SCHR vs VYM
Schwab Intermediate-Term US Treasury ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHR has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $13.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.90% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.72% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.37% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.92% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 5, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SCHR vs VYM Performance
Schwab Intermediate-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHR) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCHR returned +1.37% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, SCHR is down 0.72% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, SCHR compounded at +3.92% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +0.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.2% for SCHR. 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 -16.6% for SCHR and -58.8% for VYM. 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHR charges 0.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHR currently yields 3.90% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHR or VYM?
SCHR has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SCHR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHR or VYM?
Over the past year SCHR returned +1.37% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SCHR annualized +0.83% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.2% for SCHR. Worst drawdown: SCHR -16.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SCHR and VYM?
SCHR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHR or VYM?
SCHR yields 3.90% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SCHR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.