SCHD vs VEGI
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEGI offers more diversification with 159 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VEGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $147M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 1.89% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 159 | |
| YTD Return | +26.54% | +15.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.90% | +14.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.29% | +6.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | +4.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 16.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -39.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 31, 2012 |
SCHD vs VEGI Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF (VEGI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% while VEGI returned +14.59%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.54% versus a gain of 15.06% for VEGI.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.29% per year against +6.02% for VEGI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.65% and +4.32% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +4.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% 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 -39.7% for VEGI. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VEGI charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $39 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 1.89% for VEGI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VEGI share 1 holdings out of 228 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in VEGI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADM | 0.92% | 7.23% | 6.31% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or VEGI?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VEGI charges 0.39%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VEGI?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% vs +14.59% for VEGI, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.51% vs +4.70% for VEGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VEGI?
VEGI has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VEGI -39.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VEGI?
SCHD and VEGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VEGI?
SCHD and VEGI share 1 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 228 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VEGI?
SCHD yields 3.13% while VEGI yields 1.89%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.