Schwab International Index Fund
Figures last verified October 31, 2026
Tracks the MSCI EAFE Index — large and mid-cap developed-market stocks outside North America.
SWISX is Schwab's house international fund, and the key thing to know is what it leaves out: tracking MSCI EAFE means developed markets only — no emerging markets, and (EAFE quirk) no Canada. Around 700 stocks from Japan, Europe, and Australia at 0.06%. For Schwab loyalists building a three-fund portfolio, it's the standard international piece.
If you want emerging markets included, Schwab doesn't offer a total-international index mutual fund the way Vanguard (VTIAX) and Fidelity (FTIHX) do — the usual Schwab solutions are adding the ETF SCHE for emerging markets or simply using a competitor's total-international fund in an IRA elsewhere. None of this is disqualifying; it's just a lineup gap worth knowing before assuming SWISX equals 'everything outside the US.'
Developed-international exposure in a Schwab three-fund portfolio.
SWISX alternatives & comparable funds
If you’re weighing SWISX against the field, these are the funds most investors line it up against — same job, different provider, slightly different terms.
| Fund | Family | Expense Ratio | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWISX — Schwab International Index Fund | Schwab | 0.06% | $0 |
| FSPSX — Fidelity International Index Fund | Fidelity | 0.035% | $0 |
| VTMGX — Vanguard Developed Markets… | Vanguard | 0.08% | $3,000 |
| VTIAX — Vanguard Total Internation… | Vanguard | 0.09% | $3,000 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the expense ratio of SWISX?
SWISX (Schwab International Index Fund) has an expense ratio of 0.06%, which works out to roughly $6 per year for every $10,000 invested. That is very low by industry standards, where the average fund still charges well over 0.40%.
What is the minimum investment for SWISX?
SWISX has no minimum initial investment — you can start with any amount.
What does SWISX invest in?
Tracks the MSCI EAFE Index — large and mid-cap developed-market stocks outside North America. It falls in the international category and is an index fund.
What are good alternatives to SWISX?
The funds most often compared with SWISX are FSPSX, VTMGX, VTIAX — broadly similar exposure from different providers, with small differences in fee, minimum, and portability that usually come down to which brokerage holds your account.
Expense ratio and minimum for SWISX drawn from Schwab fund documentation; last verified October 31, 2026. Figures change — confirm against the official prospectus before investing. This review is editorial opinion, not investment advice.