ETF Versus

SCHE vs SCHF

Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Schwab International Equity ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

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
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

SCHF has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.06% vs 0.11%), saving about $99 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, SCHF has significantly outperformed with a 25.3% return vs 18.3%.

Key Metrics

Metric SCHE SCHF
Expense Ratio 0.11% 0.06%
Dividend Yield 2.9% 3.3%
Fund Family Schwab Schwab
Category Emerging Markets International Developed

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

65 81 97 113 129 145 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
SCHE +2.1%
SCHF +29.0%

Performance Comparison

Period SCHE SCHF Difference
1 Month -2.32% -2.69% +0.37%
3 Months -2.03% +2.42% -4.45%
6 Months -3.04% +4.88% -7.92%
YTD -2.03% +2.42% -4.45%
1 Year +18.31% +25.25% -6.94%
3 Years +33.24% +42.08% -8.84%
5 Years +2.12% +29.04% -26.92%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SCHE Fees SCHF Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $219 $120 $99
$10,000 20 years $940 $515 $425
$10,000 30 years $3,030 $1,664 $1,366
$50,000 10 years $1,094 $598 $496
$50,000 30 years $15,149 $8,318 $6,830
$100,000 30 years $30,297 $16,637 $13,661

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SCHE SCHF
Annualized Volatility 17.7% 16.3%
Max Drawdown -35.8% -31.4%
Sharpe Ratio -0.14 0.12

Dividend Comparison

Metric SCHE SCHF
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.94 $0.82
Dividend Yield 2.87% 3.29%
Distribution Frequency Semi-Annual or Annual Semi-Annual or Annual

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SCHF 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...

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

Choose SCHF if...

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

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