45%
• 3Y*: 12.81%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XJH vs. SAEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
XJH iShares ESG Screened S&P Mid-Cap ETF	11.87%	8.12%	12.27%	16.74%	-14.36%	-2.15%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	9.22%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.35%

Correlation

The correlation between XJH and SAEF is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2021	0.93

The correlation between XJH and SAEF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

XJH vs. SAEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XJH	SAEF
Industrials	25.9%	20.3%
Technology	16.0%	14.7%
Financial Services	14.8%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	22.6%
Healthcare	9.6%	10.0%
Real Estate	8.2%	4.5%
Basic Materials	4.9%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	3.3%
Energy	2.9%	-
Utilities	1.6%	-
Communication Services	1.1%	7.5%

Return for Risk

XJH vs. SAEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

XJH

XJH Risk / Return Rank: 49
XJH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
XJH Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
XJH Omega Ratio Rank: 42
XJH Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
XJH Martin Ratio Rank: 57

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 37
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

XJH vs. SAEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Screened S&P Mid-Cap ETF (XJH) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). 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.

	XJH	SAEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.25	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	1.87	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.22	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	1.84	+0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.44	4.97	+4.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XJH vs. SAEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XJH Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the SAEF Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XJH and SAEF, 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

	XJH	SAEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.51	1.25	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.74	0.21	+0.53

Drawdowns

XJH vs. SAEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XJH drawdown since its inception was -25.07%, smaller than the maximum SAEF drawdown of -28.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XJH and SAEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	XJH	SAEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.07%	-28.05%	+2.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-12.81%	+3.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.56%	-27.40%	+2.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.05%	-1.45%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.82%	-10.37%	+3.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	4.73%	-2.12%

Volatility

XJH vs. SAEF - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG Screened S&P Mid-Cap ETF (XJH) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) have volatilities of 4.49% and 4.50%, 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

	XJH	SAEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.49%	4.50%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	13.99%	-1.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.39%	18.81%	-2.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.94%	21.39%	-1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.89%	21.39%	-1.50%

XJH vs. SAEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

XJH has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than SAEF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

XJH vs. SAEF - Dividend Comparison

XJH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, more than SAEF's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%
XJH iShares ESG Screened S&P Mid-Cap ETF	1.12%	1.24%	1.24%	1.38%	1.45%	1.04%	0.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XJH and SAEF in my portfolio?

XJH and SAEF have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XJH or SAEF?

SAEF has higher volatility (4.50%) compared to XJH (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XJH dropped -25.07% vs SAEF's -28.05%.

Which ETF is better, XJH or SAEF?

On 3-year performance, XJH leads with 14.70% vs 12.81% for SAEF. On fees, XJH is cheaper at 0.12% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XJH or SAEF?

Over the 3-year period, XJH has performed better with a 14.70% return vs 12.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XJH or SAEF?

XJH is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SAEF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XJH or SAEF?

XJH has the higher dividend yield at 1.12%, compared with 0.34% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between XJH and SAEF?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for XJH and 0.59% for SAEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XJH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 1.25), 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.