SCHK vs SPY
Schwab 1000 Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SCHK has a lower expense ratio. SCHK delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHK offers more diversification with 982 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 991 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.03% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.04% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.69% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.65% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 11, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SCHK vs SPY Performance
Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) 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 SCHK returned +23.04% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, SCHK is up 14.03% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, SCHK compounded at +21.69% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.65% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHK has the edge at +14.08% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -34.8% for SCHK 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHK charges 0.03% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHK currently yields 1.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SCHK and SPY share 493 holdings out of 992 unique holdings combined, representing a 90.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHK or SPY?
SCHK has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPY charges 0.09%. SCHK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHK or SPY?
Over the past year SCHK returned +23.04% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SCHK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SCHK annualized +14.08% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHK or SPY?
SCHK has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SCHK -34.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SCHK and SPY?
SCHK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, 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 SCHK and SPY?
SCHK and SPY share 493 common holdings with a 90.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 992 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHK or SPY?
SCHK yields 1.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SCHK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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