SCHC vs VYM
Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHC offers more diversification with 2,271 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.48% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 2,271 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.82% | +15.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.80% | +23.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.73% | +19.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.14% | +12.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 14, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SCHC vs VYM Performance
Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHC returned +20.80% while VYM returned +23.95%. Year to date, SCHC is up 11.82% versus a gain of 15.84% for VYM.
Over three years, SCHC compounded at +19.73% per year against +19.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.14% and +12.19% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHC charges 0.06% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHC currently yields 3.48% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SCHC and VYM share 0 holdings out of 2131 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHC or VYM?
SCHC has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHC or VYM?
Over the past year SCHC returned +20.80% vs +23.95% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHC annualized +5.27% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHC or VYM?
SCHC has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SCHC -47.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SCHC and VYM?
SCHC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHC and VYM?
SCHC and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHC or VYM?
SCHC yields 3.48% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SCHC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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