SCHQ vs VOO
Schwab Long-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 | SCHQ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $806M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.73% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 98 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -3.13% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.31% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.11% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.81% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SCHQ vs VOO Performance
Schwab Long-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHQ) 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 SCHQ returned -1.31% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, SCHQ is down 3.13% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, SCHQ compounded at +0.11% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -6.81% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs -4.48%. 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 13.5% for SCHQ. 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 -46.7% for SCHQ 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHQ charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SCHQ currently yields 4.73% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHQ or VOO?
SCHQ 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, SCHQ or VOO?
Over the past year SCHQ returned -1.31% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SCHQ annualized -4.48% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHQ or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.5% for SCHQ. Worst drawdown: SCHQ -46.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SCHQ and VOO?
SCHQ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHQ or VOO?
SCHQ yields 4.73% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SCHQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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