SCHZ vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHZVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.03%
AUM$10.5B$663.5B
Dividend Yield4.10%1.07%
Holdings11,8093,543
YTD Return-0.32%+13.92%
1Y Return+2.00%+24.07%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.97%+20.88%
5Y Return (annualized)-0.52%+12.47%
Volatility (annualized)4.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-19.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 14, 2011May 24, 2001

SCHZ vs VTI Performance

Schwab US Aggregate Bond ETF (SCHZ) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHZ returned +2.00% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, SCHZ is down 0.32% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.

Over three years, SCHZ compounded at +3.97% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.52% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +0.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.5% for SCHZ. 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 -19.7% for SCHZ and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHZ charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHZ currently yields 4.10% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHZ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3479 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHZ or VTI?

SCHZ has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHZ or VTI?

Over the past year SCHZ returned +2.00% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHZ annualized +0.56% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHZ or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.5% for SCHZ. Worst drawdown: SCHZ -19.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both SCHZ and VTI?

SCHZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHZ and VTI?

SCHZ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3479 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHZ or VTI?

SCHZ yields 4.10% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SCHZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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