SCHA vs VTI
Schwab US Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $22.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,734 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +23.22% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.80% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.26% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.30% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
SCHA vs VTI Performance
Schwab US Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) 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 SCHA returned +32.80% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SCHA is up 23.22% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SCHA compounded at +18.26% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.30% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SCHA has the edge at +11.48% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -43.0% for SCHA 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHA charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHA currently yields 0.99% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHA and VTI share 1159 holdings out of 3174 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHA or VTI?
SCHA 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, SCHA or VTI?
Over the past year SCHA returned +32.80% vs +22.39% for VTI, so SCHA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHA annualized +11.48% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHA or VTI?
SCHA has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SCHA -43.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SCHA and VTI?
SCHA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 SCHA and VTI?
SCHA and VTI share 1159 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3174 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHA or VTI?
SCHA yields 0.99% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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