SCHF vs VTI
Schwab International Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $69.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.05% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,479 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.88% | +13.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.22% | +19.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.60% | +20.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.52% | +11.75% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
SCHF vs VTI Performance
Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHF returned +28.22% while VTI returned +19.90%. Year to date, SCHF is up 16.88% versus a gain of 13.48% for VTI.
Over three years, SCHF compounded at +20.60% per year against +20.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.52% and +11.75% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% annualized vs +6.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -38.6% for SCHF and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHF charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHF currently yields 3.05% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHF and VTI share 10 holdings out of 4231 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHF or VTI?
SCHF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHF or VTI?
Over the past year SCHF returned +28.22% vs +19.90% for VTI, so SCHF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHF annualized +6.09% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHF or VTI?
SCHF has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SCHF -38.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SCHF and VTI?
SCHF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHF and VTI?
SCHF and VTI share 10 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4231 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHF or VTI?
SCHF yields 3.05% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SCHF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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