SCHD vs VPLS
SCHD vs VPLS
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VPLS offers more diversification with 160 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VPLS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 4.73% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 2,567 | |
| YTD Return | +23.53% | -0.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.95% | +2.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.72% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.56% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 4.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -3.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 6, 2023 |
SCHD vs VPLS Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +30.95% while VPLS returned +2.52%. Year to date, SCHD is up 23.53% versus a loss of 0.02% for VPLS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 4.2% for VPLS. 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 -3.0% for VPLS. 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 VPLS charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $20 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 4.73% for VPLS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VPLS share 0 holdings out of 260 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 VPLS?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VPLS charges 0.20%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VPLS?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.95% vs +2.52% for VPLS, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.35% vs +6.38% for VPLS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VPLS?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.2% for VPLS. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VPLS -3.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VPLS?
SCHD and VPLS 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 VPLS?
SCHD and VPLS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 260 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VPLS?
SCHD yields 3.31% while VPLS yields 4.73%, so VPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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