SCHD vs VNLA

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VNLA offers more diversification with 195 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: VNLA

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDVNLAWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.23%
AUM$103.7B$3.2B
Dividend Yield3.31%5.25%
Holdings104380
YTD Return+23.02%+2.04%
1Y Return+30.75%+4.23%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.89%+5.60%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.38%+3.91%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%1.5%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-4.7%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementJanus Henderson Investors
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionOct 20, 2011Nov 16, 2016

SCHD vs VNLA Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF (VNLA) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.75% while VNLA returned +4.23%. Year to date, SCHD is up 23.02% versus a gain of 2.04% for VNLA.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +14.89% per year against +5.60% for VNLA; over five years the annualized figures are +9.38% and +3.91% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.33% annualized vs +2.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 1.5% for VNLA. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -33.4% for SCHD and -4.7% for VNLA. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VNLA charges 0.23%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $23 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 5.25% for VNLA.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and VNLA share 0 holdings out of 295 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or VNLA?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VNLA charges 0.23%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or VNLA?

Over the past year SCHD returned +30.75% vs +4.23% for VNLA, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SCHD annualized +11.33% vs +2.08% for VNLA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or VNLA?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 1.5% for VNLA. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VNLA -4.7%.

Should I hold both SCHD and VNLA?

SCHD and VNLA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VNLA?

SCHD and VNLA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 295 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VNLA?

SCHD yields 3.31% while VNLA yields 5.25%, so VNLA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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