Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCEB offers more diversification with 2566 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: VCEB

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDVCEBWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.12%
AUM$103.7B$1.2B
Dividend Yield3.31%4.63%
Holdings1042,754
YTD Return+24.26%-3.06%
1Y Return+31.38%-1.02%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%+3.90%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%-0.49%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%7.4%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-21.7%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionOct 20, 2011Sep 22, 2020

SCHD vs VCEB Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard ESG US Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while VCEB returned -1.02%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a loss of 3.06% for VCEB.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +3.90% for VCEB; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and -0.49% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs -0.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 7.4% for VCEB. 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -21.7% for VCEB. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VCEB charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $12 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 4.63% for VCEB.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and VCEB share 0 holdings out of 2666 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, SCHD or VCEB?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VCEB charges 0.12%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or VCEB?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs -1.02% for VCEB, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs -0.30% for VCEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or VCEB?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.4% for VCEB. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VCEB -21.7%.

Should I hold both SCHD and VCEB?

SCHD and VCEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VCEB?

SCHD and VCEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2666 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VCEB?

SCHD yields 3.31% while VCEB yields 4.63%, so VCEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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