SCHD vs VMAX
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Hartford US Value ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VMAX offers more diversification with 142 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VMAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $51M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 1.83% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 142 | |
| YTD Return | +28.70% | +19.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.07% | +25.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.20% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 12.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -19.1% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Hartford Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 5, 2023 |
SCHD vs VMAX Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) is a ETF from Hartford Funds. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.07% while VMAX returned +25.11%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.70% versus a gain of 19.01% for VMAX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 12.2% for VMAX. 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 -19.1% for VMAX. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VMAX charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $29 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 1.83% for VMAX.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VMAX share 21 holdings out of 219 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or VMAX?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VMAX charges 0.29%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VMAX?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.07% vs +25.11% for VMAX, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.62% vs +21.90% for VMAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VMAX?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 12.2% for VMAX. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VMAX -19.1%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VMAX?
SCHD and VMAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VMAX?
SCHD and VMAX share 21 common holdings with a 16.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 219 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VMAX?
SCHD yields 3.13% while VMAX yields 1.83%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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