SCHH vs SPY
Schwab US REIT ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SCHH has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $11.3B | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.72% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 120 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.55% | +12.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.64% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.68% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.69% | +12.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SCHH vs SPY Performance
Schwab US REIT ETF (SCHH) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHH returned +13.64% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SCHH is up 13.55% versus a gain of 12.60% for SPY.
Over three years, SCHH compounded at +10.68% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.69% and +12.56% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +5.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -44.2% for SCHH and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHH charges 0.07% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $9 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHH currently yields 2.72% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SCHH and SPY share 29 holdings out of 594 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHH or SPY?
SCHH has an expense ratio of 0.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. SCHH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHH or SPY?
Over the past year SCHH returned +13.64% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHH annualized +5.06% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHH or SPY?
SCHH has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SCHH -44.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SCHH and SPY?
SCHH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHH and SPY?
SCHH and SPY share 29 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 594 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHH or SPY?
SCHH yields 2.72% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SCHH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.