SCHD vs VTSAX
SCHD vs VTSAX
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares
Quick Verdict
VTSAX has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTSAX offers more diversification with 2728 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VTSAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $489.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.04% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +23.31% | +13.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.42% | +22.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.66% | +19.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +10.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -26.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 13, 2000 |
SCHD vs VTSAX Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +30.42% while VTSAX returned +22.61%. Year to date, SCHD is up 23.31% versus a gain of 13.19% for VTSAX.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +14.66% per year against +19.28% for VTSAX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +10.74% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.34% annualized vs +10.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -26.3% for VTSAX. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VTSAX charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.04% for VTSAX.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VTSAX share 78 holdings out of 2750 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in VTSAX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 4.54% | 0.52% | 4.02% |
| MRK | 4.32% | 0.44% | 3.88% |
| ABT | 4.49% | 0.22% | 4.27% |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SCHD shares with VTSAX Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or VTSAX?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTSAX charges 0.04%. VTSAX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VTSAX?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.42% vs +22.61% for VTSAX, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.34% vs +10.74% for VTSAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VTSAX?
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VTSAX -26.3%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VTSAX?
SCHD and VTSAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VTSAX?
SCHD and VTSAX share 78 common holdings with a 6.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2750 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VTSAX?
SCHD yields 3.31% while VTSAX yields 1.04%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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