ETF Versus

SCHA vs SCHF

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF vs Schwab International 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
SCHF Schwab

Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.29%. Launched in 2009, the fund has a 17-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.06% Yield: 3.29% Since: 2009-11-03

Quick Verdict

SCHA has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.04% vs 0.06%), saving about $40 per $10,000 over 10 years. SCHF has edged ahead over the past year (25.3% vs 23.3%). Income investors may prefer SCHF for its higher yield (3.3% vs 1.2%).

Key Metrics

Metric SCHA SCHF
Expense Ratio 0.04% 0.06%
Dividend Yield 1.2% 3.3%
Fund Family Schwab Schwab
Category US Small Cap International Developed

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

70 85 100 115 130 145 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
SCHA +15.8%
SCHF +29.0%

Performance Comparison

Period SCHA SCHF Difference
1 Month -2.58% -2.69% +0.11%
3 Months +2.08% +2.42% -0.34%
6 Months +3.78% +4.88% -1.10%
YTD +2.08% +2.42% -0.34%
1 Year +23.32% +25.25% -1.93%
3 Years +40.30% +42.08% -1.78%
5 Years +15.78% +29.04% -13.26%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SCHA Fees SCHF Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $80 $120 $40
$10,000 20 years $344 $515 $171
$10,000 30 years $1,112 $1,664 $552
$50,000 10 years $399 $598 $199
$50,000 30 years $5,560 $8,318 $2,758
$100,000 30 years $11,121 $16,637 $5,516

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SCHA SCHF
Annualized Volatility 22.0% 16.3%
Max Drawdown -31.6% -31.4%
Sharpe Ratio 0.04 0.12

Dividend Comparison

Metric SCHA SCHF
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.34 $0.82
Dividend Yield 1.16% 3.29%
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 SCHF if...

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

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