SCHO vs VXUS
SCHO vs VXUS
Schwab Short-Term US Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHO has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.90% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 98 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.66% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.46% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.99% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.78% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 5, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCHO vs VXUS Performance
Schwab Short-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHO) 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 SCHO returned +2.46% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SCHO is up 0.66% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SCHO compounded at +3.99% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.78% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHO 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, SCHO currently yields 3.90% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHO or VXUS?
SCHO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SCHO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHO or VXUS?
Over the past year SCHO returned +2.46% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHO annualized +0.72% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.4% for SCHO. Worst drawdown: SCHO -6.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCHO and VXUS?
SCHO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHO or VXUS?
SCHO yields 3.90% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SCHO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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