SCHM vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

SCHM has a lower expense ratio. SCHM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHMHigher Returns: SCHMMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHMVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.05%
AUM$14.6B$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.20%2.60%
Holdings4978,747
YTD Return+19.05%+14.57%
1Y Return+28.92%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.06%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.24%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)17.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-42.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 13, 2011Jan 26, 2011

SCHM vs VXUS Performance

Schwab US Mid Cap ETF (SCHM) 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 SCHM returned +28.92% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SCHM is up 19.05% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, SCHM compounded at +16.06% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.24% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SCHM has the edge at +10.40% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 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 -42.4% for SCHM 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHM 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, SCHM currently yields 1.20% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

SCHM and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 8348 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHMWeight in VXUSDifference
RBA:CA0.39%0.04%0.35%
BG0.31%0.03%0.28%
EGP0.22%0.00%0.22%
CNHI:ASProProPro
AMProProPro
BILLProProPro
CANProProPro
See all 7 holdings SCHM shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHM or VXUS?

SCHM has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SCHM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHM or VXUS?

Over the past year SCHM returned +28.92% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so SCHM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHM annualized +10.40% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHM or VXUS?

SCHM has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SCHM -42.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both SCHM and VXUS?

SCHM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHM and VXUS?

SCHM and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8348 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHM or VXUS?

SCHM yields 1.20% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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