SCHD vs VOT

Quick Verdict

VOT has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOT offers more diversification with 121 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOTHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: VOT

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDVOTWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.05%
AUM$103.7B$19.9B
Dividend Yield3.31%0.65%
Holdings104136
YTD Return+23.53%+7.73%
1Y Return+30.95%+5.20%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.72%+14.21%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.56%+5.15%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%18.5%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-60.3%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Aug 17, 2006

SCHD vs VOT Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +30.95% while VOT returned +5.20%. Year to date, SCHD is up 23.53% versus a gain of 7.73% for VOT.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +14.72% per year against +14.21% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.56% and +5.15% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.35% annualized vs +9.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.65% for VOT.

Holdings Overlap

2.6%overlap

SCHD and VOT share 4 holdings out of 217 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHDWeight in VOTDifference
FAST1.34%1.21%0.13%
PAYX0.93%0.70%0.23%
ARES0.66%0.51%0.15%
BRProProPro
See all 4 holdings SCHD shares with VOT
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or VOT?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VOT charges 0.05%. VOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or VOT?

Over the past year SCHD returned +30.95% vs +5.20% for VOT, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.35% vs +9.54% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or VOT?

VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VOT -60.3%.

Should I hold both SCHD and VOT?

SCHD and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VOT?

SCHD and VOT share 4 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 217 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VOT?

SCHD yields 3.31% while VOT yields 0.65%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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