SCHF vs VYM
SCHF vs VYM
Schwab International Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
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 | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $66.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,498 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.80% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.66% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.73% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.25% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SCHF vs VYM Performance
Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHF returned +31.66% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SCHF is up 15.80% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, SCHF compounded at +19.73% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.25% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHF charges 0.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHF currently yields 3.06% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SCHF and VYM share 4 holdings out of 1781 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 VYM?
SCHF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SCHF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHF or VYM?
Over the past year SCHF returned +31.66% vs +26.05% for VYM, so SCHF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHF annualized +6.06% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHF or VYM?
SCHF has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SCHF -38.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SCHF and VYM?
SCHF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHF and VYM?
SCHF and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1781 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHF or VYM?
SCHF yields 3.06% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SCHF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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