SCHF vs VEA
SCHF vs VEA
Schwab International Equity ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEA offers more diversification with 3009 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHF | VEA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $66.3B | $230.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 2.57% | |
| Holdings | 1,498 | 3,918 | |
| YTD Return | +15.64% | +15.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.59% | +30.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.69% | +19.48% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.32% | +10.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 17.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -62.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | Jul 20, 2007 |
SCHF vs VEA Performance
Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHF returned +31.59% while VEA returned +30.82%. Year to date, SCHF is up 15.64% versus a gain of 15.07% for VEA.
Over three years, SCHF compounded at +19.69% per year against +19.48% for VEA; over five years the annualized figures are +10.32% and +10.05% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SCHF has the edge at +6.05% annualized vs +3.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 15.7% for SCHF. 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 -62.9% for VEA. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHF charges 0.03% per year while VEA charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHF currently yields 3.06% against 2.57% for VEA.
Holdings Overlap
SCHF and VEA share 845 holdings out of 3391 unique holdings combined, representing a 58.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHF | Weight in VEA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000660:KR | 1.09% | 1.23% | 0.14% |
| NOVN:SM | 1.10% | 0.99% | 0.11% |
| AZN:LN | 1.11% | 0.97% | 0.14% |
| HSBA:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NESN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SHEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 7203:TK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RY:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CBA:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SIE:SG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SCHF shares with VEA 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, SCHF or VEA?
SCHF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VEA charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHF or VEA?
Over the past year SCHF returned +31.59% vs +30.82% for VEA, so SCHF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHF annualized +6.05% vs +3.09% for VEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHF or VEA?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.7% for SCHF. Worst drawdown: SCHF -38.6% vs VEA -62.9%.
Should I hold both SCHF and VEA?
SCHF and VEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHF and VEA?
SCHF and VEA share 845 common holdings with a 58.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3391 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHF or VEA?
SCHF yields 3.06% while VEA yields 2.57%, so SCHF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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