SCHY vs. VNQ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SCHY (Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF) and VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHY is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index, while VNQ is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SCHY returned 8.28%/yr vs 2.55%/yr for VNQ. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHY charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VNQ.

Performance

SCHY vs. VNQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHY achieves a 10.44% return, which is significantly lower than VNQ's 12.51% return.

SCHY

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 1.24%
• YTD: 10.44%
• 6M: 11.90%
• 1Y: 22.29%
• 3Y*: 15.61%
• 5Y*: 8.28%
• 10Y*: —

VNQ

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 12.51%
• 6M: 12.32%
• 1Y: 12.92%
• 3Y*: 10.14%
• 5Y*: 2.55%
• 10Y*: 5.65%

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

SCHY vs. VNQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	10.44%	33.98%	-1.79%	14.27%	-9.43%	3.42%
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	12.51%	3.24%	4.81%	11.85%	-26.25%	21.27%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHY and VNQ is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 29, 2021	0.59

The correlation between SCHY and VNQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHY vs. VNQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHY	VNQ
Financial Services	15.8%	0.1%
Communication Services	15.8%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	14.8%	-
Industrials	13.8%	0.0%
Energy	10.3%	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	-
Utilities	7.4%	-
Basic Materials	5.7%	1.1%
Healthcare	4.0%	-
Technology	3.8%	0.3%
Real Estate	0.9%	97.3%

Return for Risk

SCHY vs. VNQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHY

SCHY Risk / Return Rank: 60
SCHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
SCHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
SCHY Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SCHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SCHY Martin Ratio Rank: 51

VNQ

VNQ Risk / Return Rank: 32
VNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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. VNQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). 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	VNQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	0.96	+0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	1.39	+1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.17	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	1.56	+0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.63	4.90	+2.73

SCHY vs. VNQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHY Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is higher than the VNQ Sharpe Ratio of 0.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHY and VNQ, 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. VNQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHY drawdown since its inception was -24.04%, smaller than the maximum VNQ drawdown of -73.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHY and VNQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHY	VNQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.04%	-73.07%	+49.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.11%	-8.34%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.16%	-17.46%	+5.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.04%	-34.48%	+10.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.94%	0.00%	-2.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.97%	-13.61%	+8.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	2.65%	+0.30%

Volatility

SCHY vs. VNQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) is 3.37%, while Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) has a volatility of 4.72%. This indicates that SCHY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VNQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHY	VNQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.37%	4.72%	-1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.96%	9.77%	+0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.07%	13.54%	-1.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.28%	18.84%	-5.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.23%	20.72%	-7.49%

SCHY vs. VNQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHY has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than VNQ's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. VNQ - Dividend Comparison

SCHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.36%, less than VNQ's 3.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	3.36%	3.55%	4.64%	3.97%	3.67%	1.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	3.54%	3.92%	3.85%	3.95%	3.91%	2.56%	3.93%	3.39%	4.74%	4.23%	4.82%	3.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHY and VNQ in my portfolio?

SCHY and VNQ have a correlation of 0.57, 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 VNQ?

VNQ has higher volatility (4.72%) compared to SCHY (3.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHY dropped -24.04% vs VNQ's -73.07%.

Which ETF is better, SCHY or VNQ?

On 5-year performance, SCHY leads with 8.28% vs 2.55% for VNQ. On fees, SCHY is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, SCHY has been the lower-risk option at 3.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHY or VNQ?

Over the 5-year period, SCHY has performed better with a 8.28% return vs 2.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHY or VNQ?

SCHY is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for VNQ.

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

VNQ has the higher dividend yield at 3.54%, compared with 3.36% for SCHY.

What is the main difference between SCHY and VNQ?

SCHY is categorized as Dividend, while VNQ is REIT. SCHY tracks Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index, while VNQ tracks MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for SCHY and 0.13% for VNQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 0.96), 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.