The Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) has quietly become one of the strongest global performers of 2025. With a 28.7% year-to-date return, it has outpaced many U.S.-focused funds thanks to a rebound in European industrials, Asian tech, and multinational healthcare firms. For investors seeking to diversify beyond the U.S., SCHF offers broad exposure to over 1,500 companies across Europe, Asia, and Canada, all within Schwab’s trademark low-cost structure.
| Rank | Symbol | Company | % Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AMS: ASML | ASML Holding N.V. | 1.62% |
| 2 | KRX: 005930 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | 1.19% |
| 3 | ETR: SAP | SAP SE | 1.12% |
| 4 | SWX: ROG | Roche Holding AG | 1.00% |
| 5 | LON: AZN | AstraZeneca PLC | 1.00% |
| 6 | SWX: NOVN | Novartis AG | 0.98% |
| 7 | LON: HSBA | HSBC Holdings plc | 0.98% |
| 8 | SWX: NESN | Nestlé S.A. | 0.95% |
| 9 | LON: SHEL | Shell plc | 0.85% |
| 10 | TSX: RY | Royal Bank of Canada | 0.83% |
| 11 | ETR: SIE | Siemens AG | 0.83% |
| 12 | TYO: 7203 | Toyota Motor Corporation | 0.81% |
| 13 | ASX: CBA | Commonwealth Bank of Australia | 0.75% |
| 14 | CPH: NOVO.B | Novo Nordisk A/S | 0.74% |
| 15 | SHOP | Shopify Inc. | 0.73% |
| 16 | TYO: 8306 | Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | 0.69% |
| 17 | TYO: 6758 | Sony Group Corporation | 0.67% |
| 18 | ETR: ALV | Allianz SE | 0.66% |
| 19 | EPA: MC | LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE | 0.65% |
| 20 | EPA: SU | Schneider Electric S.E. | 0.64% |
| 21 | KRX: 000660 | SK hynix Inc. | 0.61% |
| 22 | BME: SAN | Banco Santander, S.A. | 0.60% |
| 23 | LON: ULVR | Unilever PLC | 0.57% |
| 24 | EPA: AIR | Airbus SE | 0.55% |
| 25 | n/a | MSCI EAFE Dec25 Ifus 20251219 | 0.62% |
SCHF is designed to track the FTSE Developed ex-US Index, which comprises large- and mid-cap stocks from over 20 developed countries. The ETF’s global reach encompasses some of the world’s most profitable and globally recognized brands, including Nestlé, Roche, and Toyota. This blend of industrial powerhouses and steady consumer giants has made SCHF a popular “set it and forget it” choice for long-term investors seeking balance and international diversification.
In a year marked by moderating inflation and improving global growth forecasts, international markets have staged an impressive comeback. Europe’s manufacturing recovery, Asia’s tech expansion, and stable central bank policies have helped SCHF regain momentum. While currency fluctuations remain a risk, the ETF’s diversification across regions and sectors offers resilience, a reminder that growth doesn’t end at America’s borders.
1. ASML Holding N.V. (ASML)
ASML, the Dutch leader in semiconductor equipment, tops SCHF with a 1.62% weighting. Best known for its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, ASML sits at the heart of global chip manufacturing. Every advanced chip made by TSMC, Samsung, or Intel relies on ASML’s technology, giving it near-monopoly status in one of the world’s most critical supply chains.
In 2025, ASML is expected to continue benefiting from the AI and semiconductor boom. Its next-generation High-NA EUV machines are driving record demand as chipmakers race to produce more powerful and efficient processors. Despite export restrictions and geopolitical headwinds, ASML’s order book remains full, and its gross margins remain among the best in the semiconductor industry.
For SCHF investors, ASML represents Europe’s most valuable contribution to the tech revolution. It’s a rare combination of innovation, scarcity, and global indispensability, making it a cornerstone of both the semiconductor ecosystem and SCHF’s growth exposure.
2. Samsung Electronics (005930)
Samsung Electronics, based in South Korea, is SCHF’s second-largest holding, with a 1.19% weight. As a global leader in memory chips, displays, and smartphones, Samsung remains one of the most diversified tech manufacturers in the world. Its vertical integration and scale make it a barometer for global electronics demand.
This year, Samsung has benefited from the same AI-driven semiconductor surge, which has also boosted U.S. peers like NVIDIA. The company’s DRAM and NAND divisions have seen sharp demand rebounds, while its foundry services are gaining traction as an alternative to TSMC. On the consumer side, Samsung’s Galaxy lineup and display technology continue to generate strong cash flow, maintaining a balance between growth and stability for the company.
For SCHF investors, Samsung provides essential exposure to Asian innovation. It’s a cyclical play on global tech spending but one that’s backed by a solid balance sheet, global brand recognition, and decades of R&D leadership. As semiconductor demand grows, Samsung remains a key driver of SCHF’s performance in Asia.
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3. SAP SE (SAP)
SAP SE, Germany’s software powerhouse, represents 1.12% of SCHF’s holdings and serves as Europe’s answer to the enterprise cloud revolution. Long known for its ERP software, SAP has successfully transitioned to the cloud, modernizing its offerings while maintaining a vast global client base.
In 2025, SAP’s transformation is paying off. Subscription revenue now accounts for the majority of sales, margins are expanding, and new AI-enabled analytics tools are helping enterprises automate complex workflows. SAP’s move toward recurring revenue has provided stability even during volatile market conditions.
Within SCHF, SAP adds valuable exposure to Europe’s digital transformation story. It bridges traditional enterprise systems with modern AI and data analytics, offering consistent cash flow, competitive dividends, and exposure to one of Europe’s most globally integrated industries.
What SCHF Really Owns
SCHF’s top three holdings, ASML, Samsung, and SAP, capture the essence of its strategy: a balance between technological innovation, industrial leadership, and long-term global demand. Together, they account for nearly 4% of the fund, while the broader portfolio extends into healthcare (Roche, AstraZeneca, Novartis), financials (HSBC, Royal Bank of Canada, Santander), and consumer staples (Nestlé, Unilever). This combination provides investors with a globally diversified foundation across sectors that tend to perform well across various market cycles.
The ETF’s nearly 29% YTD performance highlights a renewed appetite for international exposure after years of U.S. market dominance. As inflation cools and valuations in Europe and Asia remain attractive, SCHF offers both recovery potential and diversification benefits. Its blend of innovation-driven and dividend-rich companies provides a balance that many investors find missing in U.S.-only portfolios.
Key Insights
- +28.7% YTD return, 39.8% CAGR over 0.75 years.
- Tracks the FTSE Developed ex-US Index, covering 20+ developed countries.
- Top holdings: ASML, Samsung, SAP, Roche, AstraZeneca.
- Sector balance across Tech, Healthcare, Financials, and Consumer Staples.
- Ultra-low expense ratio (0.06%) for global diversification at minimal cost.
- Strong rebound led by European industrials and Asian technology firms.
Why You Should Invest In SCHF
The Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) offers a straightforward and low-cost way to access the world’s most established global companies. Its 28.7% YTD gain reflects improving global sentiment, steady earnings growth, and a resurgence in non-U.S. equities. With broad exposure across Europe, Asia, and Canada, SCHF offers investors a front-row seat to the global recovery, spanning sectors including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, banking, and luxury goods.
For long-term investors, SCHF is less about short-term rallies and more about global balance. It provides a steady complement to U.S. portfolios, reducing concentration risk while tapping into international innovation and consumer demand. The ETF’s strength lies in its simplicity, diversified exposure, low costs, and dependable holdings that define global industry leadership.
As markets continue to normalize, SCHF’s role as a global diversification tool has rarely looked more relevant. It’s a reminder that growth, resilience, and innovation aren’t just American stories, they’re global ones.
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Disclaimer:
Please note that the articles on TIKR are not intended to serve as investment or financial advice from TIKR or our content team, nor are they recommendations to buy or sell any stocks. We create our content based on TIKR Terminal’s investment data and analysts’ estimates. Our analysis might not include recent company news or important updates. TIKR has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading, and happy investing!
