SCHJ vs VYM
SCHJ vs VYM
Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHJ has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $848M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.49% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,132 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.56% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.72% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.13% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.21% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SCHJ vs VYM Performance
Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (SCHJ) 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 SCHJ returned +2.72% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, SCHJ is up 0.56% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Over three years, SCHJ compounded at +5.13% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.21% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +2.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.4% for SCHJ. 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 -13.6% for SCHJ 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHJ 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, SCHJ currently yields 4.49% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHJ or VYM?
SCHJ has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SCHJ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHJ or VYM?
Over the past year SCHJ returned +2.72% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SCHJ annualized +2.04% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHJ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.4% for SCHJ. Worst drawdown: SCHJ -13.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SCHJ and VYM?
SCHJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHJ and VYM?
SCHJ and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 576 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHJ or VYM?
SCHJ yields 4.49% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SCHJ 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.