SCHD vs VEA
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
Which is better, SCHD or VEA?
Large Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VEA has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y and the full window, VEA over 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VEA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $112.1B | $230.3B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.00% | 2.49% |
| Holdings | 103 | 3,886 |
| YTD Return | +24.23%Best | +14.96% |
| 1Y Return | +27.90%Best | +23.69% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.55% | +20.28%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.97% | +10.02%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6%Best | 14.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,083 | $16,120Best |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jul 20, 2007 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 20, 2011 to Sep 17, 2026 (14.9 years).
SCHD vs VEA growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 14.9 years both funds cover.
SCHD vs VEA Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +27.90% while VEA returned +23.69%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.23% versus a gain of 14.96% for VEA.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.55% per year against +20.28% for VEA; over five years the annualized figures are +9.97% and +10.02% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.30% annualized vs +6.78%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -39.9% for VEA. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VEA charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.00% against 2.49% for VEA.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 100 holdings in SCHD and 3,754 in VEA, totalling 100.0% and 94.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 100 positions we hold weights for in SCHD and 3,754 in VEA, against full books of 103 and 3,886.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SCHD and VEA you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or VEA?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VEA charges 0.03%. VEA is the cheaper option, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SCHD or VEA?
Over the past year SCHD returned +27.90% vs +23.69% for VEA, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.30% vs +6.78% for VEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VEA?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VEA -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VEA?
SCHD and VEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VEA?
SCHD yields 3.00% while VEA yields 2.49%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VEA better than SCHD?
VEA has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y and the full window, VEA over 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.