SCHM vs VTI
Schwab US Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 497 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.57% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.64% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.69% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.36% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
SCHM vs VTI Performance
Schwab US Mid Cap ETF (SCHM) 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 SCHM returned +26.64% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SCHM is up 20.57% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SCHM compounded at +16.69% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.36% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SCHM has the edge at +10.47% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -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 0.94. 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 VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHM currently yields 1.20% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHM and VTI share 366 holdings out of 2911 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHM or VTI?
SCHM 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, SCHM or VTI?
Over the past year SCHM returned +26.64% vs +22.39% for VTI, so SCHM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHM annualized +10.47% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHM or VTI?
SCHM has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SCHM -42.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SCHM and VTI?
SCHM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 VTI?
SCHM and VTI share 366 common holdings with a 5.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHM or VTI?
SCHM yields 1.20% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SCHM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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