SCHF vs VXUS
Schwab International Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHF has a lower expense ratio. SCHF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $69.4B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.05% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,479 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.88% | +14.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.22% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.60% | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.52% | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCHF vs VXUS Performance
Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHF returned +28.22% while VXUS returned +25.63%. Year to date, SCHF is up 16.88% versus a gain of 14.98% for VXUS.
Over three years, SCHF compounded at +20.60% per year against +19.65% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.52% and +9.30% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SCHF has the edge at +6.09% annualized vs +4.87%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHF charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHF currently yields 3.05% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHF and VXUS share 999 holdings out of 8324 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHF or VXUS?
SCHF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SCHF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHF or VXUS?
Over the past year SCHF returned +28.22% vs +25.63% for VXUS, so SCHF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHF annualized +6.09% vs +4.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHF or VXUS?
SCHF has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SCHF -38.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCHF and VXUS?
SCHF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 SCHF and VXUS?
SCHF and VXUS share 999 common holdings with a 38.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8324 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHF or VXUS?
SCHF yields 3.05% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SCHF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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