SCHD vs VMLUX
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard Limited Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VMLUX offers more diversification with 915 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VMLUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $34.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.89% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 7,110 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | -0.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | -0.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +0.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | -0.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 2.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -8.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 12, 2001 |
SCHD vs VMLUX Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Limited Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VMLUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while VMLUX returned -0.36%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a loss of 0.64% for VMLUX.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +0.81% for VMLUX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and -0.58% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs -0.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 2.8% for VMLUX. 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 -8.5% for VMLUX. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VMLUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 2.89% for VMLUX.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VMLUX share 0 holdings out of 1015 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or VMLUX?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VMLUX charges 0.09%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VMLUX?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs -0.36% for VMLUX, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs -0.58% for VMLUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VMLUX?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.8% for VMLUX. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VMLUX -8.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VMLUX?
SCHD and VMLUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VMLUX?
SCHD and VMLUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1015 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VMLUX?
SCHD yields 3.31% while VMLUX yields 2.89%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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