SCHC vs VXUS
Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.48% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 2,271 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.90% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.33% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.08% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.86% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 14, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCHC vs VXUS Performance
Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) 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 SCHC returned +21.33% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, SCHC is up 11.90% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, SCHC compounded at +19.08% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.86% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SCHC has the edge at +5.28% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% 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 -47.1% for SCHC 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHC charges 0.06% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHC currently yields 3.48% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHC and VXUS share 1310 holdings out of 8087 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHC or VXUS?
SCHC has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHC or VXUS?
Over the past year SCHC returned +21.33% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHC annualized +5.28% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHC or VXUS?
SCHC has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SCHC -47.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCHC and VXUS?
SCHC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 SCHC and VXUS?
SCHC and VXUS share 1310 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8087 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHC or VXUS?
SCHC yields 3.48% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SCHC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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