SWPPX vs VYM
Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SWPPX has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SWPPX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $150.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 503 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.75% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.76% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -33.93% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -22.33% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 1997 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SWPPX vs VYM Performance
Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX) is a mutual fund from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SWPPX returned +18.76% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, SWPPX is up 12.75% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, SWPPX compounded at -33.93% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -22.33% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs -22.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SWPPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.5% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -83.7% for SWPPX 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SWPPX charges 0.02% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SWPPX currently yields 1.01% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SWPPX and VYM share 246 holdings out of 858 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SWPPX or VYM?
SWPPX has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VYM charges 0.04%. SWPPX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SWPPX or VYM?
Over the past year SWPPX returned +18.76% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SWPPX annualized -22.33% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SWPPX or VYM?
SWPPX has been the more volatile fund at 40.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SWPPX -83.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SWPPX and VYM?
SWPPX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SWPPX and VYM?
SWPPX and VYM share 246 common holdings with a 34.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 858 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SWPPX or VYM?
SWPPX yields 1.01% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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