SCHY vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

SCHY (Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHY is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SCHY returned 8.24%/yr vs 8.62%/yr for VBR. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHY charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

SCHY vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHY achieves a 9.87% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 14.49% return.

SCHY

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 1.78%
• YTD: 9.87%
• 6M: 10.53%
• 1Y: 23.12%
• 3Y*: 14.83%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: —

VBR

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 6.08%
• YTD: 14.49%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 29.82%
• 3Y*: 16.12%
• 5Y*: 8.62%
• 10Y*: 10.95%

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

SCHY vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	9.87%	33.98%	-1.79%	14.27%	-9.43%	3.42%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.49%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	4.41%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHY and VBR is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 29, 2021	0.65

The correlation between SCHY and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHY vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHY	VBR
Financial Services	15.9%	17.6%
Communication Services	15.0%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	14.4%	4.0%
Industrials	13.0%	18.1%
Energy	9.6%	5.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	12.4%
Healthcare	7.4%	7.9%
Utilities	6.8%	4.8%
Basic Materials	5.8%	6.3%
Technology	3.6%	10.6%
Real Estate	0.8%	10.1%

Return for Risk

SCHY vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHY

SCHY Risk / Return Rank: 61
SCHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SCHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SCHY Omega Ratio Rank: 64
SCHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SCHY Martin Ratio Rank: 51

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 69
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

SCHY vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	SCHY	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.96	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	2.86	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.34	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	3.38	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.89	11.97	-4.08

SCHY vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHY Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHY and VBR, 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

SCHY vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHY drawdown since its inception was -24.04%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHY and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHY	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.04%	-61.98%	+37.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.11%	-8.85%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.16%	-24.19%	+12.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.04%	-24.19%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.44%	-0.09%	-3.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.97%	-8.26%	+3.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.94%	2.50%	+0.44%

Volatility

SCHY vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) is 3.42%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) has a volatility of 4.43%. This indicates that SCHY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHY	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.42%	4.43%	-1.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.97%	10.61%	-0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.01%	15.31%	-3.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.28%	19.79%	-6.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.23%	21.75%	-8.52%

SCHY vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHY has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% 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

SCHY vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

SCHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, more than VBR's 1.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	3.38%	3.55%	4.64%	3.97%	3.67%	1.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.72%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHY and VBR in my portfolio?

SCHY and VBR have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHY or VBR?

VBR has higher volatility (4.43%) compared to SCHY (3.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHY dropped -24.04% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, SCHY or VBR?

On 5-year performance, VBR leads with 8.62% vs 8.24% for SCHY. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, SCHY has been the lower-risk option at 3.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHY or VBR?

Over the 5-year period, VBR has performed better with a 8.62% return vs 8.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHY or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for SCHY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHY or VBR?

SCHY has the higher dividend yield at 3.38%, compared with 1.72% for VBR.

What is the main difference between SCHY and VBR?

SCHY is categorized as Dividend, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. SCHY tracks Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for SCHY and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.94), 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.