SCHF vs SPY
SCHF vs SPY
Schwab International Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SCHF has a lower expense ratio. SCHF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHF offers more diversification with 1227 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $66.3B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,498 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.80% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.66% | +23.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.73% | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.25% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SCHF vs SPY Performance
Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHF returned +31.66% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, SCHF is up 15.80% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.
Over three years, SCHF compounded at +19.73% per year against +21.07% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.25% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +6.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -38.6% for SCHF and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHF charges 0.03% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHF currently yields 3.06% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SCHF and SPY share 4 holdings out of 1726 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHF or SPY?
SCHF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPY charges 0.09%. SCHF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHF or SPY?
Over the past year SCHF returned +31.66% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SCHF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHF annualized +6.06% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHF or SPY?
SCHF has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SCHF -38.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SCHF and SPY?
SCHF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHF and SPY?
SCHF and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1726 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHF or SPY?
SCHF yields 3.06% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SCHF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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