SCHD vs VWO

Quick Verdict

SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWO offers more diversification with 3982 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: VWO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDVWOWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.06%
AUM$103.7B$122.3B
Dividend Yield3.31%2.37%
Holdings1046,334
YTD Return+24.26%+10.22%
1Y Return+31.38%+22.27%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%+17.07%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%+6.56%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%20.1%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-68.3%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Mar 4, 2005

SCHD vs VWO Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while VWO returned +22.27%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 10.22% for VWO.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +17.07% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +6.56% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +4.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $6 annually. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 2.37% for VWO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and VWO share 0 holdings out of 4082 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 VWO?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VWO charges 0.06%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or VWO?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +22.27% for VWO, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +4.99% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or VWO?

VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VWO -68.3%.

Should I hold both SCHD and VWO?

SCHD and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VWO?

SCHD and VWO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4082 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VWO?

SCHD yields 3.31% while VWO yields 2.37%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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