SCHD vs VYMI
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYMI offers more diversification with 1480 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | VYMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $19.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 3.69% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 1,576 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +17.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +31.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +23.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +13.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 14.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -45.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 25, 2016 |
SCHD vs VYMI Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while VYMI returned +31.64%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 17.39% for VYMI.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +23.27% for VYMI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +13.99% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +9.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYMI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -45.2% for VYMI. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VYMI charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $7 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 3.69% for VYMI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VYMI share 1 holdings out of 1579 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in VYMI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLB:CW | 1.80% | 0.58% | 1.22% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or VYMI?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VYMI charges 0.07%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VYMI?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +31.64% for VYMI, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +9.60% for VYMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VYMI?
VYMI has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VYMI -45.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VYMI?
SCHD and VYMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VYMI?
SCHD and VYMI share 1 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1579 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VYMI?
SCHD yields 3.31% while VYMI yields 3.69%, so VYMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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