SCUS vs VTI
SCUS vs VTI
Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCUS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $241M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 157 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.72% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.57% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
SCUS vs VTI Performance
Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF (SCUS) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCUS returned +3.57% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, SCUS is up 1.72% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 0.6% for SCUS. 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 -0.4% for SCUS and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCUS charges 0.14% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $3 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCUS currently yields 3.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SCUS and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2784 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCUS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 0.91% | 2.46% | 1.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCUS or VTI?
SCUS has an expense ratio of 0.14% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCUS or VTI?
Over the past year SCUS returned +3.57% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCUS annualized +4.00% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCUS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.6% for SCUS. Worst drawdown: SCUS -0.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SCUS and VTI?
SCUS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCUS and VTI?
SCUS and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCUS or VTI?
SCUS yields 3.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SCUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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