SCHD vs VXUS
SCHD vs VXUS
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +23.31% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.42% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.66% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCHD vs VXUS Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +30.42% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, SCHD is up 23.31% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +14.66% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.34% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VXUS 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 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7959 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2345:TW | 2.24% | 0.05% | 2.19% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or VXUS?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VXUS?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.42% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.34% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VXUS?
SCHD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VXUS?
SCHD and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7959 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VXUS?
SCHD yields 3.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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