SCHD vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both Dividend funds - SCHD tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index while VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHD returned 12.62%/yr vs 11.97%/yr for VYM. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCHD charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

SCHD vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHD achieves a 16.62% return, which is significantly higher than VYM's 11.42% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHD has outperformed VYM with an annualized return of 12.62%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively lower 11.97% annualized return.

SCHD

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: -3.38%
• YTD: 16.62%
• 6M: 15.65%
• 1Y: 23.21%
• 3Y*: 14.25%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 12.62%

VYM

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 11.42%
• 6M: 10.23%
• 1Y: 23.03%
• 3Y*: 18.38%
• 5Y*: 11.73%
• 10Y*: 11.97%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SCHD vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	16.62%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	11.42%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHD and VYM is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2011	0.95

The correlation between SCHD and VYM shifts across timeframes, from 0.77 (1 year) to 0.95 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SCHD vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHD	VYM
Technology	19.4%	20.3%
Consumer Defensive	18.5%	8.0%
Healthcare	18.4%	12.2%
Energy	14.6%	9.1%
Financial Services	9.1%	19.9%
Industrials	7.4%	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	6.6%
Communication Services	6.0%	3.4%
Basic Materials	1.2%	3.4%
Utilities	0.0%	5.4%
Real Estate	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

SCHD vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 77
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 77
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SCHD vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SCHD	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	2.23	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	3.20	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.40	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.05	3.45	+1.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.16	12.83	-0.67

SCHD vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHD Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHD and VYM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SCHD vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHD drawdown since its inception was -33.37%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHD and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHD	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.37%	-56.98%	+23.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	-6.69%	+2.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.13%	-14.46%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.85%	-15.84%	-1.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.37%	-35.21%	+1.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.38%	-1.37%	-2.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.31%	-7.18%	+3.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.92%	1.80%	+0.12%

Volatility

SCHD vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has a higher volatility of 3.13% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 2.89%. This indicates that SCHD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHD	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.13%	2.89%	+0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.80%	7.64%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.12%	10.37%	+0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.36%	13.93%	+0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.71%	16.32%	+0.39%

SCHD vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHD has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHD vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

SCHD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.33%, more than VYM's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.33%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.30%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHD and VYM in my portfolio?

SCHD and VYM have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHD or VYM?

SCHD has higher volatility (3.13%) compared to VYM (2.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHD dropped -33.37% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, SCHD or VYM?

On 10-year performance, SCHD leads with 12.62% vs 11.97% for VYM. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 2.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHD or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 12.62% return vs 11.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHD or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for SCHD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHD or VYM?

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.33%, compared with 2.30% for VYM.

What is the main difference between SCHD and VYM?

SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHD and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 2.10), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.