RTH vs SCHD
VanEck Retail ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, RTH or SCHD?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. RTH led over the full window, SCHD over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. SCHD is less concentrated, with 41.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 70.0%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RTH | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $253M | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.92% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 26 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +1.31% | +21.33%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.10% | +25.15%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.03% | +15.43%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.02% | +9.32%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -25.0%Best | -33.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,707 | $15,613Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 70.0% | 41.8%Best |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 20, 2011 to Sep 24, 2026 (14.9 years).
RTH vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 14.9 years both funds cover.
RTH vs SCHD Performance
VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is an ETF from VanEck and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year RTH returned +2.10% while SCHD returned +25.15%. Year to date, RTH is up 1.31% versus a gain of 21.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, RTH compounded at +15.03% per year against +15.43% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.02% and +9.32% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, RTH has the edge at +15.08% annualized vs +11.11%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RTH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.7% for SCHD. 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 -25.0% for RTH and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RTH charges 0.35% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $6 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RTH currently yields 0.92% against 3.00% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
12.4% of RTH's money is in holdings SCHD also owns. 7.4% of SCHD's money is in holdings RTH also owns.
RTH and SCHD share little of their money.
4 positions in common, counted across the 25 positions we hold weights for in RTH and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 26 and 103.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 25 and 100 positions we hold weights for.
SCHD holds 95 positions RTH does not, 92.5% of the fund.
Largest: MRK 4.77%, AMGN 4.70%, ABT 4.69%, KO 4.17%, CVX 4.02%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of RTH and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RTH or SCHD?
RTH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $29 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, RTH or SCHD?
Over the past year RTH returned +2.10% vs +25.15% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), RTH annualized +15.08% vs +11.11% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, RTH or SCHD?
RTH has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: RTH -25.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RTH and SCHD?
RTH and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between RTH and SCHD?
12.4% of RTH's money is in holdings SCHD also owns. 7.4% of SCHD's is in holdings RTH also owns. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 25 positions we hold weights for in RTH and 100 in SCHD.
Which pays a higher dividend, RTH or SCHD?
RTH yields 0.92% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than RTH?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. RTH led over the full window, SCHD over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. SCHD is less concentrated, with 41.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 70.0%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.