SCHA: Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF returns, drawdowns and risk
Funds on smaller US companies, historically more volatile than the large caps.
Data updated October 2026
SCHA · US exchange · USDCategory: US small and mid cap ETFsData from November 2009
From November 2009 to October 2026 SCHA returned 10.8% a year on average with dividends reinvested, in US dollars: $10,000 invested at the start grew to $56,979.
Its deepest fall was 42.7%, from August 2018 to March 2020, and it took about 26 months to get back to the previous high. Annual volatility was 21.6%; at the last close it was 11.0% below its high.
Against SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust), over the 203 months both have data, the correlation of monthly returns was 0.88: they usually moved together. Beta was 1.19. In months when SPY rose, SCHA moved 104% as much on average; in months when SPY fell, 126% as much.
Key figures
- Annual return (CAGR)
- +10.8%
- 1-year return
- +16.8%
- 5 years, a year
- +5.3%
- 10 years, a year
- +9.3%
- Annual volatility
- 21.6%
- Maximum drawdown
- −42.7%
- Sharpe ratio
- 0.52
- Worst year
- 2022: −20.3%
Trailing returns
| Period | SCHA | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | +16.8% | +16.6% |
| 3 years, a year | +18.7% | +23.1% |
| 5 years, a year | +5.3% | +12.7% |
| 10 years, a year | +9.3% | +15.4% |
To the last close of October 2026. Periods longer than a year are annualised.
Growth of $10,000: SCHA vs SPY
Month-end values from December 2009, the first month both funds have data.
SCHA drawdowns
Percentage below the previous high, weekly.
Returns by calendar year
| Year | SCHA | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(partial) | +13.4% | +13.3% |
| 2025 | +11.6% | +17.7% |
| 2024 | +10.7% | +24.9% |
| 2023 | +17.5% | +26.2% |
| 2022 | −20.3% | −18.2% |
| 2021 | +15.4% | +28.7% |
| 2020 | +18.1% | +18.3% |
| 2019 | +25.1% | +31.2% |
| 2018 | −12.7% | −4.6% |
| 2017 | +13.8% | +21.7% |
| 2016 | +18.5% | +12.0% |
| 2015 | −5.2% | +1.2% |
| 2014 | +5.4% | +13.5% |
| 2013 | +38.2% | +32.3% |
| 2012 | +16.6% | +16.0% |
| 2011 | −4.0% | +1.9% |
| 2010 | +27.6% | +15.1% |
| 2009(partial) | +9.7% | — |
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Sharpe ratio uses the return of short-term government bills in the same currency as the risk-free rate. The growth chart uses month-end values; drawdowns and volatility use daily closes.
Questions
What is the average annual return of SCHA?
From November 2009 to October 2026 SCHA returned 10.8% a year on average (CAGR) with dividends reinvested, in USD. Over the last 5 years: +5.3% a year. Over the last 12 months: +16.8%.
What was the worst drawdown of SCHA?
42.7%, from August 2018 to March 2020; it took about 26 months from the previous high to get back to it.
How volatile is SCHA?
Annual volatility was 21.6% over the period. Its worst month was −23.3% and 62% of months were positive. Worst calendar year: 2022 (−20.3%).
How closely does SCHA follow SPY?
Over 203 months the correlation of monthly returns was 0.88, so they usually moved together, with a beta of 1.19.
Use SCHA in a free tool
Other US small and mid cap ETFs
- All US small and mid cap ETFsReturns and risk side by side
- IWM — iShares Russell 2000 ETFCAGR +8.0%
- IJR — iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETFCAGR +8.6%
- VB — Vanguard Small-Cap ETFCAGR +12.7%
- IJH — iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETFCAGR +8.4%
- MDY — SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF TrustCAGR +9.3%
- VO — Vanguard Mid-Cap ETFCAGR +11.5%
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.