BLV vs SCHD
BLV vs SCHD
Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
BLV has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. BLV offers more diversification with 2765 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BLV | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $6.0B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.72% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 2,941 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -2.09% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.26% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.77% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.77% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BLV vs SCHD Performance
Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BLV returned -0.26% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BLV is down 2.09% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, BLV compounded at +1.77% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -4.77% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +0.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 11.0% for BLV. 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 -40.7% for BLV and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLV charges 0.03% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLV currently yields 4.72% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BLV and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 2865 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, BLV or SCHD?
BLV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SCHD charges 0.06%. BLV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLV or SCHD?
Over the past year BLV returned -0.26% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BLV annualized +0.55% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLV or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 11.0% for BLV. Worst drawdown: BLV -40.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BLV and SCHD?
BLV and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BLV and SCHD?
BLV and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLV or SCHD?
BLV yields 4.72% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so BLV 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.