SCHC vs SPY
Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SCHC has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHC offers more diversification with 2,271 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.48% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,271 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.82% | +13.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.80% | +21.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.73% | +22.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.14% | +13.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 14, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SCHC vs SPY Performance
Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHC returned +20.80% while SPY returned +21.44%. Year to date, SCHC is up 11.82% versus a gain of 13.70% for SPY.
Over three years, SCHC compounded at +19.73% per year against +22.50% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.14% and +13.24% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +5.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -47.1% for SCHC and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHC charges 0.06% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHC currently yields 3.48% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SCHC and SPY share 1 holdings out of 2031 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHC | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRL | 0.05% | 0.02% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHC or SPY?
SCHC has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPY charges 0.09%. SCHC is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHC or SPY?
Over the past year SCHC returned +20.80% vs +21.44% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHC annualized +5.27% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHC or SPY?
SCHC has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SCHC -47.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SCHC and SPY?
SCHC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHC and SPY?
SCHC and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2031 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHC or SPY?
SCHC yields 3.48% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SCHC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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