SCHM vs VOO
Schwab US Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14.6B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 497 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.39% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.94% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.06% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SCHM vs VOO Performance
Schwab US Mid Cap ETF (SCHM) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHM returned +28.94% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, SCHM is up 18.39% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, SCHM compounded at +16.06% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.06% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +10.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -42.4% for SCHM and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHM charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHM currently yields 1.20% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SCHM and VOO share 85 holdings out of 914 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHM or VOO?
SCHM has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHM or VOO?
Over the past year SCHM returned +28.94% vs +23.01% for VOO, so SCHM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHM annualized +10.35% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHM or VOO?
SCHM has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SCHM -42.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SCHM and VOO?
SCHM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 SCHM and VOO?
SCHM and VOO share 85 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 914 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHM or VOO?
SCHM yields 1.20% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SCHM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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