SCHD vs VTES
SCHD vs VTES
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VTES has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTES offers more diversification with 1031 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VTES | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $2.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.74% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 3,067 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +0.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +1.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +3.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 2.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -2.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Mar 7, 2023 |
SCHD vs VTES Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while VTES returned +1.82%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 0.54% for VTES.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +3.02% for VTES. Across the full 3-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +2.83%. 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 2.3% for VTES. 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 -2.4% for VTES. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VTES charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 2.74% for VTES.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VTES share 0 holdings out of 1131 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 VTES?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTES charges 0.05%. VTES is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VTES?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +1.82% for VTES, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +2.83% for VTES. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VTES?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.3% for VTES. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VTES -2.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VTES?
SCHD and VTES have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VTES?
SCHD and VTES share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VTES?
SCHD yields 3.31% while VTES yields 2.74%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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