VLU vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VLU (SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VLU is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P 1500 Low Valuation Tilt Index, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VLU returned 14.21%/yr vs 12.68%/yr for SCHD. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VLU charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

VLU vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) 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, VLU achieves a 13.20% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 17.24% return. Over the past 10 years, VLU has outperformed SCHD with an annualized return of 14.21%, while SCHD has yielded a comparatively lower 12.68% annualized return.

VLU

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.71%
• YTD: 13.20%
• 6M: 12.60%
• 1Y: 28.80%
• 3Y*: 20.24%
• 5Y*: 12.54%
• 10Y*: 14.21%

SCHD

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -2.86%
• YTD: 17.24%
• 6M: 16.44%
• 1Y: 24.06%
• 3Y*: 14.45%
• 5Y*: 8.77%
• 10Y*: 12.68%

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

VLU vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	13.20%	16.70%	17.24%	17.18%	-8.24%	30.95%	9.91%	26.20%	-7.89%	18.16%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	17.24%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between VLU and SCHD is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2012	0.69

The correlation between VLU and SCHD shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (all time) to 0.89 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VLU vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VLU	SCHD
Technology	19.1%	19.4%
Financial Services	18.4%	9.1%
Healthcare	11.5%	18.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	6.7%
Communication Services	8.8%	6.0%
Industrials	8.3%	7.4%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	18.5%
Energy	6.6%	14.6%
Utilities	3.5%	0.0%
Real Estate	3.4%	-
Basic Materials	2.6%	1.2%

Return for Risk

VLU vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLU

VLU Risk / Return Rank: 86
VLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VLU Omega Ratio Rank: 84
VLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
VLU Martin Ratio Rank: 88

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 76
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 68
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

VLU vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) 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.

	VLU	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	2.18	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.66	3.34	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.39	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.56	5.24	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.19	12.71	+5.47

VLU vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is comparable to the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLU 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

VLU vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLU drawdown since its inception was -37.39%, which is greater than SCHD's maximum drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLU and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLU	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.39%	-33.37%	-4.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.34%	-4.61%	-1.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.22%	-16.13%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.55%	-16.85%	-2.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.39%	-33.37%	-4.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.25%	-2.86%	+1.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.73%	-3.31%	-0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.59%	1.90%	-0.31%

Volatility

VLU vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) is 2.94%, while Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has a volatility of 3.58%. This indicates that VLU 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

	VLU	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.94%	3.58%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.90%	7.74%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.00%	11.09%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.39%	14.36%	+1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.06%	16.73%	+1.33%

VLU vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLU has a 0.12% 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

VLU vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

VLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, less than SCHD's 3.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.31%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	2.05%	1.82%	2.00%	2.02%	2.16%	1.86%	1.98%	2.19%	2.57%	1.96%	2.14%	6.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLU and SCHD in my portfolio?

VLU and SCHD have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLU or SCHD?

SCHD has higher volatility (3.58%) compared to VLU (2.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLU dropped -37.39% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, VLU or SCHD?

On 10-year performance, VLU leads with 14.21% vs 12.68% for SCHD. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VLU has been the lower-risk option at 2.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VLU or SCHD?

Over the 10-year period, VLU has performed better with a 14.21% return vs 12.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLU or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for VLU.

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

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.31%, compared with 2.05% for VLU.

What is the main difference between VLU and SCHD?

VLU is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while SCHD is Dividend. VLU tracks S&P 1500 Low Valuation Tilt Index, while SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for VLU and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 2.18), 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.