SCHF vs. SPGM: Which Global ETF Is the Better Buy for Investors?

Investors often choose between regional and global funds based on whether they already have U.S. stocks covered elsewhere in their portfolio. The Schwab International Equity ETF (NYSEMKT:SCHF) isolates developed international markets, making it a natural complement to a separate U.S.-focused portfolio. The State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (NYSEMKT:SPGM), on the other hand, functions as a "whole world" core holding that bundles U.S., developed, and emerging markets together.

Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from monthly returns over the available fund history (up to five years). The 1-year return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.

With a 0.09% expense ratio, SPGM is an affordable way to own the entire global stock market, though its fee is slightly higher than SCHF's 0.03%. SCHF has the higher dividend yield as well, beating SPGM by 1.26 percentage points.

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