SCHA vs VXUS
Schwab US Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHA has a lower expense ratio. SCHA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $23.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,708 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +24.31% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.42% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.12% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.66% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCHA vs VXUS Performance
Schwab US Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHA returned +35.42% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, SCHA is up 24.31% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, SCHA compounded at +19.12% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.66% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SCHA has the edge at +11.54% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHA charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHA currently yields 1.07% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHA and VXUS share 12 holdings out of 9561 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHA or VXUS?
SCHA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SCHA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHA or VXUS?
Over the past year SCHA returned +35.42% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so SCHA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHA annualized +11.54% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHA or VXUS?
SCHA has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SCHA -43.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCHA and VXUS?
SCHA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHA and VXUS?
SCHA and VXUS share 12 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHA or VXUS?
SCHA yields 1.07% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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