SCHJ vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHJVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.03%
AUM$848M$663.5B
Dividend Yield4.49%1.07%
Holdings3,1323,543
YTD Return+0.71%+14.20%
1Y Return+2.91%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.16%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.26%+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)3.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-13.6%-56.6%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionOct 10, 2019May 24, 2001

SCHJ vs VTI Performance

Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (SCHJ) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHJ returned +2.91% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, SCHJ is up 0.71% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, SCHJ compounded at +5.16% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.26% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +2.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.4% for SCHJ. 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 -13.6% for SCHJ 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHJ charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHJ currently yields 4.49% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

SCHJ and VTI share 2 holdings out of 2801 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHJWeight in VTIDifference
AFL0.03%0.07%0.04%
BWA0.03%0.02%0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHJ or VTI?

SCHJ 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, SCHJ or VTI?

Over the past year SCHJ returned +2.91% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SCHJ annualized +2.06% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHJ or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.4% for SCHJ. Worst drawdown: SCHJ -13.6% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both SCHJ and VTI?

SCHJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHJ and VTI?

SCHJ and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHJ or VTI?

SCHJ yields 4.49% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SCHJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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