SCMB vs VXUS
SCMB vs VXUS
Schwab Municipal Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SCMB has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCMB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.51% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5,972 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.34% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.71% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.00% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Investment Mangement | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 11, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCMB vs VXUS Performance
Schwab Municipal Bond ETF (SCMB) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Investment Mangement and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCMB returned +4.71% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SCMB is up 0.34% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SCMB compounded at +3.00% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.57%. 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 6.0% for SCMB. 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 -6.1% for SCMB 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCMB 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, SCMB currently yields 3.51% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCMB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7903 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCMB or VXUS?
SCMB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SCMB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCMB or VXUS?
Over the past year SCMB returned +4.71% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SCMB annualized +3.57% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCMB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.0% for SCMB. Worst drawdown: SCMB -6.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCMB and VXUS?
SCMB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCMB and VXUS?
SCMB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCMB or VXUS?
SCMB yields 3.51% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SCMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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