SCHD vs VEU

Quick Verdict

VEU has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 2818 holdings.

Lower Fees: VEUHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: VEU

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDVEUWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.04%
AUM$103.7B$67.3B
Dividend Yield3.31%2.54%
Holdings1043,921
YTD Return+24.26%+14.81%
1Y Return+31.38%+28.44%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%+19.56%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%+9.56%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%17.7%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-62.8%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Mar 2, 2007

SCHD vs VEU Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while VEU returned +28.44%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 14.81% for VEU.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +19.56% for VEU; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +9.56% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +3.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -62.8% for VEU. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VEU 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, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 2.54% for VEU.

Holdings Overlap

0.9%overlap

SCHD and VEU share 1 holdings out of 2917 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHDWeight in VEUDifference
SLB:CW1.80%0.90%0.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or VEU?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VEU charges 0.04%. VEU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or VEU?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +28.44% for VEU, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +3.57% for VEU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or VEU?

VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VEU -62.8%.

Should I hold both SCHD and VEU?

SCHD and VEU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VEU?

SCHD and VEU share 1 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2917 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VEU?

SCHD yields 3.31% while VEU yields 2.54%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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