VB vs. SCHA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - VB tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Index while SCHA tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VB returned 11.79%/yr vs 11.91%/yr for SCHA. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SCHA.

Performance

VB vs. SCHA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VB achieves a 15.68% return, which is significantly lower than SCHA's 24.67% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VB having a 11.79% annualized return and SCHA not far ahead at 11.91%.

VB

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 2.83%
• YTD: 15.68%
• 6M: 13.00%
• 1Y: 30.17%
• 3Y*: 17.54%
• 5Y*: 7.39%
• 10Y*: 11.79%

SCHA

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: 6.39%
• YTD: 24.67%
• 6M: 21.39%
• 1Y: 45.75%
• 3Y*: 20.54%
• 5Y*: 7.90%
• 10Y*: 11.91%

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

VB vs. SCHA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	15.68%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	24.67%	11.60%	11.16%	18.46%	-19.81%	16.45%	19.34%	26.50%	-11.79%	14.94%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and SCHA is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.99

The correlation between VB and SCHA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VB vs. SCHA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VB	SCHA
Industrials	20.6%	15.4%
Technology	19.4%	24.3%
Financial Services	12.3%	15.4%
Healthcare	11.3%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	9.2%
Real Estate	7.5%	5.8%
Basic Materials	4.7%	4.1%
Energy	4.2%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	2.5%
Utilities	3.1%	2.1%
Communication Services	3.0%	2.3%

Return for Risk

VB vs. SCHA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 60
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 69

SCHA

SCHA Risk / Return Rank: 81
SCHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
SCHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
SCHA Omega Ratio Rank: 72
SCHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
SCHA Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

VB vs. SCHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA). 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.

	VB	SCHA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.46	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	3.38	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.41	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.38	4.84	-1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.38	17.72	-5.34

VB vs. SCHA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the SCHA Sharpe Ratio of 2.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB and SCHA, 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

VB vs. SCHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than SCHA's maximum drawdown of -42.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and SCHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	SCHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-42.41%	-17.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-9.50%	+0.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	-27.29%	+1.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	-30.79%	+2.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	-42.41%	+0.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.39%	0.00%	-0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-7.56%	-0.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	2.59%	-0.15%

Volatility

VB vs. SCHA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) is 4.92%, while Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) has a volatility of 6.45%. This indicates that VB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VB	SCHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.92%	6.45%	-1.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.21%	13.80%	-1.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.66%	18.71%	-2.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.78%	22.03%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.45%	22.78%	-1.33%

VB vs. SCHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHA'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

VB vs. SCHA - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, more than SCHA's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	0.96%	1.26%	1.51%	1.42%	1.37%	1.19%	1.05%	1.39%	1.58%	1.24%	1.50%	1.48%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.18%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VB and SCHA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VB and SCHA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VB or SCHA?

SCHA has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to VB (4.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs SCHA's -42.41%.

Which ETF is better, VB or SCHA?

On 10-year performance, SCHA leads with 11.91% vs 11.79% for VB. On fees, SCHA is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 4.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VB or SCHA?

Over the 10-year period, SCHA has performed better with a 11.91% return vs 11.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or SCHA?

SCHA is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for VB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VB or SCHA?

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.18%, compared with 0.96% for SCHA.

What is the main difference between VB and SCHA?

VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index, while SCHA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VB and 0.04% for SCHA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 1.82), 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.