SCHE vs VWO
Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWO offers more diversification with 6,334 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHE | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $12.8B | $122.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.64% | 2.39% | |
| Holdings | 2,210 | 6,334 | |
| YTD Return | +10.79% | +10.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.18% | +19.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.27% | +17.84% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.78% | +6.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.1% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 14, 2010 | Mar 4, 2005 |
SCHE vs VWO Performance
Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHE returned +20.18% while VWO returned +19.78%. Year to date, SCHE is up 10.79% versus a gain of 10.53% for VWO.
Over three years, SCHE compounded at +18.27% per year against +17.84% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.78% and +6.70% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VWO has the edge at +4.99% annualized vs +3.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 17.2% for SCHE. 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 -43.1% for SCHE and -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHE charges 0.06% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $6 annually. On income, SCHE currently yields 2.64% against 2.39% for VWO.
Holdings Overlap
SCHE and VWO share 963 holdings out of 4431 unique holdings combined, representing a 48.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHE | Weight in VWO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2330:AE | 14.20% | 0.01% | 14.19% |
| 0700:HK | 4.05% | 3.42% | 0.63% |
| 9988:HK | 2.88% | 2.71% | 0.17% |
| RELIANCE:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2308:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2317:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2454:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PDD:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 1810:SA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHE or VWO?
SCHE has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VWO charges 0.06%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHE or VWO?
Over the past year SCHE returned +20.18% vs +19.78% for VWO, so SCHE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHE annualized +3.27% vs +4.99% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHE or VWO?
VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 17.2% for SCHE. Worst drawdown: SCHE -43.1% vs VWO -68.3%.
Should I hold both SCHE and VWO?
SCHE and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHE and VWO?
SCHE and VWO share 963 common holdings with a 48.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4431 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHE or VWO?
SCHE yields 2.64% while VWO yields 2.39%, so SCHE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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