SCMB vs. VCRM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SCMB (Schwab Municipal Bond ETF) and VCRM (Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds - SCMB tracks the ICE AMT-Free Core U.S. National Municipal Index - Benchmark TR Gross while VCRM tracks the S&P Broad AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SCMB returned 6.86% vs 8.18% for VCRM. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCMB charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VCRM.

Performance

SCMB vs. VCRM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Municipal Bond ETF (SCMB) and Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCMB achieves a 1.07% return, which is significantly lower than VCRM's 1.95% return.

SCMB

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 1.07%
• 6M: 1.55%
• 1Y: 6.86%
• 3Y*: 3.37%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCRM

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.74%
• YTD: 1.95%
• 6M: 2.36%
• 1Y: 8.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCMB vs. VCRM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SCMB Schwab Municipal Bond ETF	1.07%	3.78%	-0.30%
VCRM Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.95%	4.91%	-0.58%

Correlation

The correlation between SCMB and VCRM is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 22, 2024	0.76

The correlation between SCMB and VCRM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SCMB vs. VCRM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCMB

SCMB Risk / Return Rank: 64
SCMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
SCMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SCMB Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SCMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SCMB Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VCRM

VCRM Risk / Return Rank: 76
VCRM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VCRM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VCRM Omega Ratio Rank: 90
VCRM Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VCRM Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

SCMB vs. VCRM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Municipal Bond ETF (SCMB) and Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM). 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.

	SCMB	VCRM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	2.70	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.45	3.99	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.59	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	3.02	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.89	11.19	-3.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCMB vs. VCRM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCMB Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the VCRM Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCMB and VCRM, 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

	SCMB	VCRM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34	2.70	-0.35
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.97	1.07	-0.09

Drawdowns

SCMB vs. VCRM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCMB drawdown since its inception was -6.13%, which is greater than VCRM's maximum drawdown of -4.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCMB and VCRM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCMB	VCRM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.13%	-4.12%	-2.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.92%	-2.72%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.57%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	-0.26%	-0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.32%	-1.13%	-0.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.87%	0.73%	+0.14%

Volatility

SCMB vs. VCRM - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Municipal Bond ETF (SCMB) has a higher volatility of 1.04% compared to Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM) at 0.98%. This indicates that SCMB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCRM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCMB	VCRM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.04%	0.98%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.17%	2.17%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.94%	3.05%	-0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.16%	3.89%	+0.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.16%	3.89%	+0.27%

SCMB vs. VCRM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCMB has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VCRM's 0.12% 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

SCMB vs. VCRM - Dividend Comparison

SCMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, less than VCRM's 3.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
SCMB Schwab Municipal Bond ETF	3.54%	3.36%	3.34%	3.10%	0.59%
VCRM Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	3.64%	3.42%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCMB and VCRM in my portfolio?

SCMB and VCRM have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCMB or VCRM?

SCMB has higher volatility (1.04%) compared to VCRM (0.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCMB dropped -6.13% vs VCRM's -4.12%.

Which ETF is better, SCMB or VCRM?

On 1-year performance, VCRM leads with 8.18% vs 6.86% for SCMB. On fees, SCMB is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCMB or VCRM?

Over the 1-year period, VCRM has performed better with a 8.18% return vs 6.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCMB or VCRM?

SCMB is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for VCRM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCMB or VCRM?

VCRM has the higher dividend yield at 3.64%, compared with 3.54% for SCMB.

What is the main difference between SCMB and VCRM?

SCMB tracks ICE AMT-Free Core U.S. National Municipal Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while VCRM tracks S&P Broad AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for SCMB and 0.12% for VCRM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCRM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 2.34), 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.