SCHX vs VYM
Schwab US Large-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHX has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHX offers more diversification with 754 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $75.1B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 754 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.63% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.43% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.06% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.38% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SCHX vs VYM Performance
Schwab US Large-Cap ETF (SCHX) 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 SCHX returned +21.43% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, SCHX is up 12.63% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, SCHX compounded at +22.06% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.38% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SCHX has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 14.5% for SCHX. 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 -34.3% for SCHX 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHX 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, SCHX currently yields 1.03% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SCHX and VYM share 309 holdings out of 1044 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHX or VYM?
SCHX has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SCHX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHX or VYM?
Over the past year SCHX returned +21.43% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SCHX annualized +13.14% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHX or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.5% for SCHX. Worst drawdown: SCHX -34.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SCHX and VYM?
SCHX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHX and VYM?
SCHX and VYM share 309 common holdings with a 33.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1044 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHX or VYM?
SCHX yields 1.03% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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