Index

Index mutual funds and index exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can help provide efficient access to a wide swath of markets—often at lower costs than actively managed funds.

Introducing the Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF

With an expense ratio of just 0.03%, SMBS provides low-cost access to investment-grade mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies. SMBS could be a good fit for clients seeking income and portfolio diversification.

SMBS
Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF

What we offer

In 1991, we launched our first index fund, the Schwab 1000 Index® Fund, based on Schwab's proprietary index methodology. Since then, we've become the fifth-largest ETF provider in the U.S., with over $342 billion in AUM, and the third-largest retail index mutual fund provider in the U.S., with over $176 billion in AUM.1 We offer index products that give investors the tools to help build a diversified portfolio.

Index solutions

Our approach

We focus on the investor, rather than chasing down the latest investment trend. Our index mutual funds and index ETFs include simple, low-cost, core investment products, spanning both the equity and bond markets, and can help offer the diversification required in a well-rounded portfolio.

Differentiators

  • Among the lowest costs in the industry. 
  • No minimum investment.
  • 22 out of 29 of our index ETFs exceed $1 billion in AUM.2

Benefits

  • Established, long-tenured investment management expertise.
  • Opportunity to build a diversified portfolio for only four basis points on average by investing in just three Schwab ETF products.3
  • Average expense ratio of 11 basis points across our index ETFs and 14 basis points across our index mutual funds.4

Learn more about Schwab index mutual funds and index ETFs

Low-cost index philosophy

Expenses matter. Every basis point counts in helping investors achieve their investment goals. That's why we're focused on offering the index products investors and their advisors want—at competitive costs. 
 

Schwab market cap index ETFs

Schwab ETF expenses are among the lowest in the industry. Over 85% of Schwab market cap index ETFs have expenses lower than 0.10%, with an asset-weighted average total expense ratio of just 0.05%.5

Compare costs of Schwab market cap index ETFs

market cap index ETFs

Schwab Fundamental Index* mutual funds and ETFs

While fund expenses should not be the only factor in choosing a strategic beta strategy, selecting a strategy with a low expense ratio remains an important consideration—especially over long time horizons. The asset-weighted average total expense ratio for Schwab Fundamental Index ETFs and mutual funds is 0.28% and 0.26%. 6

Learn more about Schwab Fundamental Index mutual funds and ETFs

Schwab Fundamental Index mutual funds and ETFs

Schwab market cap mutual funds

Schwab offers market cap index mutual funds with no minimums at among the lowest costs in the industry. All Schwab market cap index mutual fund expenses are less than 0.10%, with an asset-weighted average total expense ratio of just 0.03%.5

Learn more about Schwab market cap mutual funds

Schwab market cap mutual funds

Educational resources

Do you have questions about ETFs, but don’t know where to find the answers? Check out the ETF education hub for the knowledge you need, from basic to advanced.

ETF education hub

Explore tools, analysis and insights designed to help advisors refine their ETF strategy and help meet their clients’ financial goals.

People watching big screen with charts

Advisor tools

Use these financial tools to gain more comprehensive insight into investment products.

Advisor tools

Fee impact simulator

Use the fee impact simulator to see the long-term effects of pricing on a portfolio.

Fund explorer

Help your clients get exceptional value from their investments with the fund explorer.

Featured index products

See our highlighted index mutual funds and ETFs or browse all our investment products.

Index insights

See what our executives and strategists have to say about index investing.

Insights & Ideas

Do your clients need some diversification from U.S. stocks? Consider international equities, which have performed well since the current bull market began in late 2022.
Chart in a Minute

Are your clients concerned about U.S. equity market concentration risk? Consider complementing their traditional market-cap index strategies with Fundamental Index® strategies. Use this client-approved chart as a conversation starter.
Chart in a Minute

If your clients are asking which political party generates the highest market returns while in the White House, consider using this client-approved chart to strike up a conversation.