SCHD vs VCLN
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. VCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VCLN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $5M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.44% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +8.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +39.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +14.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +2.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 27.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -45.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Aug 3, 2021 |
SCHD vs VCLN Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while VCLN returned +39.36%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 8.43% for VCLN.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +14.94% for VCLN; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +2.99% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +3.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VCLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.4% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -45.7% for VCLN. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VCLN charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $59 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.44% for VCLN.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VCLN share 1 holdings out of 139 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in VCLN | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CWEN | 0.11% | 3.70% | 3.59% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or VCLN?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VCLN charges 0.59%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VCLN?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +39.36% for VCLN, so VCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +3.09% for VCLN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VCLN?
VCLN has been the more volatile fund at 27.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VCLN -45.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VCLN?
SCHD and VCLN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VCLN?
SCHD and VCLN share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VCLN?
SCHD yields 3.31% while VCLN yields 1.44%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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