SCHF vs. VIG

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHF returned 10.24%/yr vs 13.05%/yr for VIG. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHF charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.

Performance

SCHF vs. VIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHF achieves a 12.60% return, which is significantly higher than VIG's 6.58% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHF has underperformed VIG with an annualized return of 10.24%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively higher 13.05% annualized return.

SCHF

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: -1.06%
• YTD: 12.60%
• 6M: 15.44%
• 1Y: 28.22%
• 3Y*: 18.76%
• 5Y*: 9.33%
• 10Y*: 10.24%

VIG

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 2.32%
• YTD: 6.58%
• 6M: 6.47%
• 1Y: 18.31%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: 13.05%

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

SCHF vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	12.60%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	6.58%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHF and VIG is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2009	0.79

The correlation between SCHF and VIG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHF vs. VIG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHF	VIG
Financial Services	24.0%	20.6%
Technology	21.4%	26.2%
Industrials	8.9%	11.8%
Healthcare	7.3%	16.5%
Basic Materials	5.8%	3.5%
Energy	5.5%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	10.1%
Consumer Cyclical	4.4%	4.7%
Communication Services	1.8%	0.5%
Utilities	1.0%	3.2%
Real Estate	0.2%	-

Return for Risk

SCHF vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 57
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 59

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 58
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

SCHF vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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.

	SCHF	VIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.82	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	2.65	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.33	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	2.33	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.53	9.37	+0.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCHF vs. VIG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHF Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the VIG Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHF and VIG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SCHF	VIG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	1.82	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57	0.75	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.82	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.60	-0.17

Drawdowns

SCHF vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHF drawdown since its inception was -34.87%, smaller than the maximum VIG drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHF and VIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHF	VIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.87%	-46.81%	+11.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-7.91%	-3.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-14.95%	+1.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.14%	-20.39%	-8.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.87%	-31.72%	-3.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.39%	-1.34%	-2.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.38%	-5.51%	-1.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	1.96%	+1.01%

Volatility

SCHF vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) has a higher volatility of 6.09% compared to Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) at 2.42%. This indicates that SCHF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHF	VIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.09%	2.42%	+3.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.94%	7.68%	+6.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.25%	10.10%	+6.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.48%	14.24%	+2.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.23%	16.06%	+1.17%

SCHF vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHF has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than VIG'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

SCHF vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison

SCHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.04%, more than VIG's 1.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	3.04%	3.42%	3.26%	2.97%	2.80%	3.19%	2.08%	2.95%	3.06%	2.35%	2.58%	2.26%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.48%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHF and VIG in my portfolio?

SCHF and VIG have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHF or VIG?

SCHF has higher volatility (6.09%) compared to VIG (2.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHF dropped -34.87% vs VIG's -46.81%.

Which ETF is better, SCHF or VIG?

On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.05% vs 10.24% for SCHF. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHF or VIG?

Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.05% return vs 10.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHF or VIG?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for SCHF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHF or VIG?

SCHF has the higher dividend yield at 3.04%, compared with 1.48% for VIG.

What is the main difference between SCHF and VIG?

SCHF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VIG is Dividend. SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHF and 0.04% for VIG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.75), 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.