SWTSX vs VTSAX
Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Class
Quick Verdict
SWTSX has a lower expense ratio. VTSAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTSAX offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SWTSX | VTSAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $46.0B | $480.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 1.05% | |
| Holdings | 2,987 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +12.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.86% | +20.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -37.13% | +20.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -25.29% | +10.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.7% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.0% | -26.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 1, 1999 | Nov 13, 2000 |
SWTSX vs VTSAX Performance
Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) is a mutual fund from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Class (VTSAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SWTSX returned +20.86% while VTSAX returned +20.93%. Year to date, SWTSX is up 13.14% versus a gain of 12.46% for VTSAX.
Over three years, SWTSX compounded at -37.13% per year against +20.25% for VTSAX; over five years the annualized figures are -25.29% and +10.33% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTSAX has the edge at +10.33% annualized vs -25.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SWTSX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.7% compared with 16.4% for VTSAX. 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 -86.0% for SWTSX and -26.3% for VTSAX. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SWTSX charges 0.03% per year while VTSAX 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, SWTSX currently yields 1.00% against 1.05% for VTSAX.
Holdings Overlap
SWTSX and VTSAX share 2200 holdings out of 3486 unique holdings combined, representing a 79.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SWTSX or VTSAX?
SWTSX has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTSAX charges 0.04%. SWTSX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SWTSX or VTSAX?
Over the past year SWTSX returned +20.86% vs +20.93% for VTSAX, so VTSAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SWTSX annualized -25.29% vs +10.33% for VTSAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SWTSX or VTSAX?
SWTSX has been the more volatile fund at 41.7% annualized versus 16.4% for VTSAX. Worst drawdown: SWTSX -86.0% vs VTSAX -26.3%.
Should I hold both SWTSX and VTSAX?
SWTSX and VTSAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SWTSX and VTSAX?
SWTSX and VTSAX share 2200 common holdings with a 79.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3486 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SWTSX or VTSAX?
SWTSX yields 1.00% while VTSAX yields 1.05%, so VTSAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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