SCMB vs VYM
Schwab Municipal Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SCMB has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCMB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.51% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5,972 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.22% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.58% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.98% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Investment Mangement | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 11, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SCMB vs VYM Performance
Schwab Municipal Bond ETF (SCMB) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Investment Mangement and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCMB returned +4.58% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SCMB is up 0.22% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, SCMB compounded at +2.98% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +3.53%. 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 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 -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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCMB 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, SCMB currently yields 3.51% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SCMB and VYM share 0 holdings out of 600 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 VYM?
SCMB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SCMB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCMB or VYM?
Over the past year SCMB returned +4.58% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SCMB annualized +3.53% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCMB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.0% for SCMB. Worst drawdown: SCMB -6.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SCMB and VYM?
SCMB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCMB and VYM?
SCMB and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 600 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCMB or VYM?
SCMB yields 3.51% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SCMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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