VCRB vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VCRB (Vanguard Core Bond ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCRB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. VCRB is actively managed, while SCHD is passively managed. Over the past year, VCRB returned 5.24% vs 26.72% for SCHD. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VCRB charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

VCRB vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCRB achieves a 0.70% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 20.66% return.

VCRB

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 0.70%
• 6M: 1.09%
• 1Y: 5.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCHD

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 3.21%
• YTD: 20.66%
• 6M: 19.57%
• 1Y: 26.72%
• 3Y*: 14.90%
• 5Y*: 8.75%
• 10Y*: 12.91%

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

VCRB vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	0.70%	7.56%	2.21%	0.95%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	20.66%	4.34%	11.66%	2.23%

Correlation

The correlation between VCRB and SCHD is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2023	0.19

Return for Risk

VCRB vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCRB

VCRB Risk / Return Rank: 42
VCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 38

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 87
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 83
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

VCRB vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). 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.

	VCRB	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	2.41	-1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	3.72	-1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.43	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	5.70	-3.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.35	13.97	-8.62

VCRB vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is lower than the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCRB and SCHD, 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

VCRB vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCRB drawdown since its inception was -4.59%, smaller than the maximum SCHD drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCRB and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCRB	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.59%	-33.37%	+28.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.63%	-4.61%	+1.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.85%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.16%	-0.03%	-1.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-3.31%	+2.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	1.89%	-0.98%

Volatility

VCRB vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) is 1.20%, while Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has a volatility of 3.05%. This indicates that VCRB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCRB	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.20%	3.05%	-1.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.66%	7.53%	-4.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.65%	10.93%	-7.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.73%	14.38%	-9.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.73%	16.72%	-11.99%

VCRB vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCRB has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% 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

VCRB vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

VCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, more than SCHD's 3.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.22%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	4.59%	4.55%	4.22%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCRB and SCHD in my portfolio?

VCRB and SCHD have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VCRB or SCHD?

SCHD has higher volatility (3.05%) compared to VCRB (1.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCRB dropped -4.59% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, VCRB or SCHD?

On 1-year performance, SCHD leads with 26.72% vs 5.24% for VCRB. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VCRB has been the lower-risk option at 1.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCRB or SCHD?

Over the 1-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 26.72% return vs 5.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCRB or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for VCRB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VCRB or SCHD?

VCRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 3.22% for SCHD.

What is the main difference between VCRB and SCHD?

VCRB is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while SCHD is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VCRB and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.34), 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.