SCHY vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SCHY has a lower expense ratio. SCHY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHYHigher Returns: SCHYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHYSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.08%0.09%
AUM$2.5B$789.1B
Dividend Yield3.50%1.01%
Holdings136505
YTD Return+12.37%+13.68%
1Y Return+22.87%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.80%+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.82%+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)13.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-24.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 28, 2021Jan 22, 1993

SCHY vs SPY Performance

Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHY returned +22.87% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, SCHY is up 12.37% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Over three years, SCHY compounded at +16.80% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.82% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHY has the edge at +9.35% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.8% for SCHY. 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 -24.0% for SCHY and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHY charges 0.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHY currently yields 3.50% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

SCHY and SPY share 2 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHYWeight in SPYDifference
ROP3.47%0.06%3.41%
KR0.00%0.05%0.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHY or SPY?

SCHY has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. SCHY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHY or SPY?

Over the past year SCHY returned +22.87% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SCHY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHY annualized +9.35% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHY or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.8% for SCHY. Worst drawdown: SCHY -24.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both SCHY and SPY?

SCHY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHY and SPY?

SCHY and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHY or SPY?

SCHY yields 3.50% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SCHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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