SCHF — Schwab International Equity ETF
Charles Schwab · Expense Ratio: 0.06% · International Developed · 3bp below the International Developed category average of 0.09%
Key Facts
| Ticker | SCHF |
| Full Name | Schwab International Equity ETF |
| Provider | Charles Schwab |
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% |
| Category | International Developed |
| Assets Under Management | $40B |
| Inception Year | 2009 (17 years ago) |
| Number of Holdings | 1,500 |
| Dividend Yield | ~2.6% (high) |
| Top Holdings | NVO, ASML, NVS |
What Is SCHF?
SCHF, managed by Charles Schwab, launched in 2009, is a major ETF with deep liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads in the International Developed category. International developed market stock ETF covering established non-US markets. With $40B in assets under management, it benefits from deep institutional liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads.
SCHF in a FIRE Portfolio
At just 0.06%, this provides developed market exposure outside the US — a core international allocation for a globally diversified FIRE portfolio.
A core holding should make up 50-80% of your equity allocation in a FIRE portfolio. Combine SCHF with bond holdings for your target stock/bond split. For early retirees, an 80/20 or 90/10 stock/bond allocation is common.
Cost Analysis: How SCHF's 0.06% Fee Affects Your FIRE Timeline
At 0.06%, SCHF is very cost-effective. Annual fees on a $100K investment: $60. Over 30 years, the fee drag shaves approximately 0.4% off your total returns. For a $1M FIRE portfolio, that's about $6,000 in cumulative fees — noticeable but reasonable for most investors.
Dividend Income Potential
With a high dividend yield of approximately 2.6%, here's what SCHF could generate in annual income at different portfolio sizes:
| Portfolio Value | Annual Dividend Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $2,600/year | $217/month |
| $250,000 | $6,500/year | $542/month |
| $500,000 | $13,000/year | $1,083/month |
| $1,000,000 | $26,000/year | $2,167/month |
Frequently Asked Questions About SCHF
What is the expense ratio for SCHF?
SCHF has an expense ratio of 0.06%. This is very cost-effective — on a $100K portfolio, annual fees are $60. 3bp below the international developed category average of 0.09%.
Is SCHF good for a FIRE portfolio?
At just 0.06%, this provides developed market exposure outside the US — a core international allocation for a globally diversified FIRE portfolio. Its 0.06% expense ratio is very cost-effective for the International Developed category.
How does the 0.06% fee affect long-term returns?
At 0.06%, you'll pay $60/year per $100K invested. Over 30 years, fees reduce total returns by approximately 0.4%. Use the embedded calculator below to model the exact impact on your specific portfolio.
Similar ETFs in International Developed
- VXUS — Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (0.07% · Core Holding)
- IXUS — iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (0.07% · Core Holding)
- VEA — Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (0.06% · Core Holding)
- IEFA — iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (0.07% · Core Holding)
- SPDW — SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (0.04% · Core Holding)
- EFA — iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (0.33% · Satellite Position)
- IDEV — iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (0.04% · Core Holding)
- IEV — iShares Europe ETF (0.1% · Satellite Position)
- VGK — Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (0.08% · Core Holding)