SCHD vs VOX
SCHD vs VOX
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard Communication Services ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOX offers more diversification with 113 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VOX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $5.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.06% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 117 | |
| YTD Return | +23.31% | -2.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.42% | +8.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.66% | +20.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +6.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 16.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -57.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Sep 23, 2004 |
SCHD vs VOX Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +30.42% while VOX returned +8.24%. Year to date, SCHD is up 23.31% versus a loss of 2.94% for VOX.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +14.66% per year against +20.20% for VOX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +6.20% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.34% annualized vs +8.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -57.2% for VOX. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VOX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.06% for VOX.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VOX share 3 holdings out of 210 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or VOX?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VOX charges 0.09%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VOX?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.42% vs +8.24% for VOX, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.34% vs +8.70% for VOX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VOX?
VOX has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VOX -57.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VOX?
SCHD and VOX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VOX?
SCHD and VOX share 3 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 210 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VOX?
SCHD yields 3.31% while VOX yields 1.06%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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