SCHG vs VUG
SCHG vs VUG
Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. SCHG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHG offers more diversification with 194 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHG | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $58.8B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.39% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 196 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +7.50% | +7.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.26% | +15.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.38% | +23.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.52% | +12.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.6% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2009 | Jan 26, 2004 |
SCHG vs VUG Performance
Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHG returned +16.26% while VUG returned +15.68%. Year to date, SCHG is up 7.50% versus a gain of 7.70% for VUG.
Over three years, SCHG compounded at +23.38% per year against +23.30% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.52% and +12.57% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SCHG has the edge at +15.68% annualized vs +11.18%. 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 16.5% for VUG. 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 -51.4% for VUG. 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
SCHG charges 0.04% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHG currently yields 0.39% against 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
SCHG and VUG share 90 holdings out of 250 unique holdings combined, representing a 71.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHG | Weight in VUG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 10.65% | 12.60% | 1.95% |
| AAPL | 10.40% | 11.64% | 1.24% |
| MSFT | 6.03% | 7.60% | 1.57% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | 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 VUG 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 VUG?
SCHG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHG or VUG?
Over the past year SCHG returned +16.26% vs +15.68% for VUG, so SCHG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHG annualized +15.68% vs +11.18% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHG or VUG?
SCHG has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 16.5% for VUG. Worst drawdown: SCHG -34.6% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both SCHG and VUG?
SCHG and VUG 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 SCHG and VUG?
SCHG and VUG share 90 common holdings with a 71.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 250 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHG or VUG?
SCHG yields 0.39% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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