SCUS vs VXUS
SCUS vs VXUS
Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCUS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $241M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.91% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 157 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.72% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.57% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCUS vs VXUS Performance
Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF (SCUS) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCUS returned +3.57% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SCUS is up 1.72% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCUS charges 0.14% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $5 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCUS currently yields 3.91% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCUS and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7862 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCUS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RY:CA | 0.76% | 0.53% | 0.23% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCUS or VXUS?
SCUS has an expense ratio of 0.14% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCUS or VXUS?
Over the past year SCUS returned +3.57% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCUS annualized +4.00% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCUS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.6% for SCUS. Worst drawdown: SCUS -0.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCUS and VXUS?
SCUS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCUS and VXUS?
SCUS and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCUS or VXUS?
SCUS yields 3.91% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SCUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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