SCHK vs VXUS
Schwab 1000 Index ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHK has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 991 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.71% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.41% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.56% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 11, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCHK vs VXUS Performance
Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) 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 SCHK returned +22.71% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, SCHK is up 13.72% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, SCHK compounded at +21.41% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.56% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHK has the edge at +14.04% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 15.1% 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 -34.8% for SCHK 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHK 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, SCHK currently yields 1.03% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHK and VXUS share 15 holdings out of 8828 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHK or VXUS?
SCHK has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SCHK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHK or VXUS?
Over the past year SCHK returned +22.71% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SCHK annualized +14.04% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHK or VXUS?
SCHK has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SCHK -34.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCHK and VXUS?
SCHK and VXUS 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 SCHK and VXUS?
SCHK and VXUS share 15 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHK or VXUS?
SCHK yields 1.03% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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