SCHG vs SPY
SCHG vs SPY
Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SCHG has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $58.8B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.39% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 196 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.54% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.46% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.91% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.90% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SCHG vs SPY Performance
Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) 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 SCHG returned +18.46% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, SCHG is up 9.54% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, SCHG compounded at +23.91% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.90% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SCHG has the edge at +15.80% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -34.6% for SCHG 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHG charges 0.04% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $9 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHG currently yields 0.39% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SCHG and SPY share 120 holdings out of 577 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 10.65% | 7.31% | 3.34% |
| AAPL | 10.40% | 7.09% | 3.31% |
| MSFT | 6.03% | 4.43% | 1.60% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SCHG shares with SPY 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, SCHG or SPY?
SCHG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while SPY charges 0.09%. SCHG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHG or SPY?
Over the past year SCHG returned +18.46% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHG annualized +15.80% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHG or SPY?
SCHG has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SCHG -34.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SCHG and SPY?
SCHG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 SCHG and SPY?
SCHG and SPY share 120 common holdings with a 52.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHG or SPY?
SCHG yields 0.39% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.