SCHO vs VOO
Schwab Short-Term US Treasury ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.90% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 98 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.66% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.54% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.10% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.78% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 5, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SCHO vs VOO Performance
Schwab Short-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHO) 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 SCHO returned +2.54% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, SCHO is up 0.66% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, SCHO compounded at +4.10% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.78% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +0.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 1.4% for SCHO. 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 -6.3% for SCHO 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHO charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHO currently yields 3.90% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHO or VOO?
SCHO 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, SCHO or VOO?
Over the past year SCHO returned +2.54% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHO annualized +0.72% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHO or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 1.4% for SCHO. Worst drawdown: SCHO -6.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SCHO and VOO?
SCHO and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHO or VOO?
SCHO yields 3.90% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SCHO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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