SCHO vs VTI
Schwab Short-Term US Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.90% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 98 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.83% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.50% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.15% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.81% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 5, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
SCHO vs VTI Performance
Schwab Short-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHO) 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 SCHO returned +2.50% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SCHO is up 0.83% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SCHO compounded at +4.15% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.81% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHO charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHO currently yields 3.90% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHO or VTI?
SCHO 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, SCHO or VTI?
Over the past year SCHO returned +2.50% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHO annualized +0.73% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHO or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 1.4% for SCHO. Worst drawdown: SCHO -6.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SCHO and VTI?
SCHO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHO or VTI?
SCHO yields 3.90% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SCHO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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