ETF Versus

SCHA vs SCHE

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF vs Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

SCHA Schwab

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.16%. Launched in 2009, the fund has a 17-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.04% Yield: 1.16% Since: 2009-11-03
SCHE Schwab

Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to stocks in emerging market economies with higher growth potential. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.11%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.87%. Launched in 2010, the fund has a 16-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.11% Yield: 2.87% Since: 2010-01-14

Quick Verdict

SCHA has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.04% vs 0.11%), saving about $139 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, SCHA has significantly outperformed with a 23.3% return vs 18.3%. Income investors may prefer SCHE for its higher yield (2.9% vs 1.2%).

Key Metrics

Metric SCHA SCHE
Expense Ratio 0.04% 0.11%
Dividend Yield 1.2% 2.9%
Fund Family Schwab Schwab
Category US Small Cap Emerging Markets

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

65 77 89 101 113 125 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
SCHA +15.8%
SCHE +2.1%

Performance Comparison

Period SCHA SCHE Difference
1 Month -2.58% -2.32% -0.26%
3 Months +2.08% -2.03% +4.11%
6 Months +3.78% -3.04% +6.82%
YTD +2.08% -2.03% +4.11%
1 Year +23.32% +18.31% +5.01%
3 Years +40.30% +33.24% +7.06%
5 Years +15.78% +2.12% +13.66%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SCHA Fees SCHE Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $80 $219 $139
$10,000 20 years $344 $940 $596
$10,000 30 years $1,112 $3,030 $1,918
$50,000 10 years $399 $1,094 $695
$50,000 30 years $5,560 $15,149 $9,588
$100,000 30 years $11,121 $30,297 $19,176

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SCHA SCHE
Annualized Volatility 22.0% 17.7%
Max Drawdown -31.6% -35.8%
Sharpe Ratio 0.04 -0.14

Dividend Comparison

Metric SCHA SCHE
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.34 $0.94
Dividend Yield 1.16% 2.87%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Semi-Annual or Annual

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SCHA if...

you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.

Choose SCHA if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

Choose SCHE if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

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