VEMY vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VEMY (Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEMY is a Emerging Markets Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. VEMY is actively managed, while SCHD is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, VEMY returned 15.16%/yr vs 14.90%/yr for SCHD. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VEMY charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

VEMY vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) 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, VEMY achieves a 6.44% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 20.66% return.

VEMY

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 6.44%
• 6M: 6.86%
• 1Y: 18.56%
• 3Y*: 15.16%
• 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)

VEMY vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	6.44%	15.27%	13.48%	14.45%	-1.43%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	20.66%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-1.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VEMY and SCHD is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2022	0.40

The correlation between VEMY and SCHD shifts across timeframes, from 0.26 (1 year) to 0.40 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VEMY vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEMY

VEMY Risk / Return Rank: 93
VEMY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
VEMY Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
VEMY Omega Ratio Rank: 94
VEMY Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
VEMY Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

VEMY vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) 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.

	VEMY	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.98	2.41	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.59	3.72	+0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.43	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.52	5.70	-1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.45	13.97	+7.48

VEMY vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEMY Sharpe Ratio is 2.98, which is comparable to the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEMY 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

VEMY vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEMY drawdown since its inception was -8.77%, smaller than the maximum SCHD drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEMY and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEMY	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.77%	-33.37%	+24.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.00%	-4.61%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.57%	-16.13%	+9.56%
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	0.00%	-0.03%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.30%	-3.31%	+2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	1.89%	-1.05%

Volatility

VEMY vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) is 1.64%, while Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has a volatility of 3.05%. This indicates that VEMY 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

	VEMY	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.64%	3.05%	-1.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.71%	7.53%	-2.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.08%	10.93%	-4.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.62%	14.38%	-6.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.62%	16.72%	-9.10%

VEMY vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEMY has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEMY vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

VEMY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.33%, 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%
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	8.33%	8.89%	10.28%	9.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEMY and SCHD in my portfolio?

VEMY and SCHD have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEMY or SCHD?

SCHD has higher volatility (3.05%) compared to VEMY (1.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEMY dropped -8.77% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, VEMY or SCHD?

On 3-year performance, VEMY leads with 15.16% vs 14.90% for SCHD. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VEMY has been the lower-risk option at 1.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEMY or SCHD?

Over the 3-year period, VEMY has performed better with a 15.16% return vs 14.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEMY or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for VEMY.

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

VEMY has the higher dividend yield at 8.33%, compared with 3.22% for SCHD.

What is the main difference between VEMY and SCHD?

VEMY is categorized as Emerging Markets Bonds, while SCHD is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for VEMY and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEMY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.98 vs 2.41), 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.